Meet Trace Ayala...The Other Face Of William Rast

William Rast is by far one of the hottest denim brands on the market, created by Justin Timberlake and his childhood best friend Trace Ayala.   True Jeans wanted to catch up with Trace and find out a little more about the brand and get to know the other face of William Rast.  Enjoy!

True Jeans: William Rast is a little bit of LA mixed with Tennessee style; which parts of William Rast's characteristics best describe your personality?

Trace Ayala: The Tennessee part is definitely me!  I try to enjoy the same things I did in Tennessee here in LA.

True Jeans: When you and Justin decided to launch the William Rast line of clothing, what was the motivation?  Did you feel like there was something missing in the market or did you just want to start a cool new clothing line?

Trace Ayala:  A little bit of both.  I feel like the market is definitely missing a true American heritage brand that stays true to their roots.  Everyone today wants that European style but we are who we are; 2 boys from the South.

True Jeans:  What is your favorite William Rast Jeans style to wear and why?

Trace Ayala:  I like the Billy Flare or Billy Bootcut.  I ride almost every day and like the looser fitting denim that is comfortable for me to wear while I am roping.

True Jeans:  What is your favorite William Rast women's style and why?

Trace Ayala:  I like the Women's Savoy.  The design of the yolk on the back makes all girls rears look amazing!

True Jeans:  The brand has a strong celebrity following. Other than William Rast being a celebrity-driven brand, how will William Rast continue to differentiate itself amongst other top and emerging denim brands?
 
Trace Ayala:  All we can do is be true to who we are and true to the clothes that we want to wear and I think that will end up differentiating us from the mainstream.

True Jeans:  We absolutely love William Rast's signature back pocket design!  Is there a story of influence behind the design?

Trace Ayala:  We call it "Dub" because each pocket is half of a W which ties back to William Rast

True Jeans:  Does William Rast have plans to branch into other merchandise categories besides clothing?

Trace Ayala:  Absolutely!  We will be creating an entire lifestyle brand. 

True Jeans:  What kind of jeans did you and Justin wear growing up?

Trace Ayala:  Mostly Levi's because they always stay true to being an American brand.

True Jeans:  What will be the hot trend we can expect to see for upcoming seasons from William Rast?

Trace Ayala:  Distressed and vintage denim, work wear styling and classic and high-rise silhouettes.

True Jeans:  What role do you and Justin play in the company? Are you just investors or do you participate in the day-to-day operations of the business?

Trace Ayala:  Justin and I are co-founders of the brand.  We are involved every day.  I have an office here downtown and I have basically become the culture ambassador of the brand.  I ensure that every aspect of this brand stays true to who we are. 

True Jeans:  Congratulations on your engagement to Joanna Garcia!  Will you be wearing any William Rast to your wedding?

Trace Ayala:  Absolutely! 

True Jeans:  Last question...What do you think of our website TrueJeans.com and our unique fit technology?!?
 
Trace Ayala:  I think it is awesome!!  I have always been a true believer that whatever jeans makes you feel comfortable is something you should be wearing regardless of the brand name.