Studio Stalker: Inside Yigal Azrouël’s Rustic-Chic Fashion District Showroom-Studio

UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 5.

We're not into objectifying here at R29. Not at all. Never. But, give us a little leeway when it comes to Yigal Azrouël, the Israeli-born designer who defines rugged good looks. Luckily, this dude is more than just a pretty face — he's been crafting his signature line (70% of which is produced right here in NYC) since 1998, clearly proving he has mega staying power. And how could he not? In the decade+ that he's been in the biz, Yigal's garnered rave reviews for his master draping, cutting-edge silhouettes, and feminine-with-an-edge pieces (he practically invented the slouchy moto jacket) that make up the staples of the chic girl-on-the-go. Of course, this self-taught designer has also dominated the menswear market, too, with a knack for making, among other things, sweaters and, yes, leather, that Big Apple boys scoop up at his Meatpacking flagship to wear over and over.

Now, with a new boutique in Soho selling his contemporary brand, Cut25, Azrouël is posed for household-name status (can you say Target collab three times fast?). To indulge our crush — on the man and the clothes, promise — we indulged in a little healthy stalking at his rustic-chic Fashion District showroom-studio. We toured the factory and the new racks, plus quizzed the stud on everything from his inspirations to his ideal woman (SWOON!). We're not going to give you the exact address — sorry y'all, when it comes to Yigal, we're not into sharing.