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What to Wear to Blatino Oasis (Photos)

By Christopher Harrity
Read about designer LaRon Hickerson and the birth of NoRal Apparel below.
Read about designer LaRon Hickerson and the birth of NoRal Apparel below.

Blatino Oasis is just around the corner (see our slideshow, "89 Photos of the Blatino Oasis in the Desert"). If you want to get the attention you deserve, NoRal Apparel creatively integrates bold fabrication, a strong sense of individuality, and pop culture elements. Innovative design and ingenious structure give NoRal Apparel a custom look, and the clothing feels amazing to wear.

A native of Kentucky, LaRon Hickerson — the designer and creator of all of that is NoRal Apparel — graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a bachelor of fine arts degree in fashion design. LaRon's achievements include winning the 2002 Precious Lashley $10,000 fashion scholarship presented by N'DIGO publications and placing as a semifinalist for the 2000 Victor Skrebneski Fashion Scholarship. NoRal Apparel was also nominated for two Chicago Fashion and Beauty Awards in 2003. From May 2012 to the present, NoRal Apparel continues to headline as the featured fashion show for Blatino Oasis in Palm Springs, Calif.

Above: The NoRal Apparel Strawberry Basket Brief & Open-Sided Tropical Brief. Models: Jermany & PJ

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne
NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne
NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Sling. Photography: Steven D Hill. Model: Levell
The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Sling. Photography: Steven D Hill. Model: Levell

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne
NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Black Cherry Open Sided Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt
The NoRal Apparel Black Cherry Open Sided Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Brief. Photography Michael R. Moore. Model: Walter
The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Brief. Photography Michael R. Moore. Model: Walter

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne
NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

 

The NoRal Apparel Tattoo Brief. Photography: Hasson Harris. Model: Cameron
The NoRal Apparel Tattoo Brief. Photography: Hasson Harris. Model: Cameron

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Boxer Sling. Model: Steven
The NoRal Apparel Boxer Sling. Model: Steven

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief, Ice Cream Jock, Boss Bitch Brief. Models: Johnnell, Jamari, Tyrone
The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief, Ice Cream Jock, Boss Bitch Brief. Models: Johnnell, Jamari, Tyrone

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com 

The NoRal Apparel Arm Band with Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Steven
The NoRal Apparel Arm Band with Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Steven

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Chain Foil Brief & Mesh Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Devon & Matt
The NoRal Apparel Chain Foil Brief & Mesh Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Devon & Matt
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Mesh Hooded Jumper. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon
The NoRal Apparel Mesh Hooded Jumper. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for  noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Platinum Sling
The NoRal Apparel Platinum Sling

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Sean
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Sean

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Golden Claw Brief. Photography: Thomas Craig Bryars. Model: Jon Jon
The NoRal Apparel Golden Claw Brief. Photography: Thomas Craig Bryars. Model: Jon Jon

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Divinoni
The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Divinoni

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel X Marks the Spot Sling & Hooded Jumper. Models: Steven & Kyle
The NoRal Apparel X Marks the Spot Sling & Hooded Jumper. Models: Steven & Kyle

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Crown Jewel Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Nathaneal
The NoRal Apparel Crown Jewel Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Nathaneal

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Banded Ice Cream Brief & Ice Cream Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Allante & Matt
The NoRal Apparel Banded Ice Cream Brief & Ice Cream Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Allante & Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Black Onyx Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Kevin
The NoRal Apparel Black Onyx Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Kevin

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Boss Bitch Boxer
The NoRal Apparel Boss Bitch Boxer

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Chain Hood with Brief
The NoRal Apparel Chain Hood with Brief

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Crown Jewel Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Curtis
The NoRal Apparel Crown Jewel Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Curtis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Bumble Bee Open Sided
The NoRal Apparel Bumble Bee Open Sided

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Nathaneal
The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Nathaneal

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Hooded Mesh Jumper. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon
The NoRal Apparel Hooded Mesh Jumper. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Brief. Photography Michael R. Moore. Model: Walter
The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Brief. Photography Michael R. Moore. Model: Walter

