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Last week we saw the debut of Rita Ora’s latest single “Radioactive.” The video features Ora in a firey, futuristic world where animal print and leather-like body suits rule the streets. Heavy metal hardware, body-con garb… it was everything we’d expect from Ora, but just who was responsible for this future fantasy wardrobe? Asher Levine. The New York-based designer had a quick moment to share some inspiration, innovation and what he’d like to wear if transported to the future (hint: it’s not animal print).
How did you begin designing? I took a sewing class when I was 10 and then joined a local sewing club. We travelled around Florida for sewing competitions where I was judged on style, fabric selection, and construction. It was kind of like a project runway before its time.
Can you tell us about Rita’s bodysuit in the video? We specialize in innovative material fabrication. We created that texture for our latest spring summer 2013 collection and figured out a way to make it stretch, perfect for the cyber future bodysuit they were looking for.
What was your inspiration for these costumes? Future, organic, sex.
Tell me about your design aesthetic and who do you design for? The design aesthetic always revolves around the idea of skins or “layers” of the body and playing with the expansion or contraction of those skins. I help performers feel and dress like who they should be while on stage. I design for people with confidence who aren’t trying to necessarily follow trends or aren’t afraid to be in something unexpected.
Will you be showing at New York Fashion Week this February? What we can expect? Yes. It will be more refined than our previous collection, classic even and there will always be a twist. What if color means texture? You shall see.
If you could be transported to the future for 48hrs, what would you wear and what would be the first thing you’d do? I’d wear a jumpsuit and I would walk the streets of New York. It’s my favorite thing to do whether I’m in the past or in the future.