Byron Lars

Twisted American classics. The freshest point of view in American fashion.

Byron Lars began designing under his own label in 1991 with a small collection of sportswear built around what Lars calls “twisted American classics” — taking inspiration from unlikely sources like his grandfather’s hunting jacket and crossbreeding it with Dior New Look proportions to create something entirely unexpected. Juxtapositions are his trademark: a men’s cotton dress shirt distorted until it resembles a Dorothy Lamour sarong. Edgy fashion steeped in something familiar.

“When edgy fashion is steeped in something familiar, it becomes far less alienating to the consuming public.”
— Byron Lars

After only his second season, Women’s Wear Daily hailed Byron as “Rookie of the Year.” His line was immediately picked up by Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s, as well as over 100 specialty stores across the US and distribution in the UK and France. Bloomingdale’s fashion director Kal Ruttenstein called it: “The freshest point of view of all the young American designers.” His Seventh on Sixth runway presentations attracted licensees in handbags, furs, and hats — and led to a limited-edition designer Barbie doll for Mattel.

Byron later redirected his energy toward a contemporary line and pricing structure — Byron Lars Beauty Mark. Built on the shirts and shirt dresses that put him on the map, Beauty Mark has enjoyed years of success and continues to expand into knits, sportswear, and dresses, all at an accessible price point without sacrificing the designer’s signature wit and craft.