Robin Rotenier
President/Designer
Booth: 848
How would you define your collection? Describe the Rotenier man.
Rotenier, Ltd. was established in New York City in 1993. We create fine cufflinks and accessories for men and women mostly in sterling silver. All of our jewelry is produced in New York City in an artisanal way but with modern energy and resources. The collections are elegant and sophisticated with many unexpected details, such as cufflinks with handmade closures. The Rotenier Man is stylish and likes to wear his clothes, not having the clothes to wear him; this also carries into his choice of accessories. He does not allow a design or label to overpower him but will enjoy it if it offers a discreet statement about him – and if it offers humor, even better!
Which “must-have” item from your Fall/Winter 2012 collection will instantly update a man’s wardrobe?
The must-have for Fall/Winter 2012 will be pieces from my new Atelier collection that I characterize as “Deconstructed Elegance.” For example, a cool pair of cufflinks in an antique finish or a sterling silver, which look like they have been worn, and a leather bracelet that you do not want to take off even when wearing a suit and tie.
What are you doing to address the growing importance of social media and how it will impact your business?
Social Media is a force of biblical proportion! It is an increasingly powerful way to expose your brand and product offerings to reach audiences you never knew existed.
What do you think the next major shift in the menswear industry will be?
The rapid changes in professional habit, both inside and outside of the traditional changing work place, dictate profound adjustments. The home office, the remote location, and decentralization – just like the David Bowie song “everything changes, nothing changes.” What remains is the need to stand out, look good, and not be predictable! More and more attention is placed on individuality and on the sense of self. We are unique individuals and are free to express who we are.
What do you consider to be the world’s best fashion city for men and why?
New York City, of course! No other city offers such a vast range of active men and backgrounds. That diversity and energy is a great catalyst for creativity and ingenuity. The retailers in New York City absorb that energy and the spectrum is wide as well.
From where do you draw inspiration?
I draw my inspiration from absolutely everything. More specifically though, I tend to gravitate towards the things I love such as art, nature, and cars; call it the law of attraction. I get inspired from such things as a rough semi precious stone out of the mine, details of architecture, and art nouveau as found in the Paris Metro iron gates.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Starting my career, I wanted to be a car designer. In fact, I am a car enthusiast and have a collection of over 200 models that I collected as a child in Paris. They are in perfect condition and I keep them in my showroom in a Lucite cabinet that I designed. I realized my dream when I carved my first car model and sold it as a pair of cufflinks. I have 27 different car designs as of today. You could say that I am living the dream!
