2015 was a year of some pretty wonderful revolutions: more rights for more people. More inclusivity both on and off the runway.
2015 was a year of some pretty wonderful revolutions.
And although it may seem small in the grand scheme of things, one of our favorite debuts of 2015 was Klossy — Karlie Kloss’ new YouTube channel produced by Casey Neistat, edited by a few great folks and helmed by associate producers Annalora von Pentz and Ruby Honerkamp.
It’s a channel where you may learn less about a life of international travel than the importance of using freshly ground peanut butter in gluten-free, vegan cookies. And that’s what makes the channel so refreshing.
You may learn less about international travel than the importance of freshly ground peanut butter.
One of the great, not-so-secret secrets of the entertainment business is that, behind the glitz and glamour, are — too-often — a lot of lost souls. For its apparently lightweight patina, Klossy shoulders a hefty load: functioning as a beacon for anyone — who may aspire to glamour, or feel shut out of glamour — to the things that really make us happy.*
And if Klossy has one persistent message, it’s that happiness comes not from clubbing ’til dawn, driving a luxury car, or appearing in print. It’s the same stuff that’s accessible to everyone.
Happiness comes from the same stuff that’s accessible to everyone.
It’s family. It’s friends. It’s taking the time to nurture others.
It’s the precious, underrated, present moment: as simple and tactile — and as real — as cookie dough.
Have a wonderful 2016!
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(p.s. We almost forgot! We’ll be showing one Klossy video per day between now and the new year. It should add up to 12, sort of. Either way, enjoy!)
In our consumer-facing society, it almost seems like an odd question. Why wouldn’t the consumer be first? But it’s also the question that needs asking in the often insular and confusing world of fashion week.
Today, WWDreports that the Council of Fashion Designers of America is asking some tough questions about NYFW’s structure, as part of a bold plan to potentially rethink fashion week from the ground up. They’ve retained Boston Consulting Group to “conduct a study to define the future of fashion shows.”
It’s no secret — as we’ve been reporting since 2012 — that fashion week has become a form of entertainment. And although many have resisted the change, it’s only one part of a system that the CFDA describes as “broken.”
The seasonal aspect itself is confusing, to say the least. (“Wait, September is Spring?”) But just as importantly, showing collections 6 months in advance has an ugly way of coming back to bite designers in the form of “fast fashion” retailers, who have ample time to copy designers’ styles and get them to market at a lower price point … and often before the designers themselves.
Some of the new ideas include “smaller showroom presentations and appointments with retailers and press to show the collection six months out and to place orders. They then would have a runway show with all the bells and whistles for a consumer audience showing in-season merchandise — and getting all the positive benefits from the social media phenomenon.”
Here at FWO, we think these are exciting ideas, and will serve designers in several key ways, while simplifying things for the public, and — most importantly — addressing the real need of consumers to buy the things they love today … not in 6 months.
If the CFDA has its way, these changes may soon be coming to NYFW … and possibly the other “Big 3,” as well.
Cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass. Blasé bob-haired ladies, arms crossed in the front row. Impossibly long-legged models, like flamingos holding pose after pose. And then the clothes: floaty, diaphanous gowns, stitched from chiffon. Big gleaming buttons affixed to bouclé blazers. Such is the fantasy of fashion week, as filtered through the media: a series of jump cuts, high-octane colors and whirring noise. But the truth is that beyond this delirious fever dream, the fashion industry is a business like any other (give or take some glamour, of course).
And this week, when the big four events kick off in New York City, casual observers looking for a way to penetrate the shiny surface should consider this: In each of the historic fashion capitals (NYC, London, Milan and Paris) there’s a hive of nine-to-fivers living, working and sashaying down the streets. These people form their city’s style identity, giving it a distinctive personality on the global stage. To that end, being able to differentiate between the four fashion weeks in terms of mood, feeling and style is the ideal starting point for understanding how the industry works.
Ready to take a close look at fashion's Fantastic Four?
Each season, this is where it all starts. NYFW may not have the historic legacy brands you’ll find in Paris, but its tradition of clean, sportswear-inspired designs (think Calvin Klein, Halston, Perry Ellis, Michael Kors) has transformed the way the world gets dressed in the morning.
