Click here to subscribe for free<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n The first thing you notice when visiting the clean architectural space that houses the Yigal Azrou\u0451l flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York is exactly that\u2014how it matches the clean architectural feel to his clothes.
\n Likewise, the handsome 43-year-old designer arrives at the store without much fanfare, sporting a military-style khaki jacket, jeans and hightop runners. \u201cHi, I\u2019m Yigal,\u201d he says with a smile. We exchange pleasantries and then head off around the corner to The Mark Hotel to do our interview. Azrou\u0451l is relaxed and exudes a quiet self-confidence that he tells me is not his regular mode. \u201cI\u2019m actually quite shy,\u201d he says with a laugh.
\n Azrou\u0451l grew up in Israel, the youngest of eight children, with five older sisters to inspire his creativity. The self-taught designer launched his women’s wear line in 1998 shortly after moving to the United States, and has shown his eponymous line at New York Fashion Week for the last 15 years. Azrou\u0451l tells me that in addition to the store on Madison Avenue, his designs are sold in more than 100 retail department stores and boutiques around the world, including George C. in Toronto.
\n \u201cIt\u2019s really about the details,\u201d Azrou\u0451l says of what makes his designs stand out. \u201cOur signature is that we do structured pieces very well, such as tailored jackets, and we are known for our dresses and how the garments fit. We are also known for our leather jackets, which pretty much sell out when we get them in the store.\u201d
\n Since most of his clothes are made in New York City, the designer has the ability to very carefully oversee the quality of construction and the finished product\u2014a rarity in the big business fashion world. Azrou\u0451l not only chooses the fabrics, often designing his own, but he also does much of the initial draping for the first sample prototype. \u201cI really love making the first sample from beginning to end,\u201d he shares, adding that he handpicks all the fabrics, and often custom prints them.
\n Azrou\u0451l says that his inspiration often comes from modern art, architecture and other unexpected sources. \u201cI like to paint and draw,\u201d he says, \u201cthat definitely influences my work.\u201d In fact, the fall\/winter collection in the store, he tells me, is inspired by turn-of-the-century Russian painter Kazimir Malevich.
\n Azrou\u0451l also clearly designs with his customer in mind. \u201cThe Azrou\u0451l woman doesn\u2019t follow trends,\u201d he says. \u201cShe is confident and knows what she wants and she appreciates good design and quality. My woman also definitely has curves,\u201d he adds. \u201cThe clothes are meant to make her look good.\u201d
\n The clothes do more than that. With geometric prints, interesting shapes and luxurious leathers and furs, his designs ooze NYC cool.
\n \u201cI really love what I do,\u201d confesses Azrou\u0451l. \u201cThis is a hard business. If you really don\u2019t love and live this, then don\u2019t do it.\u201d
\n The artistic nature of the work holds a major appeal for Azrou\u0451l. He proudly shows me a behind-the-scenes video of his collaboration with the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre for Bach Interpreted, by acclaimed choreographer Emery LeCrone. Azrou\u0451l designed the ultra-modern, sculptural costumes for the sold-out performance at the Guggenheim Museum. \u201cMy next collaboration is with Nir Hod, a modern artist,\u201d says Azrou\u0451l. \u201cHe has beautiful paintings called Genius and we did limited-edition scarves based on those paintings. I\u2019m very excited about it.\u201d
\nWhen asked about his business aspirations for the future, Azrou\u0451l admits, \u201cI would love to have a store in Toronto and L.A. and maybe some other major centres. I would like the business to grow organically.\u201d
\n Back at the store, his organic approach is evident as we encounter local shoppers browsing the racks. Azrou\u0451l chats with his customers, carefully listening to their suggestions and making them feel special. It\u2019s clear that not only does the designer know what his customer wants, but he\u2019s also willing to respond to her requests.
\n Taking me through his fall\/winter collection, Azrou\u0451l shares the process behind it, from the hand stitching to the specially blended fabric and the specific elements of his design vision. By the time I leave, I am the proud owner of a new Azrou\u0451l top. I am also certain that the designer has the makings of something special: Azrou\u0451l’s artist-at-work ethic and easygoing ways definitely make him one to watch. There might even be a store coming to you soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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