San Diego Fashion Week Spotlight: RHCREATION

As San Diego Fashion Week has hit-- the spotlight is on. From styles of resort wear to the runway, RHCREATION returns as the winning designer of Fashion Week San Diego 2013.  Born and raised in Belize, designer Richard Henderson has been inspired to design by his family. His passion stemmed from growing up around such an artistic family, not to mention a grandmother who sewed.

RHCREATION is inspired by his roots, with a multicultural mix of colors of the Caribbean and a love of Resort-Wear.  Henderson came to America when he was sixteen, and was inspired to get into fashion after seeing the Hollywood lifestyle.  He began in the industry at just 19 years old as Shelli Segal’s assistant. Let us just take note, Shelli Segal’s line, Laundry, is one of the top-selling lines in America.

Henderson is well known for his hands-on experience, passion for creating prints and a devoted eye for color, along with his partner, Timothy McGee. To some, he is not only a designer, but also an artist.  This is apparent at San Diego Fashion Week with his watercolor prints that show the flowers of the Caribbean and tropical flavor of Belize.

As a line that is focused on resort wear, Southern California is thrilled.  RHCREATION brought bold colors, fluid fabrics, graphics, and beautiful colors to the runway this year. Combining the lifestyle and feel of San Diego neighborhoods like La Jolla, Henderson says that his line lends itself to the lifestyle of the area.  The show was a preview of his spring 2015 line in the SoCal Style segment.

A word from the designers, Richard Henderson & Timothy McGee:

What did you hope to achieve this year at fashion week with RHCREATION?

"Returning as last year’s winner was such an honor enough and highly appreciated. We decided not to be a part of the competition on the runway and not have any of our votes counted. We took advantage of the past year’s winning package, which helped us launch a line from our winning Fashion Week San Diego 2013 Collection in Harrah’s Resort & Casino So Cal. We really felt we would not feel right winning again if so be. This enabled one of the many other talented FWSD Designers with the opportunity of winning a career-boosting package of their own. We just wanted to come back and show a new S/S 2015 collection and pass off the winning crown!"

Why did you choose to come to San Diego, specifically?

"San Diego is the perfect beach city for our brand, which is where Tim is from. The beauty of the city from La Jolla to Del Mar, from Mission Beach to Coronado is reminiscent of Richard’s home country of Belize. So, the mix and combo of both beautiful places only made sense to initially come and launch a line during Fashion Week 2013.  To return the following year to show again at San Diego Fashion Week 2014 was long anticipated."

What sets your line apart from the rest at fashion week?

"Most of the designers showed solid color designs, either muted, black, white or taupe. RHCREATION has always been known for our colorful, tropical and breathtakingly beautiful prints. The colorful array of prints and vibrant solids made an impact best shown in photos from the show itself."

What do you have to say about San Diego style/living?

"The city has a clean flavor of Manhattan. The beach communities have a contemporary sophisticated lifestyle that is a bit laid back like the Caribbean hot spots known worldwide.  This makes it the perfect place for RHCREATION to take hold of. Our designs will fit in any of the beautiful places of interest in San Diego; from the casual beach scene to the contemporary resort glamorous nightlife. RHCREATION can take you from the pool to the party with a change of accessories, shoes and/or jewelry."

Where will we see more of your work?

"We have a few 'irons in the fire' as they say with magazine, trade shows and possibly a huge runway show in a main beach location for all resort showings if you really are a serious player in the game. Due to contractual agreements, we cannot give too much information at this time, but please stay connected to RHCREATION via Faceboook, Twitter and Instagram @RHCREATION or our website to learn about what’s next!"