Novelty is the key to NYFW’s charisma. Separated from the rest of its fashion peers by a big blue ocean, New York’s style scene resolutely pushes toward the new.
In fact, when we asked top model Catrinel Marlon — whose deep ties to the Milan fashion circuit recently included a worldwide contract with Giorgio Armani — to name her favorite fashion week city, her answer was simple: "New York City, for sure. [It’s the] one city that combines glamour, excitement, novelty, beauty and art."
What the insiders say
My personal favorite aspect of New York Fashion Week is its ever-growing influx of emerging designers, giving the city a fresh and youthful air. New York welcomes new talent so much so that these up-and-coming designers are given their own spotlight and exclusivity in conjunction with the big-name designers.
— Pujah Shah, U.S. communications manager for Stylight
Designer:Marc Jacobs
Season after season, the crown prince of American fashion fuses commercial appeal and eccentric glamour to unforgettable effect.
Model:Karlie Kloss
With limbs for days, this wholesome Midwestern-born beauty is heir to the legacy of the ’90s supermodels.
Editor:Anna Wintour
A living legend, Vogue’s editor-in-chief has grown New York City’s status as a worldwide fashion capital to unfathomable proportions.
Street Style Star:Leandra Medine
The so-called Man Repeller has earned millions of followers for her offbeat style, distinctive voice and goofball persona.
The British may have a reputation for almost impossibly refined etiquette, but London’s fashion industry revels in the rude.
And no wonder: Fast on the heels of the Swinging Sixties, Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren defined the visual vocabulary of punk fashion and brought it into the mainstream. The city’s deep ties to the 20th century’s most influential subcultures have left an indelible mark on the fashion scene. Today, London is welcoming to creative young designers, often disregarding commercial viability in favor of aesthetic vision and innovation.
As the London-based journalist behind Mademoiselle Robot, Laetitia Wajnapel, says, “London, while possibly being the ‘smaller’ event out of the big four fashion weeks, is most certainly the place for designers to experiment with their collections, and there is scope for young and emerging houses to fully express themselves.”
The fact that it’s home to two esteemed fashion schools — Central St Martins and the London College of Fashion — may also play into its risk-taking reputation. And it’s worth noting that many of those bright young things grow up to become fashion royalty: Alexander McQueen and John Galliano are two of the many luminaries who started their careers as fashion students in London.
What the insiders say
If London’s style had a personality it would be an Ab Fab Patsy and Edwina hybrid. Which translates to the runway with the outrageous attitude and hecticness of London Fashion Week.
Designer: Mary Katrantzou
This Athens-born designer’s trippy digital prints and structural frocks are beloved by A-listers, fashion editors and well-heeled shoppers worldwide.
Model: Cara Delevingne
This social media–savvy British It girl embodies the city’s relentless energy, IDGAF attitude and idiosyncratic style.
Editor:Suzy Menkes
The former fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune (now at Vogue International) has a sharp eye, an iconic quiff and an unparalleled authority in the fashion world.
Street Style Star:Susie Bubble
Within certain circles, imitating this trailblazing blogger’s extraordinary and outlandish Technicolor looks is now practically a rite of passage.
Italian fashion. Two words that conjure up old-world elegance and a deep tradition of craftsmanship. But unfortunately, Milan’s fashion output has acquired a bit of a bad reputation in recent years.
As Italian journalist Federico Poletti wrote in Business of Fashion this March, “A recurring narrative being circulated in certain corners of the media would have us believe that there is nothing but negativity on the catwalks of Milan.”
Home to big brands like Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, Milan Fashion Week is sometimes accused of being overly commercial and excessively glossy, catering to the broadest possible audience instead of pushing fashion forward. But the truth is, every fashion week is home to a handful of highly visible establishment brands that prefer to please the crowds instead of challenging them. Not to mention: Anyone who wants to be challenged might think twice before criticizing the birthplace and longtime home of Prada — arguably the most intellectually rigorous show of the season.
What the insiders say
I love Italy and I will always defend Milan Fashion Week. This fashion week is unfairly disparaged every which way, when it should be roundly praised for its range of designers from Moschino to Prada. Oh, and the coffee is brilliant. Caffè doppio, per favore!
