Narciso Rodriguez

Rodriguez did some freelance design work in New York, before becoming Women’s Design Director for the Anne Klein label, then later working for Calvin Klein. In 1997 he launched his own label. His first major attention came when he designed the wedding dress of fellow Calvin Klein employee Carolyn Bessette for her wedding to John F. Kennedy, Jr..

On November 4, 2008, Michelle Obama wore a dress from Narciso Rodriguez's spring 2009 collection when she joined her husband, Barack Obama, appearing for the first time as president-elect of the United States, on the stage at Grant Park in Chicago; it received substantial attention in the press. The dress, originally unveiled at New York City's Fashion Week in September 2008, came from Rodriguez's "stress-relief" design collection. Rodriguez was a strong supporter in the fashion world of Barack Obama's campaign; in August 2008, he blamed a slowdown in his business on "this Bush mess".

On May 5, 2007, Liz Claiborne acquired a 50% interest in the Narciso Rodriguez label. In 2008 Narciso Rodriguez bought the 50% interest back from Liz Claiborne for 12 million dollars.

By 2006, Rodriguez, who had ended his partnership with his label's manufacturer, Aeffe, was over US$1 million in debt to his suppliers, and needed fabric donations for his spring collection.

Rodriguez is the eldest child and only son of Cuban parents. His father, Narciso Rodríguez II, a longshoreman, and Rawedia María Rodríguez, are of Spanish descent. He grew up in Newark, New Jersey. His parents were against Narciso entering fashion. He was educated at the New School in New York, studying at their art and design college, Parsons The New School for Design. He graduated St Cecilias High School in 1979, a small Catholic school in Kearny NJ.