Richie Rich: Here for Your Entertainment

"Do you know what you got into?
Can you handle what I'm 'bout to do?
'Cause it's about to get rough for you.
I'm here for your entertainment." 

-Adam Lambert, "For Your Entertainment"

 

      When it comes to the evolutionary and revolutionary world of fashion, Richie Rich refuses to conform. He is the very definition of glitz and glamour and he often puts the "freak" in "freakshow." Ever since his commercial debut of Heatherette in 1999, Rich has gained great pleasure by blurring the lines between masculine and feminine fashion stereotypes and creating a dreamlike world  where there are no rules and the circus performer in us all comes out to play. Below are some whimsical looks showcased in Rich's 2011 Spring / Summer Line, which premiered at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York on Spetember 9, 2010. (Click here to view his S/S2011 Line)

 

 

 

 

“Since they launched their collection eight years ago, designers Richie Rich and Traver Rains have defied expectations and steadily built a business out of their cartoony, club-kid gear.... That said, Rich and Rains haven't lost an iota of the outrageously kooky spirit that makes entering the world of Heatherette a bit like dropping down a psychedelic rabbit hole.” 

-Meenal Mistry, Style.com

     Personally, I believe that Rich and his line posses all of the qualities a true designer and his or her line should posses. These attributes include, but are not limited to:

• Staying true to himself not only as a designer, but also as an individual
• Inspiring people of all demographics to be themselves through freedom of expression via clothing
• Breaking the norm and not conforming
• Innovating his garments, while still remaining nostalgic of his past work

 

Below are a few examples of Rich's past lines. As you may notice, his newer garments are still extremely reminiscent of his past apparel. All incorporate glitz, glamour, skin, sin, whimsy, wonder and all represent strength in one's own body. Thus, loyalty to his own work and self comes into play once again.

 

     Quite possibly, the reason I respect Rich the most as a designer is due to his abundant display of diversity within his shows. Men, women, blacks, whites, gays, straights, and body art are all considered acceptable and, even, valued in his "performances." Considering clothing is one of the four basic needs essential to life (food, water, shelter, and clothing), it only makes sense that his shows, thus his clothing, appeals to a broad demographic.

     Perhaps Rich's most vital clients include pretty pop artists, sassy socialites, and delicious drag queens. His well-known clients include Britney Spears, P!nk, Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Heidi Montag, Paris Hilton (pictured bottom left), Pam Anderson (pictured bottom right), and Amanda Lepore (pictured bottom center).

 

     Rich's line is categorized as lower priced, therefore is somewhat obtainable for today's society. However, although it may be financially possible for some of us, individuals located in the midwest may have a trying time locating one of Rich's boutiques within a reasonable geographical location. Thus, we must resort to the next best thing: Imitation. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery. Ladies may find it exceedingly simple to create looks inspired by Rich's sexy and expressive RTW garments just by visiting their local Wet Seal, H&M, Forever 21, and Vanity. The Gentlemen, however, have somewhat more of a difficult time obtaining these looks. Nevertheless, certain articles form H&M and Urban Outfitters just might do the trick. Below are two looks that can both easily pass as one of Rich's works of art and remain wallet friendly.

     The above look is created entirely from H&M garments while the look to the right is created entirely out of Urban Outfitters apparel.