Going Rogue
Rogue leather jacket
As the self-proclaimed dark horse of Americana, Rogue is for the modern guy who consistently maintains a five o’clock shadow, rocks out to Sly and The Family Stone, and counts his best worked-in leather jacket as one of his wardrobe essentials. NMdaily spoke with designer Jimmy Reilly about the motorcycle-inspired collection.
What is your background in design?
You could say I got drafted out of high school and began designing outerwear because I was living the lifestyle.
Rogue plaid shirt
Did you know you always wanted to launch a collection?
Yes, about 13 years ago I gave up tinkering with motorcycles and cars after the birth of my daughter. This moment was kind of a pact with the “man upstairs” and my wife…. I began to focus my time and energy on building a brand. My business partners and I came up with the idea for the Rogue outerwear concept in 1999. It took off as a nice manageable business. In 2009, contrary to what was going on in the market, and what other brands were going through, we saw it as a time to step out and offer something new.
What sets Rogue apart from the plethora of men’s wear brands out there today?
Everyone seems to be doing Americana classic prep. We are not. We are American but the dark horse, if you will.
If there were 5 items that every man should own in their closet, what would they be and why?
I’m real simple when it comes to essentials.
1. For me, the number one thing is a great pair of boots. Boots are the foundation of my wardrobe. I prefer taller boots with an aged military or motorcycle aesthetic.
2. An aged classic leather jacket (again, aged) that fits you like a glove. It becomes your best friend and never looks outdated.
3. Great fitting, soft washed t-shirts, Henley knits and hoodies–I love hoodies.
4. Dark non-denim slim pants with subtle details.
5. A great blazer in wool twill with distinct buttons or epaulettes-something that sets you apart and comes off as fun.
Rogue laceless boot
What are your plans to expand the Rogue brand?
Well, we are launching a footwear collection this Fall. Further down the pike, we see ourselves selling casual accessories – weekend bags and belts. There’s even talk of a women’s collection.
What songs do you have on heavy rotation?
My summer playlist is heavily rooted in classic rock with some reggae, funk, rap and new artists mixed in. It goes something like this…
Santana: Jingo
Rolling Stones: anything off of Sticky Fingers and Get Your Yeah Yeahs Out
Sly and The Family Stone: If You Want to Stay
Led Zeppelin: Hey Hey
Jimi Hendrix: Red House
Thin Lizzy: Jailbreak
The Who: Behind Blue Eyes
Damian Marley & Nas: Road to Zion
Red Hot Chili Peppers: Under the Bridge
Sublime: Jail House
The Doors: Peace Frog
Shop Rogue on NeimanMarcus.com
