Rad Hourani Gives Androgynous Style A Sexy Kick In The Pants

by The Inside Source | 3:58 pm, October 11th, 2010

At some point, every designer toys with the masculine-feminine motif. Rad Hourani on the other hand, takes it to the extreme. His specialty is an aggressively androgynous look that is so genderless it loops full-circle back to sexy. Editors appreciate his razor-like focus on pin-straight pants and architectural jackets. And the downtown fashion set love his lean lines and total lack of buttons. Last year, the New York designer launched a secondary line, RAD by Rad Hourani, based on the same unisex concept only in less weighty fabrics and at much lighter prices. Nandini D’Souza, a regular contributor to The Inside Source, an online style magazine presented by eBay, recently chatted with Hourani about his ever-evolving esoteric leanings.

The Inside Source: What was your inspiration for fall 2010, in stores now?

Rad Hourani: I’m inspired by the idea of creating something that can’t be defined by a limited category. Things that have no reference from the past. I believe the only way you can attend to this kind of inspiration is by observing everything around you.

TIS: Black often dominates your collections; you’ve even been known to request all-black attire at your after party. Why is black so important?

RH: Black is confidence, modernity, clarity and the ultimate absence of gender. Everyone can wear black. It’s a color that shows the person more than the clothes.

TIS: Tell us a little bit about Rad by Rad Hourani, how does it differ from your main line?

RH: The two collections equal one concept. While the Rad Hourani line functions as a laboratory and experiments with new shapes and fabrics with a couture-like approach, the RAD by Rad Hourani collection focuses on styles and silhouettes of the same look offered in different materials and a more casual fit. Both unisex lines are sold in the same stores, offering a broader-spectrum around one, signature style.

TIS: And what’s next for the main collection?

RH: In September 2010, the RAD by Rad Hourani Collection #2 will also mark the implementation of an innovative concept: through the seasonless-and-genderless quality of the clothes, the styles revealed on the runway will simultaneously be available in stores and on Rad Hourani’s own online shop.

TIS: Do you remember your first purchase on eBay?

RH: I think it was in 2002 when I discovered eBay. I was looking for a DVD of “La Notte,” one of my favorite movies.

For more with Hourani, including a look at what he’s shopping for on eBay, visit The Inside Source.

The Inside Source writer Nandini D’Souza authored this article in its original form. Portrait of Rad Hourani by Max Abadian. Images of the Rad Hourani collection provided by the subject. All photos unless otherwise indicated courtesy of The Inside Source.

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