Victor Lytvinenko: ‘Denim is the Heartbeat of Our Business’
Since its inception in 2007, Raleigh Denim Workshop has strived to create “meaningful” clothing that tells a story. And with almost 20 years under its belt, the Raleigh, North Carolina-based denim brand is still telling that story—this time with a bigger audience.
Starting off his career as a winemaker and chef—cooking at Nobu’s Tribeca location—Victor Lytvinenko, co-founder and designer at Raleigh Denim Workshop, took an unexpected career shift when he decided to co-launch his own brand.
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“I kind of took some of the philosophies I learned from winemaking and cooking and applied it to clothing—denim specifically—in the beginning,” Lytvinenko said. “However, I’m a very creative person, and I like to design lots of different things. I even remember sewing all of the very first jeans that were in Barney’s.”
Now, Lytvinenko is taking his talent to the Big Apple.
Raleigh Denim Workshop unveiled its Spring/Summer 2024 collection at New York Men’s Day (NYMD) this month, showcasing a unique collection celebrating its legacy of denim craft, quality and tradition since denim is “the core” of its business, according to Lytvinenko.
Notable pieces seen on the runway include dark-wash denim dresses, trench coats and jeans with denim patchwork, and a denim jumpsuit cinched at the waist for an accentuated shape.
“[Raleigh] is a community of creativity where artists and designers get together and have fun,” Lytvinenko said. “Most of the people here inspire me, and I think this collection is really one of collaboration.”
Being Raleigh Denim Workshop’s second time presenting at NYMD, Lytvinenko believes that the brand has many unique pieces to share, which is why it came back this year.
“What we’re doing, the group of people that I’m cultivating and the creative energy [that comes from Raleigh] is special. We go to the shop every single day and make new things. Some of these people that come in even write their albums while we dance and play music,” Lytvinenko said. “I think it’s cool that we live in a different place because we’re growing a different kind of creativity that I think is important to share during New York Fashion Week.”
In addition to sharing its uniqueness with New York, Lytvinenko is looking to gain wholesale partners—specifically select boutiques interested in telling the brand’s story—as approximately 75 percent of its business is currently direct-to-consumer.
“Our products, which are mainly produced in the U.S., have such a deep history,” Lytvinenko said. “There’s a lot to tell, and what we do is different, [so being in stores] is an opportunity for people to connect with us. That’s why working with retailers that want to help us tell each garment’s story is important.”
