Rhuigi Villaseñor is a renowned fashion designer who has made a significant impact in the fashion industry with his bold and visionary approach. He is the founder and creative director of the luxury lifestyle and streetwear brand, Rhude. Born in the Philippines, Villaseñor developed a deep passion for fashion and creativity from an early age. After moving to the United States, he immersed himself in urban styles and absorbed the energy of streetwear culture, which ultimately led to the creation of his own brand, Rhude.
Rhude quickly gained popularity and attracted fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its unique aesthetic that blends vintage and contemporary influences, impeccable cuts, and meticulous attention to detail. Villaseñor’s talent and impact in the fashion industry have propelled Rhude to the forefront of the streetwear scene. The brand is worn by renowned celebrities, including Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber, and LeBron James.
In addition to Rhude, Villaseñor has also collaborated with the Swiss fashion house, Bally, as a designer. This collaboration has resulted in remarkable collections that combine Bally’s expertise in luxury leather goods with Villaseñor’s avant-garde vision. The collaboration has produced captivating pieces that blend classic elegance with modern touches.
Despite not having formal fashion design training, Villaseñor has honed his skills as a self-taught designer through passion and determination. He has dedicated countless hours to studying trends, garment details, and manufacturing techniques. Villaseñor draws inspiration from various sources, including streetwear culture, fashion history, and visual arts. His exploration of the streets of Los Angeles has allowed him to capture the city’s energy and immerse himself in its urban aesthetic. He has also studied renowned designers and artistic movements to develop a deep understanding of aesthetics and creative expression.
Villaseñor’s garments are known for their ability to captivate attention and evoke admiration. His innovative and rule-breaking approach allows him to push the boundaries of fashion, experimenting with materials, cuts, and construction techniques. Over time, he has developed a distinct aesthetic that skillfully balances vintage and contemporary influences, showcasing the beauty of garments through meticulous details and carefully crafted silhouettes.
Beyond being a fashion creator, Villaseñor is an innovator who has reinvented the urban fashion landscape and brought a unique aesthetic to world-renowned brands. His brand, Rhude, and his collaboration with Bally demonstrate his talent and growing influence in the fashion industry. With his creative vision and dedication to innovation, Villaseñor will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of fashion, inspiring and captivating fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Villaseñor’s personal style reflects the lifestyle he envisions for himself and his brand. Rhude represents more than just clothing and accessories—it embodies a feeling and an atmosphere. It is an atmosphere characterized by a Mediterranean breeze on the terrace of a stately Italian villa, the aroma of an expensive cigar in a gold-rimmed ashtray, or the adventures of a Rhude Boy casually driving a McLaren through the streets of Monaco. For Villaseñor, clothing and accessories are secondary to the overall experience and feeling that Rhude evokes.
Growing up in the Philippines and later moving to Los Angeles, Villaseñor’s journey as an immigrant has influenced his perspective on the American dream. He is reshaping the traditional narrative of the American dream to reflect his own experience. Starting with a single T-shirt, Villaseñor has built Rhude into a brand that now collaborates with major luxury brands and attracts the attention of influential figures like Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Kendrick Lamar.
Villaseñor holds a deep affection for the San Fernando Valley, where he grew up and where his family still resides. It holds sentimental value for him, as it is the place where he took bus rides and hunted for clothes in local Goodwill stores. The Valley shaped his early experiences and provided inspiration for his brand.
Yellow plays a significant role in the Rhude brand, appearing prominently in branding, packaging, and even the underbrims of hats. For Villaseñor, yellow represents not only himself but also pays homage to his heritage, specifically the yellow sun on the Filipino flag.
Villaseñor’s personal style can be described as a modern-day American dream. He challenges the tarnished notion of the American dream by highlighting his journey as an undocumented immigrant who worked hard to build his brand and create job opportunities. Villaseñor’s determination and resilience are evident in his actions, such as using his first significant paycheck from Rhude to pay for an immigration lawyer.
Villaseñor attributes his level of hard work and determination to his parents and his unique perspective as someone who grew up in a different world. He had preconceived ideas of how he wanted to live his life in America and aspired to create a big brand that would become a household name. Villaseñor believes in his vision wholeheartedly and remains undeterred, even when faced with challenges. He describes his journey with Rhude as a slow burn, driven by his unwavering belief in his brand and the gold that lies behind the metaphorical wall.
In addition to his fashion endeavors, Villaseñor also has an interest in interior design. While he used to love Midcentury aesthetics, his recent trips to Italy have inspired a love for the villa aesthetic. He envisions creating an experiential space, a physical manifestation of Rhude, where everything one consumes and touches reflects his world. Building something timeless, however, takes time, and it may be his next venture beyond clothes.
Beauty and grooming also play a role in the Rhude universe. Villaseñor believes that it is a perfect synergy for the lifestyle the brand aims to create. Feeling complete with garments and a lifestyle that Rhude provides is essential, and there may be upcoming developments in the beauty and grooming aspects of the brand.
When it comes to self-care, Villaseñor uses Barbara Sturm products, exfoliates, washes his face with cold water, and emphasizes the importance of proper sleep and staying hydrated. He has his trusted barber, Jose, who is the only person allowed to cut his hair, and he relies on his partner to choose the right spas for his grooming and maintenance needs.
Rhuigi Villaseñor’s journey as a self-taught fashion designer and entrepreneur is an inspiring example of success in the fashion industry. His dedication to learning, refining his skills, and pushing boundaries has allowed him to create a significant impact. Through his brand Rhude and collaborations with prestigious fashion houses like Bally, Villaseñor continues to leave a lasting impression on the fashion industry. His creative vision and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire both aspiring creators and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.