“I never do anything just because ‘that’s the way it’s supposed to be,’” says Cynthia Rowley. “If I’m inviting people to a runway show, I want to entertain them. For me, that means fearless risk-taking and really wanting to have fun.”
Cynthia’s creations are indeed the antithesis of conformist and ordinary. Her iconic ready-to-wear clothing collections have become synonymous with vivacity and freedom of spirit. Most of all, they are a celebration of femininity, effortlessly combining the likes of optimistic colors, artistic prints and ethereal airs.
Since its foundation in New York City, Cynthia Rowley’s label has delighted and flourished. Critical acclaim, industry honors and, above all, millions of exuberant wearers around the world bear testament to its success.
Cynthia’s prodigious creativity started early. At the age of seven, she was already a maven of the needle and thread. Throughout her youth, she lovingly made clothes for herself and friends, experimenting with new styles and constantly defying conventions. Not only did she make what she lacked, she conjured up what hadn’t existed.
“When I was growing up, I often found I didn’t have the things that all the other girls at my high school seemed to own multiple versions of,” recalls Cynthia. “But I would tell myself I didn’t need that fancy turtleneck or whatever and that I’d just make something myself that was more interesting. So, I evolved into a way of thinking that anything is possible.”
This can-do spirit extends far beyond her design studio. A self-confessed “adrenaline junkie,” Cynthia is a passionate surfer. And it was during a session on her board in the sea by her beloved Montauk, New York, that led to one of her many eye-catching innovations.
“I was in the water and got talking with one of the head guys from Quiksilver Roxy,” says Cynthia. “He was like, ‘oh, you’re that designer – and you surf! You should design something for us.’ We teamed up almost immediately after that to work on a new wetsuit collection.”
Cynthia’s vision was for a wetsuit that was not merely functional but also fashionable. “I was coming at the project with a designer’s eye,” she observes. “It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with what they were already doing; I just saw different possibilities. But the factories couldn’t see a way to realize my idea.”