We all know about Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Vera Wang, Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton and Versace. But who’s the next designer with that “boom boom pow?” Who will bring the house down during New York’s world-famous Fashion Week? 

Possibly a self-taught 24-year-old who immigrated to America from the Ukraine about 10 years ago with his family. Igor Rozenblyum could be the next big thing. His style has been compared to another Ukrainian Jew, Nudie Cohen—the late celebrity designer known for the blingy, over-the-top suits worn by Elvis Presley, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, to name a few. When I spoke with Igor, I discovered many fascinating facts about him and his couture line. His unique garments are what I call Russian mafia princess, mixed with nightclub Euro-chic and, most of all, tons of funk.

Although Igor draws his inspiration from Mexican art and the American Old West, he incorporates Jewish themes into his work. For example, hamsas decorate the back pockets of jeans and bejeweled T-shirts are adorned with Hebrew phrases. But Igor’s fashion line, Rozenblyum Couture, has a growing non-Jewish consumer base. He explained: “It’s about the concept and not about the religion. It’s what’s in the heart.”

Always trying to be inventive, he describes his clothing as funky, unique, trendy, stylish and attentive. The process of creating clothes is important to Igor, while continually paying attention to detail. In fact, when Igor isn’t making his couture, he’s wearing it. For the past five years, he has almost solely worn his own clothing line. His fashion journey started as a kid with a needle, thread and a piece of denim. And, as they say, the rest is history. 

For more info about Igor’s designs, visit rozenblyumcouture.com.