#INTERVIEW with Michael Lombard: Style is Power
Iconic American celebrity fashion designer, Michael Lombard, started his career off as a record label executive under Atlantic Records. He then realized his passion for design and fashion after being inspired by the rockstar aesthetic. Dubbed “The King of Leather” by Huffington Post, Michael Lombard’s collection of clothes and accessories has been worn by a diverse set of A-listers ranging from singers, actors and professional athletes across the globe.
Having dressed Bebe Rexha, Paula Abdul, Tiffany Young and many more celebrities, Michael prides himself in being the ‘go-to’ designer for looks that are edgy, unforgettable, and effortlessly cool. When he’s not dressing celebrities, he’s showcasing his designs in runaways globally New York, LA, London, and Milan.
Michael was named “Designer of the year” by VZSN magazine. His work has been praised the world over, with The LA Times even calling his jacket and sneakers “the best fashion moment of 2020”. Further cementing his place in the history books of fashion, Michael won The International Fashion Designer of the year award from VFW in Dubai in July 2021 and Best Creative Director of the Year in December 2021 by GFW in Africa.
Michael has recently launched his first flagship in Dubai Mall’s highly coveted Fashion Avenue where his famed creations and upcoming launches will be showcased to discerning shoppers and stylists in the Middle East.
Tanja Beljanski: What motivated you to get into fashion design after so many years in the music industry?
Michael Lombard: I’ve always been intrigued by fashion as it’s used in every aspect of music, they are one in the same so I thought I would bring my sketching and creative talent over to fashion. And the rest is history.
TB: How would you sum up the aesthetic of your brand and how it resonates with your own personal style?
ML: Well, I’ve always been an undercover rock star. I wear a lot of black, I like edgy but trendy things so it was a perfect fit between my brand and how I dress in my personal life.
TB: From what do you draw inspiration?
ML: My inspiration comes from anything really. When I visit different countries, or see a beautiful art piece I get inspired to create something cutting edge and different.
TB: When you design, you don’t have a person or a muse in mind?
ML: Not really, I just design from what my mood or feeling is at that time frame.
TB: With leather being the house code, what is your design ethos?
ML: My design ethos is to just be true to what you are designing and don’t try to over do it. Leather is very hard to manipulate, and I do a good job to make it do things that it shouldn’t and still keep it appealing for my audience.
“I WANT MY fans AND FAMOUS FRIENDS
TO FEEL emboldened AND POWERFUL IN ALL MY designs.
THEY SHOULD HAVE A feeling OF
SELF ESTEEM AND self WORTH.” — MICHAEL LOMBARD
TB: What is your favorite piece in your latest collection?
ML: I stepped out of my box and did a green fabric shimmer sequin dress. I can do it all but I like to stick to my passion which is leather.
TB: Your label has amassed quite a number of fans, including a handful of famous ones. What do you hope they feel when they wear your designs?
ML: I want my fans and famous friends to feel emboldened and powerful in all my designs. They should have a feeling of self esteem and self worth.
TB: Are collaborations important to you? If so, who would you collaborate with?
ML: They are very important to me. I’ve done tons of collaborations and I would love to do many more. Anyone who loves my designs is someone I would love to collaborate with.
TB: What do you wear on a daily basis?
ML: I’m a jeans, t-shirt, high top sneaker and hat kinda guy with the occasional blazer over top.
TB: Do you believe that style can be a powerful thing?
ML: Yes. Style can define you as an individual. It tells a lot about the person you are and what you like and dislike. You can also misread someone in that very same way. Style is power.
TB: What words do you live by?
ML: Create what you love and love what you create.
TB: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned when it comes to the fashion industry?
ML: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Stay true to what you believe and don’t let anyone undermine you and block out all the noise. Only you know the true path you’re on. It just takes time.
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