The new Men’s Fashion Editor of Schön! Magazine talks exclusively on REY.

The Italian stylist who managed to put his name in some of the most important fashion publications ( Wonderland, Vogue, L’Officiel and more), talks to REY about fashion and styling, his personal experience in fashion and many more.

After studying and working in Rome, Luca moved to London to work in fashion. For him everything started at Selfridges where he used to work. His passion for fashion made his clients to want more and more from him and his personal styling skills push him to search more about it.

Was it easy for you to get the first job as a fashion stylist? How have you started your fashion journey?

My first experience in fashion was as an intern in the Fendi Head Office in Rome. I spent 6 months working on: digitisation of the brand's historical archive, rearranging and making a selection of sketches by Karl Lagerfeld, organising exhibitions of furs in Japan, dealing with the restoration of ready-to-wear and accessories from the archive (only to mention a few). It was an incredible experience! I learned a lot from it and definitely made me understand how to deal with different situations in the world of work. My strength of will and curiosity have always guided me during my journey. After the internship I moved to London looking for a new adventure. I started working for Selfridges, famous luxury department store in Central London, as a client advisor first and then as a manager. After years on the shop floor dealing with clothes and styling clients, from all over the world, I suddenly understood that styling was my real passion. Mixing and matching different garments and brands I was able to express myself creating looks. So I decided to look for an internship in the editorial business and Wonderland was my start up. I was in charge of 4 different publications (Wonderland, Man About Town, Rollacoaster and Gaytimes). I started just shooting for online. I was constantly experimenting with styling and working with different artists and after few months I started shooting printed projects. From that moment on, I have never stopped: covers, editorials, worldwide campaigns (Swatch, Netflix, Fiorucci, Police just to name a few) and celebrities.

How would you describe yourself as a stylist? What is your vision?

My personal style is sexy, rock n’ roll which influences my work too. On set I use lot of leather, transparent garments, ripped denim, animalier prints, lace and accessories. I love making models/ talents feel confident and sensual. I have created my own aesthetic through the idea of beauty that I have developed over the experiences and the years. Once Sofia Loren said :'A woman’s dress should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view’. Italia is love, sex and culture. Being Italian definitely has influenced my vision.

Editorial or Celebrity styling?

I like both! When I am on set with models i don’t have any filters, I can let my imagination runs wild. They follow my directions and wear whatever I want.

Completely different when I style celebrities, they have their own brand to consider. My job is to make them happy and confident spotlighting their personalities. It is definitely more challenging than models. But I am an Aries, I love challenges!

In your job you have to study about fashion and search for ideas all the time. How do you find inspiration for your projects?

My main sources of inspiration are: music, art, cinema and fashion. Living in this era where technology is fundamental, social media definitely influence and inspire my work too. Even my country has been influenced me through: the origins, history, culture, and therefore its cinema, its literature and the characters that were its icons.

Have you found your muse? Any other models we should watch?

Personally I have more than one. I always discover new people who are a source of artistic inspiration. Right now I am obsessed with : Zendaya, Rosalia, Lizzo and Billie Ellish. They are all strong, stylish and talented women. In terms of model I am obsessed with : Aweng Chuol (who I shot for Collectible Dry), Fernando Lindez, Alton Maison, Mica Argañaraz.

You have worked with a lot of celebrities. Which collaboration was your favourite and why?

Few months ago I worked on one of the most memorable projects I've done so far. I styled the worldwide campaign for Police ( brand that produces sunglasses and accessories) with Lewis Hamilton. The formula one driver has been five times Formula One World Champion. He is often considered the best driver of his generation and widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. Fast cars are not just his interest, he is also really into fashion. Lewis has teamed up with the American fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger to create his own line called TommyXLewis and he did the same with Police designing his own sunglasses collection.

Styling and spending time with him on set was really inspiring. Unfortunately I can’t tell you more… the campaign is coming out soon. Can’t wait to share it with all of you!

Even shooting one of the main character from Game of Thrones : Maisie Williams. She was so lovely on set and she looked stunning wearing all Moschino for the cover story. I decided to make her completely different than the character she played in the famous series. She was colourful, sexy and confident. Stay tuned more celebrities and amazing projects are coming out soon.

Do you follow the trends? Which look is your favourite for this autumn/winter? (menswear)

it all depends if i am into the trend. I always try to propose stories that represent me and my vision.

My favourite trends for Autumn/ Winter are : grunge, dyed hair, cargo pants, military and oversize tailoring.

Favourite new designers?

Marinne Serre, Richard Quinn, Dilara Findikoglu Daniel Flewtcher, CMMN and John Lawrence Sullivan.

I’m also obsessed with Daniel Lee, the new creative director of Bottega Veneta. I really like his vision, his daring and courageous creativity.

Favourite SS20 collections?

Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Ludovic De Saint Sernin.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in fashion?

First of all choose an area of fashion where you would like to work. Fashion jobs include everything from: photography, styling, merchandising, buying to designing. Try your hardest to get as much experience as possible : internships are always a good way to start.

Don’t give up. Life rewards those who work hard at it.

Any future plans or project you would like to share with us…

I am travelling a lot this year and I have a lot of stories and a couple of campaign dropping soon. Look out for them across my channels below:

Official Website

Instagram

Models.com