Raul Lopez is an enigma. Born in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, the conspicuously looking Lopez is extremely down to earth and has a shy, soft spoken demeanor. After getting his start in fashion as Shayne Oliver’s other half at rebel label Hood By Air, Lopez went solo to launch Luar Zepol, a full ready-to-wear and lifestyle brand.
“Luar Zepol is my name spelled backwards, and I want people to look at my clothes as a piece of art, not like a painting or anything like that, but as a fashion statement and think “I need that.” Although he’s lived in NYC for most of his life, Lopez has strong Dominican Republic roots. He finds himself commuting between NYC and the Dominican Republic where most of his manufacturing is done by native seamstresses, whilst specific accessories and garments require hands on US fabrication.
On a recent trip to the Dominican Republic Lopez said “I love the fact that although I look NOTHING like the people there, they love me and accept me for who I am. I love the fact that although it is a third world country, the people there allow me to express myself through my clothes and I’m not judged when I visit.”
When asked what his influences are, one single clear answer does not suffice since he sees his life, experiences, and the world as a canvas from which he draws constant influence and inspiration. Further, Lopez wholeheartedly believes Luar Zepol is “ a state of mind, aesthetically connected by a new interpretation of mens roles.” His spring 2015 collection contained hidden elements of beach wear worn by Dominican natives, aeronautical accessories derived from his travels and an ever-present strong dose of urban punk futurism.
Lopez’ mix of old-school tailoring and concrete-jungle/lifestyle menswear directly influences the luxe-utilitarian almost raver-wear look that Luar Zepol is infamous for. It’s the type of clothes that informs a post-apocalyptic film, as well as an underground rave.
“So what’s next for Luar Zepol?” “GREAT Question” he laughs, he perceives every season as a different chapter based on what he’s experienced up to the point where his pencil finishes a sketch. This is how he manages to stay afloat creatively. With all the buzz about his latest collection, he says he’s far more focused now than in the past. “I did all the partying and excess when New York WAS New York, now I want to change people’s notion of what fashion is. I want to share a vision that’s beyond mainstream fashion,” states the designer.
