Despite being a celebrity-loved brand, Chris Leba’s focus at R13 isn’t on designing for A-listers. His eyes are drawn to the people closest to him, and the cool pedestrians he sees walking down Howard Street outside his store. It might be why R13’s focus is on creating everyday staples with an edgy touch that are relatable to almost everyone.
For pre-fall, Leba added a softness and ease to the flannels, jeans, and jackets that are part of every R13 drop—without losing any of their cool factor. Pajama dressing was one of the main concepts, but Leba’s version was rooted in suiting: shirts were double breasted, and pant lengths mirrored those of traditional suits with short, midi, and long inseams available.
Transitional leather jackets—some with funnel necks or with military-inspired silhouettes—and work jackets in an unexpected floral print rounded out the lineup. “I was really sweating that floral workwear thing,” Leba explained. “I always like things that are super unexpected, but all I could think about was how can I make this look edgy?” In the end, after a diligent wash process and some paint splatters, he was pleased with the result. An ultra-lightweight reversible tweed/leopard print on a collarless coat with oversized rounded shoulders was the designer’s favorite. “This is one that I can walk down the street and go nowhere with,” he claimed. That’s an attitude that would resonate with both celebrities and the people who follow them.
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