Tuesday evening at New York's La Sirena Restaurant, Joshua Cooper and Laurence Chandler of Rochambeau were selected as the U.S.A. Regional Finalists for the 2016/17 International Woolmark Prize for menswear and Gabriela Hearst for womenswear.
Competing against a pool of impeccable talented designers such as Mayer the designer of Second Layer, and Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss; designers were given a specific task of creating new looks that offered a fresh perspective on wool, which is a given; being that wool is Woolmark's pride and joy. The Rochambeau designers and Gabriela Hearst will each receive approximately $37,000 ($50,000 Australian dollars), along with the chance to compete on an international platform next year.
Before 7:30, the time at which the winners were announced. I mingled with two different notable guest such as CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb, and Mayer "Designer of Second Layer". I also spotted guests like Jason Wu, Nick Sullivan of Esquire magazine, and more. Upon announcement of the menswear finalist you heard an outcry of very emotional congratulations from guest who stood around all waiting on their favorite to be announced. It was a special moment indeed, because before all the designers were rounded up backstage; I was introduced to both Joshua Cooper and Laurence Chandler of Rochambeau by Steven Kolb himself as we chatted about New York Fashion Week Men's. At that moment I felt I had just met the winners of the Fashion Olympics, not only was I introduced to the menswear duo, they even filled me in on how great NYFW Men's was for them. I was also able to get quotes from the duo, and here's what was said.
From Laurence:
Question; As far as what you think the CFDA, and Woolmark would help them accomplish.
"Growth! We are trying to show that innovative menswear can exist in the states. The US has been given an unfair commercial wrap for too long- it is one of the main reasons we launched Rochambeau.
The CFDA's launch of their NYFWM is allowing our business to grow here in our City. This is the first season we have sold more domestically then internationally! This is a huge win for us.
Our participation with Woolmark has not only been a our highest honor to date but has also resulted in expanding our business. The competition was amazing but even more so are the new fabric vendor relationships we have gained. We are working with a 100 year old company American Woolen Company based in CT that we would never have known if not for this competition.
We could not be more proud to represent our City on a international stage. It is where we are from, were we produce, and now where we show. ITS LIT."
From Joshua:
Question What's next? :
"haha...too much. Yesterday we did our first presentation for the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund judging panel. This will be a long process but we are very excited and love being challenged....Laurence and I both excel when we are pushed to our limits so having a lot going on increases our productivity and motivates us to always push ourselves as far as we can go. Aside from that we now have to buckle down and start building our full Woolmark collection for the international competition. It is a huge honor to be representing the US on this international stage and we are humbled to have this opportunity. Simultaneously we are starting development of our Fall 17 collection, as well as working on something top secret."
As far as what they think the CFDA, and Woolmark would help them accomplish.
"Being recognized by the CFDA is a huge honor and creates awareness and opportunity in the fashion community that we always hoped to be acknowledged by. Its a bit overwhelming to think about the eyes that are now on us but its also very validating and assuring to know that the risks we have taken are appreciated and respected. Woolmark has opened up many doors for us and aside from being the US Menswear Winners (WHICH IS AWESOME!!!) we are very thankful for all of the opportunities that have come from this challenge. We essentially got a full education in wool over the past few months and it has allowed us to create relationships with new vendors and suppliers that will help us grow our business. The CFDA and Woolmark are helping our business grow and take the necessary steps to be a part of the larger global fashion conversation.
We are very excited for the next 6 months and look forward to showing the world who the Rochambeau boys are."
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