— Damien Neva, director of social media for Next Models
Designer: Miuccia Prada
This PhD-holding former activist is broadly celebrated for her exquisite and thoughtful collections.
Model:Mariacarla Boscono
Named one of the top 30 supermodels of the 2000s by Vogue Paris, Boscono’s otherworldly beauty has been a fashion-week fixture for countless seasons.
Editor:Franca Sozzani
Sozzani’s courageous and controversial Vogue Italia spreads have taken on issues the rest of the fashion world wouldn’t dare touch — like race, weight and violence against women.
Street Style Star: Anna Dello Russo
Surely one of the most photographed fashion figures in the world, this larger-than-life creative consultant builds her unbelievable outfits with the runway’s most memorable looks.
And here’s where it ends. We wouldn’t dare to play favorites with the fashion cities … but we might have to: Paris takes up the distinct strands that define the other three fashion weeks and subsumes them into a glorious cornucopia of visual delight.
Like New York, Paris is electric with energy and vitality; like London, the city is friendly to free-thinkers and iconoclasts; and like Milan, Paris oozes with glamour. But here’s the rub: What most people know of the Paris runways begins and ends with establishment labels. It’s a saturated market, which means that it can be harder for younger designers to get off the ground.
What the insiders say
Odély Teboul, co-founder of the emerging couture label Augustin Teboul, praised the impressive offering — “Paris Fashion Week is just not comparable to any other city, since it presents the collections of all the big brands” — but noted that since “the calendar is full, it’s not the easiest place for new brands or young designers that want to get a start.
And one more:
All the weeks are but time trials for Paris, the granddaddy of them all. Every day serves up a handful of shows from top houses that are simply unmissable. The mind boggles. All told, the ready-to-wear season is a marathon in which the stars of tomorrow are born.
— Damien Neva, director of social media for Next Models
Designer:Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
The man, the myth, the legend. Lagerfeld also shows his collection for Fendi at Milan Fashion Week, but his high-concept, attention-grabbing Chanel shows are always one of the month’s main attractions.
Model:Caroline de Maigret
With a touch of rock ’n’ roll swagger, this iconic models nails that whole effortlessly cool Parisian thing almost as if she had personally invented it.
Editor:Carine Roitfeld
Over the course of her career, the former Paris Vogue editor — now the global fashion director of Harper’s Bazaar — has imprinted her dark, raw sensibility onto fashion’s DNA.
Street Style Star:Garance Doré
This French fashion blogger and photographer essentially kicked off our contemporary street style mania together with her ex-boyfriend, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist.
Now “English” can mean a lot of things. When we say “English,” we mean a sort of pan-English Isles fantasy we have, that involves lots of friends who gather for fox-hunting on an English country estate: think Highclere Castle from Downton Abbey, except about 1/15th of the size. (Even in our fantasies we try to keep things realistic.) Except we don’t actually hunt the foxes; we all just try to take a photo. So it’s more like fox-startling. Though maybe that isn’t so nice, either. Apparently there are a lot of layers to this fantasy.
We wake up early in the morning as — one by one — our hale and hearty friends arrive on horseback, through the early morning mists. We gather in the great stone kitchen for a quick, hot breakfast before heading out on the moorland. Everyone’s decked up, and basically we go out riding around and goofing off.
Unfortunately, that’s about as in-depth as our imaginations go. But with that snippet of fantasy in mind, we found some of the stuff below: not all of it English, but most of it — we think — beautiful, adventurous, and fun. Full collection.
In the realm of social consciousness, fashion seems to have pushed to the absolute forefront in 2015.
Most popular music lost its way a long time ago — mired down in themes of cheap hyper-sexuality, status obsession and fantasies of eternal clubbing — and even comedy can’t seem to keep up. Fashion, long considered the ultimate status tool, reserved for a certain class or shape of people, has bitten back.
“Here,” fashion seems to be saying. “This is me. I am different. I am imperfect. And yet, I am fashion. I am BEAUTIFUL.”
“Here,” fashion seems to be saying. “This is me. I am different. I am BEAUTIFUL.”
From the advent of plus-size supermodels to the rise of humanistic blogs like Man Repeller, the revolution is on. And that new clarion call in fashion sounded perfectly — and beautifully — in the events from FTL Moda, in partnership with Art Hearts Fashion. The shows also feature some big name talent, in the form of Adriana Lima, among others.
