Designer Interview: Jordan Rapoport Brings Renaissance to the Runway

Madelyn Payne in Lucciare Designs, photographed by Gabi Linke

Jordan Rapoport, founder of Lucciare Designs, has always had a drive to create. She attended a very conservative high school, but that never stopped her from experimenting with fashion, donning six-inch Mary Jane platforms and layered chains to school on any typical day. “When I was younger, I would dress crazy, and it was an important part of my self-expression,” she states. 

During her time at Syracuse University, majoring in sculpture with a minor in painting allowed her to develop an appreciation for historic pieces, especially from the Renaissance era. “As a painter, I was all about details, rich colors and the contrast between light and dark. I incorporated that color scheme and depth into my work.”

Her designing journey, however, really began a few years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. No longer able to try on clothes in-store, she started sewing to alter clothes bought online that weren’t fitting correctly. From there, she began deconstructing her own no-longer-worn garments and turning them into something entirely new, unearthing a new passion in the process. Slowly combining her love of historic sculpture and art, she started making and selling intricate corsets primarily on Depop.  

Ringmaster’s aesthetic was “right up her alley,” so Jordan designed various pieces for Roam’s fashion show. Her corsets employ a sense of regality and intricacy that is reflective of her work as a whole. She plays with darks and lights, multiple mediums, and striking embellishments that speak to her keen attention to detail. 

For this collection and throughout her work, Jordan has sourced her materials from a wide net, using lots of recycled items. “I get a lot from thrift stores, pulling different parts from different fabrics like old curtains, antique jewelry and even upholstered pillows. I find it anywhere.” Because of this, her process involves a lot of experimentation, beginning with solely a mood or aesthetic. “I have a mannequin that I’m constantly pinning things on to see what works and what doesn’t. I never really know what a piece is going to look like until it’s done.” 

Much like that of a Renaissance painting, the closer one examines Jordan’s corsets, the more treasures one will find. “When I was younger, my mom would always say to me that God is in the details, and I just pull that so close to me when I’m designing,” she states. 

More than anything, Jordan loves seeing the positive impact that her work has on others and strives to make her pieces as accessible as possible. “Being able to help somebody wear something that makes them feel confident or excited about it is something that I can relate to, and it’s very rewarding. I just love that.” 

Jordan is excited to see the collaborative efforts of hers and others come to fruition in this year’s fashion show. “It’s a whole different story, so much more powerful. I love bringing in someone else’s vision along with my own, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together.” 

You can see Rapoport’s designs in Roam’s Spring 2025 fashion show, Ringmaster, and by following her on Instagram and Depop @lucciaredesigns.