Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez is a Cuban American fashion designer. Rodriguez is the eldest child and only son of Cuban parents. His father, Narciso Rodríguez II, a longshoreman, and Rawedia María Rodríguez, are of Spanish descent. He grew up in Newark, New Jersey. His parents were against Narciso entering fashion. He was educated at the New School in New York, studying at their art and design college.
Rodriguez did some freelance design work in New York, before becoming Women’s Design Director for the Anne Klein label, then later working for Calvin Klein. In 1997 he launched his own label. His first major attention came when he designed the wedding dress of fellow Calvin Klein employee Carolyn Bessette for her wedding to John F. Kennedy.
By 2006, Rodriguez, who had ended his partnership with his label’s manufacturer, Aeffe, was over US$1 million in debt to his suppliers, and needed fabric donations for his spring collection.
On May 5, 2007, Liz Claiborne acquired a 50% interest in the Narciso Rodriguez label. He launched his first fragrance, For Her, in conjunction with Shiseido’s Beaute Prestige International Brand in 2003. The men’s companion, For Him, was launched in 2007.