From the advent of plus-size supermodels to the rise of humanistic blogs like Man Repeller, the revolution is on.
Interview by Julia Zeldin, FWO Associate Editor
Photos by Emy Kane, FWO Social & Fashion Tech Consultant
Photos: Emy KaneAchieving the perfect balance of both luxury and ready-to-wear is a nearly impossible feat. Emerging brand Murray West triumphantly brings extravagance to everyday attire through pristine attention to detail and luxurious fabrics. In advance of a planned showing at fashion week in New York, we sat down with designer, Jerrell West, at the recent Murray West hoodie launch.
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and how the Murray West brand came to be?
The idea for starting my own clothing line began in high school. The Youth Venture organization encouraged students to create a business plan that would benefit the community, to receive $1,000 dollars. And at that time, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. I wanted to make money and I wanted to touch people. But my principal told me I should pursue a career about which I was passionate. Youth Venture stopped coming to our school, but I already had 10 designs and a business plan, and here we are today.
I already had 10 designs and a business plan, and here we are today.
Q: Why are we here tonight?
Tonight is a private event to give our family and friends a sneak peak of what’s to come from the Murray West brand. We had to showcase this brand in the right way; we knew that the ambience of the AKA Hotel would truly capture the feel of Murray West. The goal of tonight’s event was to emphasize that once you purchase a piece from Murray West, you’re not a buyer–you’re family.
Once you purchase a piece from Murray West, you’re family.
Q: What inspires you?
So much, but most importantly: life, people, architecture. Working at a medical center is my full time job, and being able to experience all sorts of people, colors, and energy is the what truly inspires me.
Q: What are three words to describe the Murray West brand?
Decadence, luxury, and chic.
Q: Is there one message you want us to take away from the brand?
Everyone is trying to do something with their life, and it might not be their full time job, but they have a side project, a passion project. I want to encourage our buyers, our family, to be all that they can be.
Q: What are you most excited for fashion week?
I’m so excited to see how people react to my line, to gravitate to the Murray West brand. Even tonight, it’s incredible to see people with Murray West pins on. I finally get to see a brand, that I’ve been drawing on paper for so long, actually coming to life. It’s so surreal to see people take the Murray West brand home.
I finally get to see my brand come to life.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Murray West is about progress, supporting each other, and togetherness. All I’ve ever wanted is to help others get to the next level, and to make their dreams come true. That’s what encourages me to create this brand.
All I’ve ever wanted is to help others get to the next level.
It’s street, but chic. It’s beautiful. It’s Murray West.
Here at FWO, we don’t believe “generation” is defined by an age group, an “ethnicity” (whatever that even means … if it ever meant much to begin with), or a geographic area. Generation is more of a mindset. If you’re alive, right now, reading this (and we hope you are, alive, otherwise the zombie apocalypse thing is finally here … although it’s comforting to know most of the zombies are online), you’re a member of this generation.
But what does that have to do with menswear?
Maybe not a lot, unless you consider the ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative‘s upcoming show at Pitti, called “Generation Africa.”
Now we’re of the rather bold notion that all humans are, at root, African. Because all people originated in Africa, and there’s only one race: the human race. But we still think it’s super nifty to be supporting the burgeoning creativity flowering on this particular human continent, right now. Anyone with half a brain (including us), can tell Africa is home to some of the most startlingly beautiful textile patterns on Planet Earth (Mars not having been colonized yet): from Sierra Leone to Somalia; from Kinshasa to Capetown.
Africa is home to some of the most startlingly beautiful textile patterns on Planet Earth.
Now some of these continental designers will be showcased at Pitti Uomo in Florence … arguably the most important international event for menswear and men accessories collections.
AKJP // Keith Henning & Jody Paulsen – SOUTH AFRICA
AKJP (Adriaan Kuiters + Jody Paulsen) is a menswear and womenswear brand founded by South African designer duo, Keith Henning and Jody Paulsen. AKJP signature is its artful contemporary twist on classic and utilitarian menswear. The development of strong prints and sports-inspired motifs for each collection has become core to AKJP. AKJP use layering, boxy silhouettes and asymmetrical detailing as a signature styling feature. AKJP has been recognised as one of South Africa’s most innovative brands, bringing contemporary and cool to the South African fashion landscape. In 2015, AKJP was one of the finalists at Vogue Italia’s Who Is On Next? Dubai. Learn more.
