When Ronen Jehezkel arrived in New York in 1991 after having attained his degree in alta moda from Instituto Europeo di Design in Rome, Italy, he wanted to literally take his dream of fashion success to the streets. With a mere $500 investment and small collections of vests produced in his Soho loft, the seeds of this young innovative company were planted. Building on the initial success of this venture, he moved his operation to a studio and storefront in Tribeca. Then in 1993, he met Parke Lutter; a design student at the Parsons School of Design. Shortly after attaining his degree in Fashion Design, in 1997, the two joined forces to open a new company and launch Parke & Ronen. Their contrasting backgrounds fused the European traditions of haute couture and the American sensibilities of 7th Avenue, resulting in an exceptional creative synergy. For their début at NYFW, the duo decided they wanted to be more than a swimwear brand, helping men transition from the beach / pool to the streets and possibly the office. Ronen Jehezkel and Parke Lutter designed an eye-appealing collection which emphasized the idea of chic sensuality. The main inspiration was obviously Spain. This was evident in the merry prints and fun(ky) patterns seen on some swim trunks and shorts : it was everything Summer. The silhouettes were as hot as heat, and the colors as bright as the sun; holding tones of intense red, turquoise, and orange, as well as breeze white, mustard and light green. Tricky as it may seem, the build of the garments was a difficult yet seemly effortless mix of fitting and comfort, where fabric of jersey, cotton and broathcloth played perfectly on the chiseled-like models' body. The show was sexy with just the right amount of flair. Proof that there is something to be said for a beautifully tailored pair of pants (even if it does end above the knee falling into the category of shorts -or even swim trunks for that matter), Parke & Ronen’s first show at New York Fashion Week made it clear that in the future, it’s one not to miss. This label is for the man who is ready to look good but not let everyone know he is trying. Very smart indeed.
