“Our customers are young professionals, 25-to-45 years old,” says Moore. “Many are in creative industries and don’t have the usual constraints on their wardrobe in the workplace. The line is also for guys who just want to stand out.”
What many don’t know is that Modern Amusement is owned by fashion legend Mossimo Gianulli (most famously known for his first-name titled youth brand), and actually has been around since the early 90s, but was re-launched in 2004 as a designer-driven collection.
Though Moore is a California guy (and surfer) at heart, he appreciates New York’s style by injecting a dose of the city’s chic sensibility in each season’s collection. “I’ve noticed that in New York, guys like to wear military-inspired and utilitarian looks such as olive drab parkas,” he says. “So in the Holiday ’06 collection, we’ve added a beautiful, black velvet parka in a military-style silhouette.”
Moore designs for one of the hottest contemporary brands and knows fashion better than most (prior to Modern Amusement, he spent over six years as a trend forecaster for Abercrombie & Fitch). So what’s his ultimate fashion pet-peeve? “I hate—absolutely hate—the blazer-and-jean look. It was done with boot-cut jeans five years ago, with slim-legs three years ago, and now with skinny jeans, but it’s still the same idea! When I wear a blazer, it’s with a suit. If you can’t go beyond that look, then we’ve gotten nowhere in fashion.”
Where to find Modern Amusement in NYC: Atrium, 644 Broadway (212) 473-9200; Gerry’s, 110 Eighth Avenue (212) 243-9141. www.modernamusement.com
John Moore Hearts New York City
Great NYC restaurant when I’m on my own dime: Bread
Favorite NYC restaurant when I’m on someone’s expense account: La Esquina
Favorite NYC store when I’ve got money to burn: Opening Ceremony
Favorite NYC stores to find unique stuff: Any vintage store…I love shopping vintage in New York.
The best thing about NYC: The energy! It’s electric. I can’t imagine not going to New York on a regular basis. It’s an important part of my creative process.
NYC has the best: Food. But L.A. has the best: Weather.
Photos provided by Modern Amusement Archives.
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