Here’s the
recipe of the day: add a dash of Bob Mackie, a pinch of Elie Saab, a skosh of Vera
Wang and a smidgeon of Adrian or maybe Orry Kelly, then, generously combine
with a healthy dose of wow, stir vigorously and get the absolutely sexy,
somewhat traditional and thoroughly modern Mark Zunino. Mr. Zunino has managed
to fearlessly and deftly combine old world glamour, theatricality and time
honored techniques to offer his take on stand out fashion; no matter if walking
down the aisle, attending a black tie gala, taking center stage or strutting and
preening on the red carpet.
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As you will
read, here is a Los Angeles based designer who has managed to find his place
within, not one, not two but three hugely competitive areas of the business we
call fashion. He is first and foremost a couturier/createur in the truest sense
as a vast majority of what he does is made to measure, whether it be for blushing
brides, private clients or red carpet luminaries. He has set himself apart by
creating bridal gowns which allow the bride to be chic, sexy and yet
traditional; name another who does this, I dare you! Pssst ... don’t tell
anyone but there is soon to be a capsule “couture” collection available at one
of our most prestigious retail establishments! ... stay tuned!
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It is a
rarity in today’s sphere of fashion to find a designer who sketches, drapes and
fits their own designs let alone possess the entire skill set. To compound or
maybe even magnify his abilities, this
multitalented designer does it all without the easy access to the ateliers of
Paris and without the extensive staffs that so many of his peers have at their fingertips;
remember he is in Beverly Hills not Paris and nor Milan nor Beirut.
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So now I
introduce you to a modern master of the art and craft of fashion in his own
words:
Jeffrey Felner: Can you give us a sort of snapshot biography in terms of how you arrived at where you are today?
Mark Zunino: My career started on
a fluke referral from a professor of mine while attending Pepperdine
University, I was asked if I would interview with Nolan Miller and Aaron
Spelling. I accepted the interview and ended up getting the assistant design
position. After my decision to depart from my studies in architecture, I took
on a full-time position with Nolan Miller Inc. After several years of
employment, I was asked to be a partner with Nolan Miller and eventually took
over the company, after my independent label had been established.
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JF: You cover a diverse range of clients; can you speak to who each category addresses and what makes them unique in their respective marketplace?
MZ: My clientele is extremely diverse, ages ranging from 16yrs - 76 yrs.
young. We cater to a range of economical levels while keeping the highest
quality possible in each category: With the couture end of my work, we cater to
very affluent internationally based women, designing entire wardrobes as well
as special occasion pieces. I also have a well-established celebrity clientele,
having been fortunate to have started with A-listers such as Sophia Loren and
Elizabeth Taylor, through today’s celebs such as Angelina Jolie, Sofia Vergara
and Jennifer Lopez. The bridal portion of my brand is also accounts for a large
part of my time as it, encompasses my Couture Bridal Collection as well as MZ2,
a diffusion collection produced in China. Finally, at a moderate level, I have
a more affordable collection of daywear sold on QVC which caters to those
ladies who opt to shop form the comfort of their homes or via their home
computer.
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JF: You do made to measure, red carpet, bridal and stage costumes, can you speak to the challenges of each as well as what your influences/inspirations are for each?
MZ: Whether working on garments for made-to-measure, red carpet, bridal
or stage, the challenge and inspirations are the same… To design progressive
and feminine clothing that contour and reshape a woman's body, making everyone
look and feel sexy and confident. My inspiration comes from everything and
anything around me. The creative process never takes a break. Creativity is
continually in motion.
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JF: If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?
MZ: Elizabeth Taylor because she was so progressive in thinking and very
independent. She truly cared for the well-being of mankind without prejudice.
She was one of my favorite women to have worked with.
Coco Chanel because she was revolutionary in influencing fashion and was a true survivor. She blazed her own trail regardless of others opinion. Rihanna because she’s the next name on my “wish-list” to become a new and recurring client; I love her fiercely rebellious and independent nature. My Father because I would love for him to see what he was so instrumental in helping me accomplish, with the love, encouragement, drive and confidence he so unconditionally gave to me. Lastly, but surely not least would be my mother because she was equally instrumental in my journey and because she would give anything to be with my father one more time.
Coco Chanel because she was revolutionary in influencing fashion and was a true survivor. She blazed her own trail regardless of others opinion. Rihanna because she’s the next name on my “wish-list” to become a new and recurring client; I love her fiercely rebellious and independent nature. My Father because I would love for him to see what he was so instrumental in helping me accomplish, with the love, encouragement, drive and confidence he so unconditionally gave to me. Lastly, but surely not least would be my mother because she was equally instrumental in my journey and because she would give anything to be with my father one more time.
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JF: If you
could choose any collaboration or project who or what would it be and why?
MZ: If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be to collaborate with
Paco Rabanne. I had the pleasure of spending a few days with him in Russia a
few years back and was mesmerized by his unique confidence in marching to the
beat of his own drum in the business of fashion. Even when the industry labeled
him eccentric and a bit crazy, at times yet to this day, his timeless aesthetic
is as unique and contemporary as the day he first started.
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