Parke & Ronen

What was your inspiration for this collection?

Parke: “So, the inspiration is the baby ivy’s, the little New England sort of elite schools, like the Amherst or the Williams. We liked the idea of the history of this excellence, exclusivity, brilliant enclaves of where everyone is devoted to making you a better person, but they also had this history of being elitist, rich white men. Today they have become the most purpose driven about progressive thinking and diversity with still a commitment to excellence. In this world where everything is so not good it was really nice to sort of attach onto that optimism.

How would you describe the brand Parke & Ronen in three words?

Ronen: Confident. Powerful. Sexy.

What is the typical look of the Parke & Ronen man?

Parke: Great fitting shorts, an amazing tank top with a cute print to button down over it and a bikini underneath.

What’s the biggest lesson that you’ve learned since you started Parke & Ronen?

Ronen: It’s never ending, the creativity. It’s never ending, the stress. But, you know, every year that we work so hard, putting so much energy to maintain the business and you throw in the complication of that what’s happening today, it’s totally charged my battery for the next season.

What advice would you give to young designers?

Parke: You gotta love it, patience, perseverance and don’t do it for money.
Ronen: And, bring a helmet.

What is your motto?

Parke: Pick your battles.