AKJP signature is its artful contemporary twist on classic and utilitarian menswear.
Ikiré Jones // Walé Oyéjidé – USA & NIGERIA
(Photo: Rog Walker)
Ikiré Jones (pronounced “E-kee-rae Jones”) is a menswear company that marries African aesthetics with classic art from all over the world. Each of the brand’s pieces tells a contemporary story by using historical artwork as a medium for modern expression. With every collection, the brand places a strong emphasis on societal issues that affect immigrant and transient populations across the globe. Importantly, Ikiré Jones seeks to properly introduce modern African culture to the world. Through clothing, we seek to weave together a tighter global community. The brand’s tailoring is done in the United States, and its accessories are printed and hand-rolled in Macclesfield, United Kingdom. Learn more.
AIkiré Jones marries African aesthetics with classic art from all over the world.
Lukhanyo Mdingi X Nicholas Coutts – SOUTH AFRICA
(Photo: Travys Owen)
South African designers Lukhanyo Mdingi and Nicholas Coutts collaborate to illuminate each other’s aesthetics. The design partnership combines Mdingi’s minimalist approach with Coutts’ distinctive signature weaving style. Together, the designers create a menswear collection that embodies strength, empowerment and contemporary sophistication.
Lukhanyo Mdingi interprets minimal aesthetics through his clothing, finding the balance between line, form and texture. Mdingi creates minimal looks that are distinct and powerful, with a flare of contemporary elegance and sophistication.
Nicholas Coutts’ signature is creating garments that are textured and using fabrication to create a pleasing contrasting visual. Influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement, Coutts specialises in using handwoven fabrics and hand knitted items. Learn more.
The design partnership combines Mdingi’s minimalist approach with Coutts’ distinctive signature weaving style.
U.Mi-1 // Gozi Ochonogor – NIGERIA & UK
(Photo: Takanori-Okuwaki)
U.Mi-1 (pronounced you.me.one) is Gozi Ochonogor’s second brand, which she began while living in Tokyo in 2008. It has a following of actors and musicians, and she has collaborated with brands such as ±0 and Puma. In 2011, Gozi moved back to the UK. She refocused U.Mi-1 as a brand whose collections were inspired by Nigerian culture, mixed with British and Japanese aesthetics, believing it is through our similarities that we begin to appreciate our differences. The brand is stocked in stores in the UK, Japan and Nigeria. Learn more.
U.Mi-1 is inspired by Nigerian culture, mixed with British and Japanese aesthetics.
Francesco Gallucci “Frank” is an athlete, model, global style blogger, and now — at the young age of 29 — style influencer.
He was born in 1986 in Catania in the South of Italy. Growing up, Frank was a dedicated soccer player, but due to an ankle injury he wasn’t able to pursue a career as an athlete. So he made a decision to pursue an education at the University in Perugia to have a more stable career in the business world. After six years at the university, he graduated in Political and Economic Science and after that decided to move to Australia for six months, just to improve his English and explore the possibilities. Soon after, he partnered with an import and export company of Italian products based in the Netherlands … but his mind was always set on style and fashion.
In May of 2013, at the young age of 27, he started his blog, and from that point on Frank was on his way to becoming one of the youngest style influencers in the world.
He’s one of the youngest style influencers in the world.
At the age of 29, he is followed by 77k followers via Instagram, and thousands more on Facebook. He is snapped by some of the top street style photographers for his impeccable taste and immaculate style everywhere in the world he goes, and has been seen in major magazines and blogs such as GQ, Vogue, L’Officiel, Grazia, Plaza, Leon Japan, and GWD.
He’s been seen in major magazines from GQ to Vogue.
When I first met Frank this summer in Milan, he was among other global style influencers and friends like Gianni Fontana, Fabrizio Oriani, Angel Ramos, Lino Leluzzi, Luigi Lardini, to name a few. Many words came to mind … elegant, classy, genuine, intelligent, well put together from head to toe without a hair out of place — really! You can’t help but wonder what this gentleman who was born in Crotone is up to. He is currently traveling, working on his website to launch soon, and planning projects with future brands. There is no doubt that this young style influencer is going places, and we want to know where and how he will do it.
