Many of us wearing brand name R&R denim but dont know much about the history of R&R band. Here is some interesting points about Rock And Republic.
Michael Ball: CEO/Designer
Rebellious. Rambunctious. Rocker. Rider. Michael Ball is anything but your average CEO. Passionate and determined, strong willed and confident Michael launched Rock & Republic and in just four short years, has made it the most successful luxury denim brand in the world.
Michael grew up in Southern California. The child of divorced parents, he was always on the move, always in trouble, and always hustling to make a buck. With no real focus, he spent his time and money on fast cars, fast girls, and rock ‘n roll.
Recognizing that Michael needed structure, his mother got him involved in sports. It proved to be the perfect place for him to channel his rebellious. Cycling became his sport of choice, and the key to adding structure, focus and direction to his life.
Cycling taught Michael team skills and the rewards of competition. But it was the bright colors and bold graphics of the team’s uniforms that inspired his sense of design. He taught himself the technique of sublimation, a highly technical process that digitally screen-prints fabric, and he began making all of the team’s race-day wear.
By the late ’80s, Michael was considered one of the fastest, smartest and most aggressive cyclists on the circuit. The avid athlete had discovered he had the stamina to succeed at any task he took on. Michael won the LA Tri-Sprint Series and then went on to the national track rankings where he conquered the Velodrome. But an unfortunate racing crash forced him to put his racing aspirations on hold.
Always the entrepreneur Michael approached Xerox with a business idea. The two forged a partnership called Xerox Colorgraphics, DS Division. Overnight it put the technology giant into the fashion business. Michael’s vision and technical skills built a successful financial model for the company but he was unchallenged creatively. His flare for fashion and affinity for rock music turned his thoughts from process to product and he one again started designing.
Michael, never shy with his opinions, felt his girlfriend’s jeans didn’t properly flatter her figure. “They didn’t hug her curves. They were tight where they should have been eased, and gapped where they should have been tight. They just didn’t show off her…assets.” So, he decided to design a pair of jeans for her. Everywhere the couple went, people asked who designed the jeans, to which he always responded, “I don’t know, but they sure rock!”
