Washington Roberts is an upcoming fashion designer from Brooklyn, New York. Although Washington is currently working diligently on a few high-profile fashion projects we were really happy when he took the time to complete an interview with Urbanity Chic so that we could share some of his experiences and portfolio with you. Read on to find out about what style Washington would consider his work exemplifies, what he does to relax when not working and what its like living in Brooklyn.
Washington Roberts -- Trix Dress
Washington Roberts -- Convinus Coat
Q: What are you currently working on?
My Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection and Fashion For Famine, which is not-for-profit organization.
Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?
Last 12 months were great, a lot of great things happened and there were a lot of disappointment as well, but took them as positive because I learned from my mistakes.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a way of life to me.
Washington Roberts -- Portrait
Washington Roberts -- Moat Dress
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
Azzedine Alaia, Ricardo Tisci, Chado Ralph Rucci, Tom Ford.
Q: What was the first thing you ever designed?
A Blazer for myself
Q: Where do you get your inspiration?
Anything can inspire me, from nature to movies.
Q: Who inspires you?
My Grandmother and my Grandfather.
Washington Roberts -- Baltic Dress
Washington Roberts -- Moat Dress
Q: How would you define the style your work exemplifies?
My collection is refined, modern for a progressive woman who appreciates the ability to transition from day to night with ease prepared for any and every situation.
Q: What are your favorite colours and materials to work with and why?
I love working with silks because of its hand feel and how it drapes on a woman’s body. I love luxury fabrics.
Favorite colours are WR Blue signature turquoise blue, Red, and Cerulean Blue. I’m also developing a love affair with black, which is really weird.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is very clean, refined and modern with a lot of colours. It funny how these are the same words used to describe my womenswear collection.
Q: Where are you based?
I’m based in Brooklyn New York.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
Being born and raised Nigeria made the person that I am today wouldn’t trade it for the world. It a cultural diverse society, People isn’t afraid to express them. There are lots of colourful and beautiful residential architectural houses…etc. With the rate of growth of the Nigerian fashion industry in few years it will become one of the fashion capital of the world.
Washington Roberts -- Omaticaya Dress
Washington Roberts -- Omaticaya Dress
Q: How would you define your city’s fashion?
It very diverse, I couldn’t define it if I wanted to. There are some many people from different cultural background with different point of view that is why I love Brooklyn.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
For me being to make my dream a reality and every thing else is a plus.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months?
Increase the visibility of the brand, placement in more boutiques nationwide.
Q: What do you do to relax?
Relax, is something I don’t know how to do. I’m constantly working.
Q: Where would your favourite holiday (vacation) be and why?
I can’t even tell you the last time I was on a vacation, but I will like to visit Mauritius. It looks so peace full and I want to learn more about their culture. A lot don’t know Mauritius is an African country.
Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?
I’m a music lover especially old school music in genre, to name a few artist that I listen to Aretha Franklin, Kem, Fela, Anita Baker, Billie Holiday, and Lenny Kravits…etc I’m also love listening to Fashion Indie Mix Tapes.
Washington Roberts -- Rhyolite Blazer & Gabro Pants
Washington Roberts -- Lycan Pant
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Interesting hobbies…well I love playing Football/Soccer and basketball when I have the time. I also love cooking, that’s probably cause I love to eat….lol!
Q: Where can we find out more about or purchase your work?
You can find out more about me on my site. You can also shop on my site and MYASHO.COM. Currently waiting on confirmation of orders from two boutiques in the Metropolitan area for spring, don’t want to mention the boutiques until the garments are in stores.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
My passion for fashion and my love for the craft of making clothes. Wanting to represent possibilities.
Washington Roberts -- Tyranny Gown
Washington Roberts -- Navi Blazer, Neytitri Top & Pandora Pant
Editor’s Note: Washington Roberts just has that enviable knack of choosing ensembles that just work; creating a sense of style whatever the occasion. We’re sure his work will continue to gain critical plaudits over the coming months and years.
If you’d like to see more of Washington Roberts portfolio or get in touch, just follow the links below:
twitter link: http://twitter.com/Washingtonrbrts
facebook link: http://Facebook.com/WashingtonRobertsCollection
web page link: http://www.WashingtonRoberts.com
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