There’s no doubt that this young style influencer is going places.
This is his interview with us at FWO.
Q: Hi Frank! Thank you for taking the time from your super-busy schedule to chat with me. Did you ever think as a kid that you would become this worldwide style icon / influencer? How did it feel the first time you saw your photos in print?
I am really flattered to be considered a young style icon but honestly I think to be called an “icon” you must be in this environment at least 10-15 years, and demonstrate your capacity and your innovation in terms of style. But in the end I am really happy. It’s a dream, and I am working for it. The first time I saw my picture in a magazine I was really happy and excited. I am really proud just thinking of all the sacrifices I made.
Honestly I think to be called an “icon” you must be in this environment at least 10-15 years, but I am really happy.
Q: You started your blog in 2013 and are currently launching a website; what are some of the topics you will cover on your new website, and what should we look forward to? What comes first for you: style or fashion?
Yes, it’s been two and half years since I started the blog, with a large growth in a little period of time. In comparison to my last blog I improved a lot of the graphics; now it’s much more professional. I added a city guide that my team and I are working on, where you will see a detailed guide to understand a city from the point of view of a gentleman — such as showrooms, vintage stores, cool restaurants, and hotels, etc. For sure — style! Style is a matter of mind, it’s a state of mind. I try to live my life with style and transmit it!
You will see a detailed guide to understand a city from the point of view of a gentleman.
Q: We will be seeing each other soon at Pitti 89 which is in January 2016; what’s the most exciting thing about attending Pitti?
Pitti is fantastic because you can feel and breathe the atmosphere of an event for gentlemen. It’s a unique event that’s not contaminated a lot by fashion, and this is really incredible and I hope it keeps going in this way. The other reason why Pitti is magic is because it takes place in Florence. There is just one word: “majestic.” At the end of the day, at Fortezza da Basso [location where Pitti takes place], you have the chance to go around the city and see the beauty of Florence. For me this will be the fourth edition.
Pitti is fantastic because you can feel and breathe the atmosphere of an event for gentlemen.
Q: You recently attended Paris Fashion Week and Dubai Fashion Week … what was that experience like?
I’ve been to Paris Fashion Week before: it’s really good. Paris, from my point of view, is really efficient; the shows are really close to each other. I also vacation in Paris during the year. I must say that when fashion week is “on” the city changes because its focus is different, and you can understand and see what’s happening.
Paris Fashion Week is really efficient.
Dubai? First of all, I’d like to say thanks to the great organization of Dubai (tourism department) in partnership with Vogue Italy for the fantastic treatment they gave us, and for the invitation. It was a great experience between the new world and the old world of Emirati — four days in which to better understand the culture, the habits, and the new way of style and fashion of Dubai.
I’d like to say thanks to the great organization of Dubai (tourism department) in partnership with Vogue Italy.
Q: What does “Made in Italy” represent to you?
“Made in Italy” is synonymous with quality, reliability, credibility. I am really lucky! To be Italian: it’s something you have in your DNA … we were born within beauty; everything in Italy is amazing from the point of view of architecture, design, landscapes. We have an incredible heritage, as well as an incredible responsibility. It means that the show must go on: we can’t make a mistake in terms of style. and we must not disappoint the expectations … that’s all!
“Made in Italy” is synonymous with quality, reliability, credibility.
Q: Your typical morning cannot be just a cappuccino … what’s your morning like, and how do you plan your day? How do you keep in such good shape?
I always get up around 7:30 AM, have a breakfast at home and the first thing I do is to open the iPad to have a look at Corriere della Sera: the most important journal in Italy. Then my day can start! I’m not a party boy: I like staying home relaxing, watching television or reading a good book. Sports in my life are essential. During the winter I go to the gym twice a week. I always try to pay attention to my diet! When the spring comes I am in the gym 4 times per week
Q: You were recently a guest at a conference held at Haute Future Fashion Academy. The topic of discussion was “How to Communicate Fashion and Style.” Why is this topic important for today’s generation?
