There are few figures in fashion as open as Rhuigi Villaseñor. The 32-year-old mastermind behind Los Angeles's hautest label Rhude brings unabashed swagger to all aspects of his life. That ethos is ingrained in Villaseñor who moved from Manila in the Philippines at age 10 to Los Angeles. Avidly consuming car culture, fashion, and art, Villaseñor made waves in 2015 when he launched his label Rhude which counts Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar as fans. However, last year saw the young talent embrace storied Swiss brand Bally as its creative director bringing a new look to luxury. Having presented his label's fall 2023 menswear collection in Los Angeles earlier this month, we asked Villaseñor to share where he goes in the city of Angels.
How would you describe your label's aesthetic / vision in 3 words?
Modern. Gentleman. Elegant.
What do you like most about Los Angeles?
What I love about Los Angeles is the distance—how you can feel the difference of people and environment in just a matter of minutes. It makes for a great melting pot. I think it's important to have a little tension in order to create the diamonds in the city. There's a reason why there's amazing food in LA.
What is your go-to casual spot? Why?
Lately, it has been chef Wolfgang Puck's Merois. He's cooking incredible food right now, we're friends, and so we tried a tasting menu that made me very, very happy. It's a place that gives the right ambiance with a great wine list. You can find yourself ripping off the last pieces of cheeks from the fish or the last few bites of the fried rice. After a long day, I don't mind a great Colombian restaurant in the valley called Sazon Colombia, Chef Ludo Lefebvre's Petit Trois, [and] Badmaash goes in that list as well. Can't leave out Haidilao since my trip to Shanghai. Jaycee Chan and friends introduced me to hot pot and I've never stopped.
What is your go-to fine dining spot? Why?
Providence is great. It captures that Euro touch for ingredients with obviously Bourgogne wines that I'll personally bring LOL. But nothing gets fancier than the intimacy of an omakase sushi dinner. Technique, fresh produce, and six seats only. What more can you ask for...
Shin Sushi is incredible for the osaka technique, or Shu Sushi House if I'm feeling like eating westernized sushi with big flavors and citrus blends. Luckily, it's owned by my dear friend Giacomino [Drago]. Since I've been living in Europe most of the time, I think I've built an eclectic palette so fancy, I try to eat every dinner.
How would you describe Los Angeles in 3 words?
Migrants. Hope. Hollywood.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in Los Angeles? Why?
My parents' house for the cooking. Then, I take a trip down memory lane and walk the mall in the Valley to see real people. I want to know what real people wear, what they love, what makes them want to spend or dream of clothes. But for food, I’ll take a great tripas taco from a carnicería on Vanowen and De Soto. The stand starts at 5 until late and this place has fed me since I was 14-years-old with no money.
What's your favorite hotel for family to stay at in Los Angeles? Why?
The Bel-Air Hotel. It's close to my home and is my second home. They treat me very well.
What's your favorite hotel bar / cafe in Los Angeles? Why?
The Polo Lounge! Nothing captures that era better than the Beverly Hills Hotel. It's where I take out-of-town friends if they want to feel LA, but Bird Street is also very nice.
If your designs were a MICHELIN Guide restaurant, which one would it be?
Tough, but I think it would be a little street, but fine dining with the best wine list. I love great wines. Unfortunately, I don't drink Napa but any French vintages and regions I drink.
Hero image: Lea Colombo
