New York designer Raul Penaranda has been making his dream a reality designing luxury women’s wear with an aesthetic that stands apart with a mix of edge and sophistication. Through this uncompromising style, Raul has dared to be himself and only two years after debuting at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was declared by FORBES magazine as one of the fastest growing fashion entrepreneurs to come out of the small business industry with his 100% USA manufactured ready to wear fashion line for women and Vogue Mexico named Raul “The New King of New York Fashion Week” for his extraordinary craftsmanship, attention to detail and exquisite style.
Raul was born in Cali, Colombia. He grew up in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to Miami, Florida with his family as a young adult. In 2000, Raul relocated to New York City where he was offered a freelance design position at Liz Claiborne, while enrolled at F.I.T and Parson’s. Over the next ten years, some of the industry’s most established fashion houses felt his creative impact such as Oscar de la Renta, DKNY, Zac Posen and Tommy Hilfiger. He has held key positions as Creative Director of Merchandise and Trend Services, Senior Designer and Textile/CAD Designer. Recently during New York Fashion Week, Raul’s burgeoning style culminated in a tremendous showcasing of ready-to wear designs entitled “Opulence”for Fall 2019. Presenting to his largest audience to date, Raul did not disappoint as his models walked the runway in handmade fashions indicative of his daring yet romantic style that has gained him recognition from the CFDA. Still, Raul is only getting started and with ten seasons of inspiring collections there
is only one demand from the designer ‘show the world who you are’.
Raul Peñaranda, Fashion Designer
Q & A for 360 Magazine
Q1- What or whom inspired you to start Designing?
A-I design because of the love and respect that i have for my mother and sisters; and that love and respect i want to share it with every women in the world…..and my clothing line is the language in which I able to express it.
Q2-Who are some of the notable men and women you’ve dressed?
A-Vanessa Williams, Lynda Baquero, Gabriela Isler, Kimberly Dos Ramos, Majida Issa, Jennifer Arenas, Dayana Mendoza, Cynthia Bailey, Brande Roderick, Blanca Soto, Maria Celeste, Irene Esser, Liliana Gil, Estefania Fernandez, Adriana Arango, Jill Zarin, Kika rocha, Cindy Taylor, Romina Nabhem, Paulina vega, Veronica Albornoz, Shirley Rumierk
Q3- When our readers are shopping, what are three must haves in their wardrobe?
A-A little black dress
B-A Comfy pair of jeans
c-Statement dresses for daytime and gala
Q4-When Creating for the red carpet, what do you and or clients look for?
A-More than a beautiful pieces, I’m looking for something that is an extension of my client’s personality knowing that less is the ultimate sophistication.
Q5-How does your culture influence your work?
A-Tremendously, from the vibrant colors, to the seductive silhouettes and to the lavish fabrics…..it’s a total package that empower any women and express her distinctive point of view. A perfect balance of two words…Seductive without being trashy and elegant without being old, celebrating all curves and shapes.
Q6-Who are your Fashion icons? Why?
A– Halston for his simple aesthetic that shows to the world that less is more. Oscar De La Renta: For not only the beauty of his designs, but for his humbled personality that inspired me like no other.
Q7-What advice would you give to aspiring Fashion Designers?
A– to not be afraid of being different, to be discipline, to be determined, to be kind, to be humble and to conquer the world