For me was an honor to be invited to this academy, and so important to take part in this conference next to other great professionals like journalists, stylists and photographers! Currently this communication is so important because if you want to reach people, you have to communicate your existence regardless of who you are, what you do, or what you produce.
Q: You worked on some cool campaigns; is there a campaign or brand you dream of working with, and which brand is that?
There are two brands that I have a sort of adoration for, and you can imagine why: Brunello Cucinelli and Tom Ford.
Two brands I adore are Brunello Cucinelli and Tom Ford.
Q: Is there a possibility of a brand of your own in the future, and is U.S. a market a location you will conquer?
Yes there is! I am working on this, but at the moment I am trying to learn everything about the dynamics of various processes from production, retail, marketing, etc. The U.S. is actually one of the most important markets. If you have a brand and are not in the U.S. market, please close!
At the moment I am trying to learn everything about the dynamics of various processes from production, retail, marketing, etc.
Q: In many of your photographs you have been seen wearing Progetto Fede (by longtime friends and partners Luca and Aldo) jewelry: especially their rings, which are very popular pieces and have been seen on some of the top style icons. Tell us about your love for this brand and the connection.
Progetto Fede rings. Picture from Gianni Fontana’s The Style Buff.
Yeah, I am literally in love with those rings! Almost every day I wear those kinds of pieces because they represent for me a symbol of craftsmanship, and behind the brand there is also a value for me that’s so important: family! Behind the brand there is also Luca Lanzoni, one of the owners and founders of Progetto Fede, who became a great friend. When time permits, we hang out together to spend some time as friends outside of the industry. And believe me, to find someone like Luca, it’s so hard nowadays in this system!
Almost every day I wear Progetto Fede pieces.
Q: Many I’m sure wonder: “How did he come up with this style?” Or think, “I want to dress like that.” What can you tell someone who wants to follow in your footsteps; what are the key elements in building your own style?
So … style is too personal. Every day I try to improve, and I try to vary my style. I think that if you have more points of reference you will have more elements from which you can take inspiration, and combine your garments really well. I am the kind of person who is a great observer, and this helps me a lot!
If you have more points of reference, you will have more elements from which you can take inspiration.
Q: Off the top of your head: when I mention best shirts, pants, shoes, accessories, bags for men … what is the first brand that comes to mind for each? Your favorite and why?
Brunello Cucinelli
Probably for each garment you mentioned I have different favorites, but in general I would say Cucinelli … yes, Cucinelli! Because it represents the essence of Italy in terms of “made in Italy,” of lifestyle, mission and vision. Cucinelli was and is a visionary, and deserves all our respect!
Cucinelli was and is a visionary, and deserves all our respect!
Q: What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years, Are you hoping to make an impact, and how?
I am used to always having a plan in my life. In a year my life changed, and honestly I don’t know where I will be in the next five years. I hope to have my own brand in the future, or to live around the world as a style business consultant. That’s my plan, and it’s not just a dream, because I think that if you want something, you should create the right predisposition to reach it.
I think if you want something, you should create the right predisposition to reach it.
Q: Your favorite quote: “Style has no rules, just personality.” How did that come about?
It came about because I really don’t understand people who think there is a single concept of style. Everyone can have taste in a different way. Thank God I am really versatile. Of course, there are some general rules that we should follow, but if you have personality and good taste, you can wear almost whatever you want.
Jean Paul Gaultier channels BowieYep, big changes are afoot here at FWO. (Here’s where we try to resist quoting — or even mentioning — Bowie’s Changes. Okay, we already blew it.)
Verily; after 4 years of running 4 different sites — New York Fashion Week Live, London Fashion Week Live, Paris … well, you get the idea — we’re moving all content right here to FWO for next season.
We’re moving all content right here to FWO for next season.
Which is something we really had in mind from the very beginning. We just needed to learn how to do it. And the fact that it took 4 years for us to figure it out … well, that shouldn’t really surprise anyone.
The bad news is, the process won’t happen immediately. So expect to see some things changing from day-to-day as we get stuff organized. (If it helps, you might want to imagine a team of imaginary gremlins working behind the scenes. That’s what we do when our car breaks down, because we need to blame someone other than ourselves for not getting the oil changed.)
The good news is, it’ll only be painful for us. Enjoy! We love you!
