Singer JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE and his best friend, TRACE AYALA, are breaking news about their newest endeavor. The pair are teaming up to market a brand-new clothing line, and we've got the goods on the exciting new enterprise! "This clothing is representative of where we come from," Justin tells Solis. "It's sort of country, but it's also got a little edge and a little chic to it." "It's definitely a contemporary feel," adds Trace.
"It's not mass marketed. We're very meticulous about the stores we're going to be in." The clothing line, coming to Solis soon, is called WILLIAM RAST. William Rast? Who's that?! "We just kind of picked the two people who are most influential in our lives, and that's our grandfathers," explains Justin. "William is my grandfather's first name and Rast is [Trace's] grandfather's last name. Put the two together..."
"My grandfather lived next door to me my entire life," says Trace. "He's basically a father figure. And my grandfather and [Justin's] grandfather knew each other growing up. They still live down the road from each other." "It'll be kind of interesting to see my grandfather in these clothes," says Justin with a smile.
The William Rast collection is Denim based, 50% men's and 50% women's. Tees retail from $23 to $59, Polos $69, Denim $125-$225. Out in Novenber 2005. William Rast coming soon to Solis.
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Justin Timberlake Sits Down With Solis to Discuss the ‘William Rast’ Collection
By: Dino-Ray Ramos
With so many celebrities preserving their roles as purveyors of style, it’s only natural that many would take their iconic fashion status to another level. Some collections are pure imitations of the celebrity’s respected style, while others are haute couture visions from the superstar’s artistic mind. With Justin Timberlake’s new fashion line called William Rast, he takes these two concepts to create an uncanny premiere collection that contains his personal flair and his artistic inspiration. The clothing line has come upon its official November launch in stores like Fred Segal and Bloomingdale’s, but more notably, Solis on Market has become the first specialty store to carry the collection.
Alongside his best friend, Trace Ayala, Timberlake launched this brand new clothing line that fuses the urban glamour of Hollywood with nuances from his southern country upbringing. His Tennessee roots may be uniquely stitched in the clothing, but the name of his label touches on a deeper meaning that transcends the concept of style.
Timberlake’s new line was certainly the hot topic at this year’s “sin city” fashion event, Project Las Vegas. Amidst the boatloads of designers, retailers and fashion mavens, Solis owners, Steve Haas and Jose Cabaltera were also on hand to scope out the latest in urban hipster couture. While on their modish pilgrimage, the stylish duo had the exclusive opportunity to sit down and talk with the pop star turned fashion denizen. Gleaming with his undeniable southern charm and usual impeccable style, Timberlake was more than happy to discuss his fashion investment and his genuine gratitude towards Solis.
“Solis on Market is the first specialty store to carry the line,” says Timberlake. “Thanks for believing in the line.”
With that said, his fresh collection makes it easy to believe in. Stocked with rich, autumn-friendly earth tones and subtle urban panache, the collection strays away from all the overzealous embellishments of modern street wear. The exterior look of the debut 60-piece collection is chic, but for Timberlake the label name holds all the heart. The attractive moniker of William Rast stems from a collaborative effort of Timberlake and Ayala. The 24-year-old pop icon reveals that the name is a creative fusion of their grandfather’s names, “William” being Justin’s and the last name, “Rast” belonging to Trace. Both have had a significant impact on their lives.
With such honorable names pinned to his new business venture, it has a certain reputation to uphold – and it delivers. The name William Rast is a way for Timberlake to share a little piece of himself with everyone.
“It represents my roots back to Tennessee. This clothing is representative of where we come from – it’s sort of country, but it’s also got a little edge and a little chic to it,” he says with candid confidence. “I just want it to be authentic and something I feel good about.”
Although top designer, Juan Cervantes, held the reigns in devising the collection, Timberlake didn’t take a back seat when it came to providing his own creativity. With his favorite designers like Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and Tom Ford instilled in his fashion mindset, Timberlake dove in head first with his ideas. From his role as the fit model for the clothes to his design input, he made sure that he was heavily involved in the process.
Available for both men and women, the clothing unquestionably lives up to his expectations of urban country goodness – and Solis is definitely enthused to feature the pieces in the store. Attractively wearable and stylish with cleanliness, the line includes some top quality denim. Its bold variety of washes, fits and soon-to-be famous W-stamped back pockets are obviously going to be a staple in closets of urban hipsters everywhere. For “above the waist” garb, corduroy blazers, polo shirts and cashmere sweaters are in abundance and give the collection street-friendly sophistication. In the realm of casual simplicity, flattering t-shirts marked with the logo are also available in a wide array of colors. All of the looks are equally appealing, but when it comes to Timberlake’s favorite, he takes pride in the outerwear. “I love the jackets,” says Timberlake with a debonair smile. “I’ll be rocking it.”
Based on the success of his initial collection, he plans to open more stores across the country including his home state of Tennessee. With the bold simplicity of the debut collection serving as solid launch pad, William Rast has set it sites on providing even more apparel variety with headwear, intimate apparel and men’s suits.
“Once we get the basics down solid, we are really going to start rocking the line,” says Timberlake with a boyish wink.
The debut collection of warm colors of easy to wear apparel has already garnered a considerable ovation. From this, he will be able to build “up and out” from a strong foundation. With that said, Timberlake plans to put his energy into supporting the initial launch, especially with Solis.
“We are going to be in San Francisco on tour in the future,” says Timberlake. “I want to stop by and visit you guys to support the line your store. It’s the first specialty store to carry the line – that’s special.”
Long gone are his *Nsync days of curly, boyish locks and southern-fried teenybopper wholesomeness. Providing his unique metropolitan-meets-country look will definitely serve as a wise, yet unassuming, re-invention for Timberlake and a distinctive opportunity for Solis. Amidst his acting and singing career, William Rast aims to leave his personal imprint as a sex symbol, celebrity trendsetter, pop-icon and savvy businessman.
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