RISING THREADS Vol 2. 2025 January - NICHOLAS RAEFSKI

NICHOLAS RAEFSKI

Nicholas Raefski currently lives in New York City. He graduated from Fordham University in 2021 with a degree in economics and a master’s in media management. Without a formal education in fashion and design, Raefski has put together a team of autodidacts, with a learn-as-you-go moto, and launched his namesake label out of his dorm room in 2020. “Meet Me By The Bleachers”, Raefski’s second full-scale collection, marked his first appearance on the NYFW calendar with New York Men’s Day in February 2022.

R.A.T RAEFSKI ARMY TRAINER

Slow Turtle is featuring Nicholas’s Raefski’s recent footwear collection R.A.T in this January In Nicholas Raefski’s latest installment, the brand has released their first signature shoe for purchase. The Raefski Army Trainer, dubbed RAT for short, draws inspiration from the iconic German Army Trainer. Reimagined with a heavy set sole, and an updated side paneling, it’s fun take on a staple silhouette with an added Raefski twist. The name of the shoe serves as a double entendre. RAT stands for Raefski Army Trainer, but Rat also references the rats of NYC that run rampant. Speaking on the project, Nicholas explains, “I wanted to make a shoe that was easy to wear across styles. So many brands have had their take on the German Army Trainer Silhouette. I really wanted to reimagine it from my perspective as a New Yorker.” If you would like to explore this New York designer’s piece it will be available at slow turtle for this January and online. Come feel the pieces in person or shop online for this special one month showcase