Cynthia Rowley Biography: Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Husband, Children, Wikipedia

Cynthia Rowley is a renowned American fashion designer who founded her eponymous brand, which combines elegant yet sporty styles.

After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago and relocating to New York City, Rowley launched her label with a clear vision and minimal resources.

Her brand is celebrated for its bold, adventurous spirit, commitment to women’s empowerment, and sustainability practices, including limited production runs and the use of recycled materials in swimwear.

Rowley’s diverse collections span ready-to-wear, swimwear, fitness apparel, accessories, and home decor, often showcasing vibrant prints.

Her accolades include a CFDA Award, Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards, and an honorary doctorate from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Profile

• Full Name: Cynthia Rowley
• Stage Name: Cynthia Rowley
• Born: 29 July 1968
• Age: 56 years old
• Birthplace: Barrington, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American fashion designer
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Clementine Rowley, Ed Rowley
• Siblings: 2
• Spouse: William Powers (m. 2005)
• Children: Kit Clementine Keenan, Gigi Clementine Powers
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $100 million

Early Life And Education

Cynthia Rowley was born on July 29, 1958, in Barrington, Illinois, United States, to Ed Rowley, a former science teacher, and Clementine Rowley, a painter.

She is one of three children, though her siblings’ names are not publicly known.

Rowley graduated from Barrington High School before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1988.

Of mixed ethnicity, she has Irish and Italian heritage, and identifies as Christian.

Career

Cynthia Rowley demonstrated an early passion for design, creating her first dress at just seven years old.

She pursued her artistic interests by studying painting at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where her creativity was evident, though it led to her removal from a student art show due to her unconventional designs.

During her time as a student, Rowley’s talent caught the eye of a buyer from Marshall Field’s, who purchased her first collection, offering her a significant early break in the fashion industry.

After graduating in 1988, she moved to New York City with only $3,000 from her grandmother and launched her namesake label, initially focused on women’s apparel.

Though Rowley faced challenges early on, such as a poorly attended first fashion show, she persevered.

By 1988, she had incorporated the Cynthia Rowley Collection, which would go on to expand into a multifaceted lifestyle brand, offering not only women’s clothing but also accessories, eyewear, handbags, shoes, cosmetics, and fragrance.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Rowley’s brand gained international recognition, with boutiques opening in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, as well as overseas in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Her playful, adventurous designs, often described as “flirty” and “carefree,” became synonymous with New York Fashion Week.

Rowley’s creative endeavors went beyond fashion as she ventured into collaborations and home goods.

She co-authored the “Swell” book series with Ilene Rosenzweig, which led to a line of home accessories for Target in 2003.

She also designed uniforms for United Airlines and worked with brands like Roxy and Band-Aid on product collaborations.

Her design influence extended into furniture, with a collection for Hooker Furniture.

In addition to her work in fashion, Rowley is a best-selling author and frequent television personality.

Her numerous accolades include a CFDA Award, Designer of the Year at the American Image Awards, and an honorary doctorate from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Today, Rowley’s brand remains celebrated for its innovative spirit, blending fashion, lifestyle, and creativity to influence the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @cynthiarowley

Personal Life

Cynthia Rowley has been married three times.

Her first husband, photographer Tom Sullivan, passed away from cancer in 1994.

She then married Brooklyn sculptor William Keenan Jr., with whom she had a daughter, Kit Keenan, born in 1999, before they later divorced.

Since September 17, 2005, Rowley has been married to William “Bill” Powers, an art dealer, writer, and gallery owner.

Together, they have two daughters, including Gigi Clementine.

Net Worth

Cynthia Rowley has an estimated net worth of $100 million, primarily from her global fashion and lifestyle brand, the Cynthia Rowley Collection.

Her income comes from sales of clothing, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, handbags, eyewear, as well as profits from international boutiques, collaborations, book publishing, and real estate investments.