William Rast is an American clothing line. It was founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala in 2005 and is currently owned by Yehuda Shmidman.

William Rast
IndustryClothing
Founded2005; 19 years ago (2005)
FounderJustin Timberlake
Trace Ayala
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, U.S.
ProductsClothing
OwnerYehuda Shmidman
Websitewilliamrast.com
A William Rast model walking down the catwalk at the 2009 New York Fashion Week

The name "William Rast" is a combination of Timberlake's grandfather's first name and Ayala's grandfather's last name.[1]

The brand has had partnerships with designers such as Johan and Marcella Lindeberg[2] as well as retailers such as Target.[3][4][5]

History edit

William Rast was founded by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala in 2005 as a denim line.[6][7]

William Rast sponsored the #98 Bryan Herta Autosport / Curb-Agajanian Performance Group IndyCar of Dan Wheldon which won the 2011 Indianapolis 500. Wheldon died in a crash in October 2011.[8]

In November 2021, as part of a bankruptcy, WHP Global, owned by Yehuda Shmidman, acquired the company.[9]

References edit

  1. ^ Chan, Stephanie (November 18, 2016). "Justin Timberlake's Clothing Line William Rast Is Back". Billboard.
  2. ^ Greenberg Kaplan, Julee (November 30, 2007). "New Friends: Timberlake, Lindebergs Link Up for William Rast". Women's Wear Daily.
  3. ^ "Timberlake Fashion Line Partners With Target". Billboard. July 29, 2010. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  4. ^ "Target to Offer Exclusive Limited-Edition Collection by William Rast" (Press release). Target Corporation. November 20, 2010.
  5. ^ TSCHORN, ADAM (December 24, 2010). "Designer William Rast has collection for Target". The St. Augustine Record.
  6. ^ Longo, Joseph (February 12, 2021). "REMEMBER WILLIAM RAST, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE'S DISAPPOINTING DENIM LINE?". MEL Magazine.
  7. ^ Saunders, Nicole (September 8, 2016). "Justin Timberlake Discusses Tennessee Roots in New William Rast Promo Video". Billboard.
  8. ^ BRICKER, TIERNEY (October 16, 2011). "Dan Wheldon, Race Driver for Justin Timberlake's Clothing Line, Killed During Indy 300 Crash". E!.
  9. ^ Young, Vicki M. (November 5, 2021). "WILLIAM RAST, JOE'S JEANS HEADED TO NEW OWNERS". Penske Media Corporation.

External links edit