Despite being a celebrity-loving brand, Chris Leba’s focus at R13 isn’t on designing for A-listers. His eyes are drawn to the people closest to him, and the cool pedestrians he sees walking outside his store on Howard Street. That’s why R13’s focus is on creating everyday staples with a sharp touch that almost everyone can relate to.
For pre-fall, Leba adds softness and ease to the flannels, jeans and jackets that are part of every R13 drop. Pajama dressing was one of the key concepts, but Leba’s version had its roots in suits: shirts were double-breasted, and pant lengths mirrored traditional suits with short, midi, and long bell-bottoms available.
Transitional leather jackets—some with funnel necks or military-inspired silhouettes—and work jackets in unexpected floral prints round out the lineup. “I was really sweating this floral workwear thing,” explains Leba. “I always like things that are very unexpected, but all I could think about was how can I make this look beautiful?” Finally, after a diligent wash process and a few paint splatters, he was happy with the result. An ultra-lightweight reversible tweed/leopard print on a collarless coat with big rounded shoulders was a designer favorite. “It’s the one I can walk down the street in and get nowhere,” it’s an attitude that resonates with both celebrities and the people who follow them.
