With his audacious style and outlandish persona, Richie Rich has captivated the fashion world for over 30 years. Here‘s a quick overview of the iconic designer‘s stats:
Full Name | Richard Eichhorn |
Age | 53 |
Birthday | November 11, 1970 |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Richie Rich is an American figure skater, fashion designer, TV personality and author. He was part of the 1990s Club Kids group in New York City that included colorful characters like James St. James and Kabuki Starshine.
The Birth of a Fashion Icon
Richie began designing clothing as a hobby while working as a busboy at the iconic Limelight nightclub. His DIY creations soon caught the eye of fellow Club Kids and he started taking custom orders. In the span of just a few years, Richie went from crafting one-of-a-kind pieces in his apartment to launching his own fashion label in 1994.
The Richie Rich label exploded onto the fashion scene with its bold, boundary-pushing aesthetic. Early collections featured vinyl, latex, and leather looks with dramatic cuts and prints. Richie‘s innovative use of materials and willingness to take risks cemented his status as an emerging design talent.
Notable Early Collections
- Fall 1994: Debuted thigh-high leather platform boots and minidresses with doll parts sewn on.
- Spring 1996: Featured caution tape corsets and gowns.
- Fall 1998: Models wore 10-inch platform heels down the runway.
Pushing the Envelope
Never one to play it safe, Richie continued to push the envelope throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His sensational runway shows became legendary for their extravagance and theatricality. Models strutted down the catwalk in 10-inch platform heels and dresses made entirely of doll parts or caution tape.
Richie was also one of the first designers to feature drag queens on the runway. His embracing of New York‘s vibrant queer scene and fluid notions of gender made him a progressive voice in fashion. Major celebrities took notice, with stars like Paris Hilton, Lil Kim, and Britney Spears donning Richie Rich originals.
Groundbreaking Moments
- 1999: Debuted clothing line for drag queens.
- 2002: Cast drag superstar RuPaul in fashion show.
- 2003: Paris Hilton walked the runway in Richie‘s annual fashion show.
Giving Back
In spite of his success, Richie has never forgotten his roots. He‘s used his platform to support the LGBTQ community and give opportunities to young queer creatives. In the early 2000s, Richie mentored several up-and-coming designers through his "Richie Rich Fashion Incubator" program.
Some of the now-famous designers Richie has boosted over the years include Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Alexander Wang. Richie gave them guidance and financial support early in their careers.
Today, Richie continues to inspire new generations with his bold vision and advocacy. Though now in his 50s, he has not slowed down creatively. His recent collections feature updated takes on his signature avant-garde style.
The Impact of an Icon
Over 30 years after exploding onto the scene, Richie Rich‘s impact on fashion and culture cannot be overstated. His fearless designs and support for the marginalized made him a true trailblazer. Richie gave the world a new template for what a designer could be – artist, activist, and rule-breaker all at once.