Images from KOLTSON Fall/Winter 2023 Collection, photographed by Raul Tovar.

Fashion Designer, Robert Rodriguez, launched his new sustainable luxury eveningwear collection during New York Fashion Week and it dazzled his guests. KOLTSON fuses art with fashion through his collaboration with New York based abstract expressionist, Vicky Barranguet.

The creation of KOLTSON stemmed from Rodriguez’s desire to do something more meaningful within the industry rather than just creating clothing. Supporting artists and artisans through collaborations and partnerships was something Rodriguez established in 2019, but had to put on hold after shifting his focus to his role as Chief Creative Officer for Halston.

For the Fall/Winter 2023 collection, Barranguet drew inspiration from the mood boards Rodriguez developed and created a series of seven canvas paintings titled, “THREADS.” Rodriguez then translated her artwork into the clothing in the forms of prints, foiling, silhouettes, and embroideries. “I was thrilled to receive Robert’s invitation to bring my abstract expressions into his world. I enjoyed the harmonious flow of inspiration and the freedom with which we could express ourselves in our own mediums. That was the rule of the game, joining our purest forces to create a final piece through Robert’s magical touch. I loved capturing his inspiration and stories, our interactions, and moments in my work. It’s truly a great privilege to be part of this wonderful collaboration, which gives new life and movement to my art,” said Barranguet.

With the importance of sustainable fashion, Rodriguez carefully selected his vendor team that produced the fabrics and the final garments. The cotton and voile are sourced from Italy and are woven at a family-owned mill that meets the highest European standards using nontoxic dyes and silk textiles were chosen for their natural and biodegradable properties. To bring his sustainable line full circle, Sustainability Rodriguez produced the collection locally in New York City. “I wanted to support the garment district and the local suppliers, sewers, and artisans here,” Rodriguez states. “Local production also allows for better quality control, ensures fair wages are paid to workers, shortens lead times to allow for on-demand production, and facilitates a more sustainable supply chain that minimizes transportation emissions. We are hoping to play a small part in revitalizing manufacturing in the USA and specifically here in New York.”

Follow KOLTSON | @koltson_offcial

Visit KOLTSON online | www.koltson.com

Follow Robert Rodriguez | @robertrodriguezofficial