2009 is a poignant year for John Varvatos. Just ten short years ago, the man whose name is now synonymous with Rock ‘n Roll menswear staked out to found his label after tenures that included Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Success came soon for Varvatos who won the prestigious Perry Ellis CFDA Award for menswear in his first year of business, later going on to win two more CFDA awards for Menswear Designer of the Year as well as the same distinction from GQ. Besides the critical acclaim for his label, Varvatos is a sort of cultural savior, singlehandedly saving the shell of CBGB’s from becoming another Starbucks by famously turning the space into his Bowery store.
While the retail industry still grapples with the recession, John Varvatos continues to expand with new stores and ventures. The man himself took some time out of his busy pre-fashion week schedule to speak to us about what inspires him and what makes a good cocktail.
All your clothes have an imminently wearable feel—you could take almost any look straight from the runway and wear it as is. How much of what’s happening on the street inspires your designs? Does street style influence the runway or is it the other way around?
There will always be an ebb and flow between the street and the runway. I continuously absorb my surroundings, whether it is in NYC or when I am traveling through Europe and Asia to see what is going on. Each area brings something unique to a trend. It’s also refreshing and interesting to see how people interpret the runway styles. The give and take is what continues to keep me passionate about designing and excited about men’s fashion.
What men right now have great style?
You know, I get asked all the time to choose people I think have great style. I always think Johnny Depp is a stand out. But for me, it’s more about how the average man can feel good and stylish, not only in his clothes, but in his own skin. Style really does come from feeling great about how you look and not necessarily what fabric or color you have on.
If a guy only buys one thing for fall, what should it be?
A great long wool coat.
What does quality mean these days?
For us, quality has always had the same standards, it’s not something that fluctuates, and it is the backbone on what we build our brand. It’s essential that our client feels the value and workmanship that goes into each design and production of our collection. That is not something that will change for us.
Who does the John Varvatos man dress for?
Himself.
What’s your favorite place to hang out in New York?
My work days are pretty long, so I usually like to hang at home with my wife and daughter when I can. One of my favorite restaurants to have dinner and drinks at is Lure Fishbar.
Best cocktail after a long day:
Anything with tequila in it!
What’s next for John Varvatos?
Well, we’re launching E-Commerce mid September, we just opened our second Bowery NYC store at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and will be choosing a winning band for our John Varvatos Star USA ad campaign at the Free the Noise battle of the bands during NY’s Fashion Week. Other than that, anything is possible and that’s what makes this industry so exciting. Its constant evolution and reinvention!
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