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Kush Sling & Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Matt & Allante
The NoRal Apparel Kush Sling & Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Matt & Allante

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Synergy Brief. Photography: Thomas Craig Bryars. Model: Curtis
The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Synergy Brief. Photography: Thomas Craig Bryars. Model: Curtis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief & Graffiti Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Devon & Matt
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief & Graffiti Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Devon & Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: PJ
The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: PJ

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Tattoo Brief. Photography: Quar. Model: Yocisco
The NoRal Apparel Tattoo Brief. Photography: Quar. Model: Yocisco

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Licorice Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Kevin
The NoRal Apparel Licorice Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Kevin

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon
The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Ice Cream Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Nathanael
The NoRal Apparel Ice Cream Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Nathanael

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Hooded Jumper. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Kyle
The NoRal Apparel Hooded Jumper. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Kyle

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Ice Cream Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt
The NoRal Apparel Ice Cream Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Wordy Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Jeremy
The NoRal Apparel Wordy Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Jeremy

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis
NoRal Fashion show at Blatino Oasis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Sling. Photography: LLMT Imagez. Model: Rashidi
The NoRal Apparel Graffiti Sling. Photography: LLMT Imagez. Model: Rashidi

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel JTRIBE SnapBack
The NoRal Apparel JTRIBE SnapBack

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Johnnell
The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Johnnell

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Kush Brief & Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Matt & Allante
The NoRal Apparel Kush Brief & Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Models: Matt & Allante

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Sean
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Sean

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Steven
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Steven

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief, Hooded Jumper, Boss Bitch Brief. Models: Johnnell, Kyle, Tyrone
The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief, Hooded Jumper, Boss Bitch Brief. Models: Johnnell, Kyle, Tyrone

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Cropped Crew. Model: Dru
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Cropped Crew. Model: Dru

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Mesh Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon
The NoRal Apparel Mesh Sling. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Devon

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief Jock with Luxe Mesh Crop Top. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: PJ
The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief Jock with Luxe Mesh Crop Top. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: PJ

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Graffiti Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt
The NoRal Apparel Open Sided Graffiti Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Ian
The NoRal Apparel On Fleek Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Ian

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Rock Candy Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Steven
The NoRal Apparel Rock Candy Sling. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Steven

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt
The NoRal Apparel Luxe Mesh Brief. Photography: Digital Obsession. Model: Matt

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Platinum Sling. Photography: Quar. Model: Jermany
The NoRal Apparel Platinum Sling. Photography: Quar. Model: Jermany

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Pop Killer Brief. Model: Antar
The NoRal Apparel Pop Killer Brief. Model: Antar

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Vinyl Boxer. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Jermany
The NoRal Apparel Vinyl Boxer. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Jermany

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Retro Brief. Photography: Hasson Harris. Models: Cameron & Gary
The NoRal Apparel Retro Brief. Photography: Hasson Harris. Models: Cameron & Gary

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com 

The NoRal Apparel Rock Candy Brief with Mesh Tank. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Johnny
The NoRal Apparel Rock Candy Brief with Mesh Tank. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Johnny

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Rock Candy Mesh Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Ian
The NoRal Apparel Rock Candy Mesh Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Ian

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Strawberry Basket Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Jermany
The NoRal Apparel Strawberry Basket Brief. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Jermany

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Strawberry Thong. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Curtis
The NoRal Apparel Strawberry Thong. Photography: The Blank Images. Model: Curtis

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Tattoo Brief. Photography: Hasson Harris. Model: Cameron
The NoRal Apparel Tattoo Brief. Photography: Hasson Harris. Model: Cameron

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel Tropical Jock & Tropical Hooded Robe. Model: Steven
The NoRal Apparel Tropical Jock & Tropical Hooded Robe. Model: Steven

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for  noralapparel.com

The NoRal Apparel White Gold Boxer. Model: PJ
The NoRal Apparel White Gold Boxer. Model: PJ

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for  noralapparel.com

NoRal Apparel. Sewn|Designed by Ron DuWayne for  noralapparel.com

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