Meet Designer Byron Lars
“When edgy fashion is steeped in something familiar, it becomes far less alienating to the consuming public.”
Byron Lars started designing under his own label in 1991 with a small collection of sportswear focusing on what he refers to as “twisted American classics.” His inspiration came from such an unlikely source, his grandfather’s hunting jacket. Byron put his spin on it with a “Dior New Look” proportion to create a Duchess of Windsor meets Field and Stream hybrid.
After his second season in the business, Women’s Wear Daily hailed him as “Rookie of the Year.” His line was immediately snapped up by such prestigious retailers as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s as well as other specialty stores throughout the U.S. along with some distribution in the U.K. and France.
Byron’s range of designs became most apparent in his Seventh on Sixth runway presentations in which he created accessories as mere fashion show props, only to attract the attention of licensees in handbags, furs, and hats. His notoriety also led him to design a limited edition of designer Barbie dolls for Mattel.
To see the Barbie’s designed by Byron Lars, click here
By the contractual end of his licensees, Byron chose to direct his energy away from the designer collection and focus on a contemporary line and pricing structure. “I wanted it to be more about the clothes and less about the ‘hype’,” says Lars. This redirection was the beginning of “Byron Lars Beauty Mark.” Initially a cotton Lycra shirting based offering, Beauty Mark took its cue from the shirts and shirt dresses of the previous collection that put the designer on the map (only this time, without the lofty price point). Since its inception, Beauty Mark has enjoyed eight years of success and is now expanding its product line to include knits, sportswear, and dresses in addition to the chic and sexy shirts for which the line is highly sought after.
In this photo, Michelle Obama is wearing a dress from Byron Lars’s Beauty Mark line.
To see more of Byron Lars designs visit Byron Lars Beauty Mark
Jen
Your blog is really lovely. Great article about this up and coming designer. I love everything Michelle Obama wears! She is the epitome of style and class, and I love how she showcases young and relatively unknown designers. So glad I found your site.
Kim hutchinson
Been a fan since seeing the Mattel Barbie collections. I have them all. Looking forward to looks for me.
Jenna
His designs are amazing!! I want everything in his collection. Thank you so much for showing me someone new 🙂 Glad to have found you through SITS. ~Jenna