Alright, let me tell you about my deep dive into the burning question: “Is Rick Owens Mexican?”
It all started with a photo. I was scrolling through Instagram, like you do, and saw someone rocking a killer Rick Owens fit. I remember thinking, “Damn, that’s a vibe.” Then, I noticed a comment asking if Rick Owens was Mexican. I was like, “Wait, what?”
So, naturally, I did what any self-respecting fashion enthusiast would do: I jumped down the rabbit hole of Google searches. I started with the basics. I punched in “Rick Owens biography” and “Rick Owens ethnicity”. I found the standard info: born in Porterville, California, of American nationality. Ok, so far, not Mexican.
But the Instagram comment was bugging me. I started digging deeper. I tried different search terms. “Rick Owens influences,” “Rick Owens family history,” that sort of thing. I was determined to find the source of this rumour.
I spent a good hour or two sifting through articles and interviews. I learned a lot about his design philosophy, his love for Helmut Lang, his whole gothic-meets-grunge aesthetic. But nothing about Mexican heritage.
Then, I stumbled upon a forum thread. Some people were speculating about his darker complexion and bone structure. Someone mentioned that “Owens” is a fairly common surname in some parts of Mexico. People were pulling at straws, honestly. I think that’s where it went sideways into some peoples assumptions.
That got me thinking about cultural appropriation. Rick Owens definitely draws inspiration from various cultures, including some that have roots in Mexican culture, like Cholo and lowrider styles. Maybe that’s where the confusion stemmed from. People saw some design choices and made assumptions about his background. This is what I concluded, from what I could see.
Ultimately, I found no concrete evidence to suggest that Rick Owens is Mexican. He’s American, born and raised. However, I think his aesthetic choices, combined with some physical features, have led some people to draw that conclusion.
My takeaway? Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Do your research. And maybe, just maybe, appreciate a designer’s work without trying to box them into a specific ethnic category.
Plus, I learned a lot about Rick Owens! I went from just liking his clothes to appreciating his design perspective. So, even though I didn’t find the answer I was initially looking for, it was a worthwhile exploration. Maybe I will buy one of his pieces now haha!
End of story.
