"This collection has been a passion project that began as I was editing images for my new book entitled John Varvatos: Rock In Fashion," said Varvatos. "I was exploring the black and white images of Jimi Hendrix by notable British portrait photographer Gered Mankowitz. Jimi was a visionary rocker whose influence reaches beyond music, defining the art of individual style. Using this inspiration, I created a contemporary, non-nostalgic mix that is tactile and precious, in a non-precious kind of way."

Varvatos sat down with Rolling Stone to explain the background and timing of the new collection.