Get Roped into Rodeo
Get Roped into Rodeo
By: Elena Ossoski
This is not Lindsay Perper’s first rodeo. While in conversation with Lindsay Rust Perper, the founder and CEO of Rodeo and recent NYU Stern graduate gave us some insight as to how her startup came to life. A curated internet platform which provides as much inspiration as it gives ease to the e-commerce experience, Rodeo has something for every fashion enthusiast.
Unlike other platforms, Rodeo was not created for influencers, but rather for influential people. Photographers, artists, writers, and stylists alike can find comfort in the digital space. The name, inspired by the luxury of Rodeo Drive, was decided upon while Perper was in conversation with her brother.
A young businesswoman driven by gumption, style, and the power of creativity, Perper was destined to be the brains behind something like Rodeo. Perper’s tech savviness was first made apparent as she began her career at a fashion startup and quickly became the company’s go-to girl for everyone’s computer questions. Perper recalls initiating the creation of the startup’s Instagram account and coding its blog in the early days of social media. Perper reflected gratefully on the experience as it allowed her, “to see the whole life cycle of the fashion industry.”
Perper in Tokyo, Japan (left) and in the Hamptons with the Rodeo team (right).
Perper’s skills were just as impressive once she made the move to Ralph Lauren. After eight years at the American powerhouse and going viral on TikTok during the pandemic, Perper knew she had to harness the untapped strength that lies within the trust that the everyday person can create in an internet-based community. With her high fashion alumni status and knack for innovation on her side, Perper left Ralph Lauren and launched Rodeo in 2022. Confident and ambitious, Perper, “started to hit the ground running.”
With the help of a close-knit team of like-minded creatives including Olivia Duncan, Alanna Vizzoni, and Samantha Pelletier, Perper has not slowed down since day one. While creating Rodeo, Perper gave as much attention to the navigability of the site as she did the lasso details that serve as the cherry on top of the site’s aesthetic.
Alanna Vizzoni, Olivia Duncan, Lindsay Rust Perper, and Samantha Pelletier at Rodeo’s Code and Couture event in New York City.
With the help of Gabriella Langone and Ben Watts, Rodeo generates original fashion features in addition to the constant flow of creator-driven content.
“We are graced by God to have Gabriella Langone and Ben Watts as advisors to Rodeo,” said Perper. “Gabrielle is a contributing editor to Hamptons Magazine and does celebrity styling, and her partner Ben Watts is an iconic photographer who has worked with Heath Ledger and has the most amazing portfolio.”
Styled by Gabriella Langone and photographed by Ben Watts.
The inaugural features highlight not only the talents of Langone and Watts, but of Rodeo as a whole. This facet of the platform has the potential to become a playground for freelancers who seek to inspire others in the same way a magazine spread does.
Styled by Gabriella Langone and photographed by Ben Watts.
As for the future, Perper says, “Rodeo has big plans. There will definitely be an app for the creators soon.”
Although, Perper is not in any kind of rush because her biggest concern for Rodeo is “building a trusted brand… we don’t want to prevent people from exploring.” Perper’s innate drive for uncovering novelty in the world has materialized in Rodeo.
To keep exploring, check out Rodeo here and apply to be their next creator! For more fashion industry coverage, keep reading Square Magazine. Follow @um.squaremagazine on Instagram for exclusive daily content.
Images belong to Lindsay Rust Perper and Rodeo.