Houston blogger and GQ magazine's style challenge winner Josh Robertson has put his passion and love for fashion into a new endeavor he calls Rebel Wishes. CultureMap sat down with the stylish 27-year-old writer-turned-designer to chat about his new leather jacket line, which he launched online last week, and his design inspiration. With bold hues of Toxic Green, Dusk Red, and Naked Pink, the Saint Laurent-esque moto jackets, which retail for $495, can instantly transform any outfit.
In 2013, Robertson was named the winner of GQ magazine's "How GQ Are You?" contest to find the most stylish reader in the nation. He was awarded a custom limited-edition GQ Fiat. His lifestyle blog, Sir Josh Aaron, covers Houston men's fashion. He says his first foray into designing has been "an insane ride so far."
CultureMap: Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
Josh Robertson: So I’m a small town man from Port Arthur, Texas who made his way to the big city. My focus has always been fashion — from retail to styling, blogging and editorial writing.It has always been a great obsession of mine. It allows me to convey my emotional being in an otherwise cold life. I’m a Virgo so I’m rather calculated in my approach to things, but on this stage you can see the passion that I infuse through colors and textures.
CM: You've named your brand Rebel Wishes. What does it mean?
JR: I wanted to give a voice to the guys who want to live in color not just bound by traditional biases imposed by society and masculinity. Life is more than black, brown and navy, so why can’t it be portrayed in an everyday wardrobe? In my eyes Rebel Wishes describes the desire of wanting to be your own individual and rebelling against the masses at large and expressing it vibrantly in color.
CM: What's your inspiration?
JR: My inspiration is making vocal pieces for the individual with an uncanny eye to details such as fit, fabrication and color. I have an allure to color and design and just want to share that obsession with others who dare to be different.
CM: What is your favorite piece from your line?
JR: I love all three of my beginning designs; they are my infants that I want to give to the world. This project will grow into more over time but I am taking my time to do it right. Quality, functionality and innovation are things I take very seriously and half stepping is not an option.
CM: Who is the Rebel Wishes customer?
JR: A person who isn’t afraid to reveal himself to other people, a person who is bold and brave and exudes confidence and individuality.
CM: Where can customers buy the jacket?
JR: You can only shop my line online at Rebel Wishes. I am taking reservation orders from now until January 31st for 20 percent off of your order.
CM: In three words how would you describe your style?
JR: Timeless, nostalgic and risky.
Rebel Wishes creator Josh Robertson.
Shoppers will line up at Katy Mills Mall as Primark opens its first Houston area store on November 20.Photo courtesy of Primark/Instagram 