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With love,
FWO
Image: Jean-Paul Gaultier channels Bowie. See, we made it kind of work in the context of fashion week. Also, we know this pic was inspired by Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie, not Changes-era Bowie. Don’t be “that guy!”
There are certain things in life you instantly realize you must own. Michael Kors’ silk Mandarin pajamas — as famously modeled by Grace Coddington — come to mind.
Grace wears Kors Mandarin Evening Pajamas at the airport. Via IG @TheRealGraceCoddington
It’s sort of like the first time you hear Joni Mitchell sing, “Watching your hairline recede, my vain darling,” and you think to yourself: “Wait, lyrics are allowed to do that?” But in the case of the pajamas, the revelation is more along the lines of: “Pajamas at the airport? Why did I think that was, somehow, off limits?” Suddenly the world seems to relax and make a little more sense.
The Row’s Olsen Twins wear Birkenstocks to the airport.
The next thing that comes to mind are the black Birkenstocks as worn by the The Row‘s Olsen twins. “Just slip your shoes off, mid-flight, without elbowing the businessman to your right, and bruising your elbow on the arm rest?” Genius!
Apparently one glance is all it takes to revolutionize your idea of glamorous travel. Grace may love her Louis Vuitton spinner, but to us, the height of style can only be achieved through the retro silhouette of this 119-year-old brand, whose clients have included Sir Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, and one of our favorite style icons, David Beckham.
One glance at Globe-Trotter is all it takes to revolutionize your idea of glamorous travel.
Globe-Trotter has a long and storied — one might even say, regal — history, but the brand still doesn’t shy away from partnerships with fun and cutting-edge brands such as Mastermind of Japan. Or, for that matter, James Bond.
Which brings us to Globe-Trotter’s new line of “Spectre” suitcases, produced to coincide with the release of the latest installment in the 50-year James Bond franchise.
While the James Bond aspect is appealing to a certain type of guy — or to a certain dimension of every guy — you don’t have to be a James Bond fan, or even a guy, to catch your breath while looking at a bag like this. (And if you saw Spectre, you may be pleased to see the Bond brand is undergoing an interesting bit of emotional maturation, which bodes well for a series refresh.)
Globe-Trotter’s new “Spectre” line comes in navy and black (although so far we’ve only seen the navy for sale), with brass hardware. Perhaps one of the most striking features is the luxe interior, that’s a little like staring into a pillowy night sky filled with stars.
One of the most striking features is the interior.
The line includes carry-on sizes for people like myself, too impatient to stand at the carousel, as well as a checked 30″ wheeled suitcase for those who actually like to prepare. The allure of Globe-Trotter, we think, is no less than the call of adventure itself. It’s hard to hold one without feeling you’re walking toward a Lockheed Electra on the eve of a mysterious journey. Picture a scene from Casablanca, Indiana Jones, or a page from Stephen Becker’s The Blue-Eyed Shan, and you’ve got the picture.
The allure of Globe-Trotter is the call of adventure itself.
Or if your inclinations tilt more amorous, consider the words of Anna Wintour (said of Oscar de la Renta), and picture yourself “hurrying across the Tuileries on a mysterious romantic assignment.”
Hurrying across the Tuileries on a mysterious romantic assignment — Anna Wintour
No matter where or how you travel this holiday season, we wish you safe and happy journeys.
2015 was a year of some pretty wonderful revolutions: more rights for more people. More inclusivity both on and off the runway.
I am really flattered to be considered a young style icon but honestly I think to be called an “icon” you must be in this environment at least 10-15 years, and demonstrate your capacity and your innovation in terms of style. But in the end I am really happy. It’s a dream, and I am working for it. The first time I saw my picture in a magazine I was really happy and excited. I am really proud just thinking of all the sacrifices I made.
Pitti is fantastic because you can feel and breathe the atmosphere of an event for gentlemen. It’s a unique event that’s not contaminated a lot by fashion, and this is really incredible and I hope it keeps going in this way. The other reason why Pitti is magic is because it takes place in Florence. There is just one word: “majestic.” At the end of the day, at Fortezza da Basso [location where Pitti takes place], you have the chance to go around the city and see the beauty of Florence. For me this will be the fourth edition.
