Meet Philip Treacy.. legend of fashion .. modern master

There are so few designers ... of anything... who reach career highs within their lifetime and remain there. We are not talking about the “pets” or the media darlings who have PR machines and corporate money behind them, I speak of independent super talents who achieved this designation or plateau with their god given talents … my focus is Philip Treacy.  Today it is all about celebrating a creative wunderkind who knows no bounds and who is instantly synonymous with his métier. As far as I can see, this is a man of epic talent and endless imagination who creates for runways, royalty and never ever the run of the mill!! While he may be a bit brief in his replies to my questions he is wildly prolific in his output! What needs to be considered he is one question and one reply…. “What is your bliss?” and the reply is inventing hats!! Please take note of the choice of words here as they are so very telling of the man!! … Inventing!!!! Bravo !

-What is the most treasured possession in your wardrobe?

My Alexander McQueen suits, he gave me.

-What is your most sterling trait and what trait do you treasure most in your friendships?  

Loyalty

-What is your bliss?

Inventing hats

-What is your guilty secret?

I think about new hats all day long

-Where is your ideal home?

London, it’s a fantasy.

-What do you wear to bed?

Not much

-What’s your advice to the “newcomer?”

Originality

-Who or what is your inspiration/style icon?

Isabella Blow

-What is the best advice you ever received?

Make hats.

-In 3 words or less, describe the current state of fashion.

Trendless, open, marketing

14-If you were a retailer; would you wear your own designs or shop in your own store?

Yes

Or where would you shop?

Harrods

-If you won a $200,000,000 power ball (lottery), what is the first thing you would buy or do?

Plants. I love gardening

-If you could invite up to 4 people for dinner, who would they be…dead or alive?

Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson

-What is your favorite movie /or movie star?

Legend / Tom Cruise

-Whose opinion do you value most and why?

 The people I work with, I trust them

-What’s your take on magazines, books versus the internet?

It’s all legible

-Do you have a dream collaborator?

Marlene Dietrich

-What is your crowning achievement thus far in your career?

Surviving as a hat designer in the 21^st century

-What’s your music library like?

Chaotic

-What and where is your favorite meal?

Anything my partner Stefan cooks

Gareth Pugh Spring 2013 Paris Collections

I have watched this young man since he first appeared on the fashion landscape in London and I am so pleased to be able to notice the growth of the collection, both in quantity and design.
Gareth Pugh, favored by Daphne Guinness, is a young man who will not be accused of being a slave to trend and certainly will be lauded for carving his own path in the world of fashion. Do not think that that for one second, that this collection is beyond criticism but it surely engenders great respect for a young man of his age.

View slideshow:International style; Paris Fashion Week Gareth Pugh Spring 2013

Yes, I wish it wasn’t so black and yes I wanted to see more of the frayed edged pieces and yes I wanted more of the wildly layered georgettes. The opening exit was indeed an homage to Diane Pernet (Google her) which brought a smile across my face. There are references to her, YSL’s portrait collar and fringe, to fencing gear, to Latina costumes of the 40’s ( think Carmen Miranda) and possibly to Romeo Gigli but what is so delightful about the collection that oozes and exudes creative energy and originality . Mr. Pugh has grown up enough to use color to its fullest and one might even ponder whether Mr. Pugh has allowed a bit of commercialism to creep into this collection. Loosely translated, that means that women other than Daphne Guinness can wear some of these clothes to real places with even greater pride of ownership! P.S. these are no longer just editorial clothes!

Bottom line here, is that this is a collection that excites and will keep me tuned in for more as I knew from day one, that Gareth Pugh will be a force to be reckoned with some day very soon.

NYC style: inquiring minds need to knw...Rod Keenan

*** HUGE SLIDESHOW****