Behind the scenes of Robert Graham’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker collection
Credit: Robert Graham
The final film in the Star Wars Skywalker saga is here! The Rise of Skywalker is not only inspiring some interesting conversations in the fandom, but is inspiring a number of unique fashion collections. From apparel to cosmetics to accessories, designers are looking at the new film and all eight previous Star Wars episodes as they create stylish ways for fans to show their love for the franchise.
One such Force-filled capsule collection was a collaboration between Lucasfilm and Robert Graham. The capsule has shirts and accessories for men and women showing familiar characters and imagery from the nine-part Skywalker saga in stunning designs.
In an email interview, we spoke with Robert Graham’s vice president of marketing Naomi Holland to find out more about how this stunning capsule was created.
How did the opportunity to work with Lucasfilm come about?
Our newly formed parent company Centric Brand holds the Disney license and works very closely with them. We leveraged their relationship and began our own journey with Robert Graham, aligning closely with Centric to guide us. It was a perfect match.
How long were you working on this collection?
Six months. [It was] record breaking design concepting and release for our small and mighty team. We ran very quickly to make this happen ahead of the movie release.
There is so much in the Skywalker saga to look to for inspiration. How did you choose the imagery and characters you wanted to include in the collection?
We chose characters and situations with depth, history to spark the conversation. We took the legacy of the Star Wars enterprise and gave it a Robert Graham twist (color, embroidery, and material interest).
You're offering a great range of apparel and accessories. What was your process like for deciding what items you wanted to offer here?
We chose a balanced approach to him and her noting that we are best known for shirts. We wanted to offer both genders tees, shirts, and jackets. We added scarves/pocket squares as the finishing touches to any outfit.
What was the most challenging part of creating this line?
We only had six months from inception to completion. Time is a luxury.
What do you hope your line offers to fans that they haven't seen in a Star Wars collaboration before?
We didn’t just slap on a character or logo. We ran with a story line—like the dark side and light side in jackets for example. [It has] originality of story expression like only Robert Graham can through color, design, and technique. [These are] original collectibles.
How do you think Star Wars has inspired fashion designers over the years and why do you think the franchise continues to be a fashion inspiration?
It appeals to young and old across both genders. It allows escape and fantasy into a world of conversation, excitement, and politics like no other enterprise. Good and bad. Peace and war. [These are] eternal themes.
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