I’ve interviewed my share of rock stars over the years, but none of them have the kind of cool, kicked-back, charming elegance of fashion designer, John Varvatos. He’s affable, completely unaffected and beyond talented.
The designer, who’s been dubbed “The Rock Star of Fashion,” not only has a penchant for all things glam and edgy, he’s collaborated with and dressed the likes of Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Velvet Revolver, Dave Matthews, The Roots, Green Day and most recently, Kiss and Ringo Starr.
John’s rock ‘n’ roll pedigree goes back to his roots: he was born in the “Rock City” itself, Detroit. Not only that, one of his three Manhattan shops is located in the former temple of punk rock, CBGB. While he’s solidified himself in the rock world, you won’t find this hard working designer hanging out with groupies or partying all night long.
Instead, he continues following his fashion dreams at events like the opening of his newest store in the Bal Harbour Shops. Despite interviewing a king’s share of famous people through out my career, John had eluded me, until that night. Before our encounter, he was so normal and unassuming, I walked passed him several times before realizing who he was. Once we started talking, though, I immediately fell into his bright eyes, great smile and kind spirit.
Although, John’s made a life and career in fashion look easy, he’s serious about his work and is equally devoted to his family. What’s more, he gives a lot of his time, money and energy to charity; making him, perhaps, one of the most well-rounded, accomplished celebrities I’ve met in a long time.
John’s success is no accident either; it came to him the old fashioned way, through hard work and dedication. He started his career in retail, but became truly serious about fashion when he joined “Polo Ralph Lauren” in the 80’s. He would go onto hone his skills at “Calvin Klein.”
More specifically, the “CK” brand and its explosively popular boxer brief underwear. Yes, the ones made famous by a totally hot and half-naked, Mark Wahlberg in the early 90’s. I’d forgotten just how powerful those images were until I researched them to write this blog and wow. Just, WOW!
Back in the day, the boxer briefs were called “one of the greatest apparel revolutions of the century.” The funny thing is (as folklore would have it) “The Rock Star of Fashion” ripped the legs off some old Long Johns because he thought it would look cool. The avante garde idea, at least at the time, literally quadrupled the company’s revenue.
That stroke of fashion genius led him back to his old stomping grounds, Ralph Lauren, where he became the head of menswear and created the “Polo Jeans Company.” Finally, after years of making everyone else rich and famous, John went off on his own and started his clothing line in 1999. His brand now includes belts, handbags, footwear, eyewear, watches and fragrances.
For decades, there’s been no stopping “The Rock Star of Fashion.” John has gone onto collaborate with Converse and been named Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and GQ Magazine. Now, he’s going fashionably full circle by announcing the opening of his John Varvatos store in his hometown of Detroit. First, though, his attention is on South Florida and his newest boutique.
Shireen Sandoval: Congratulations on the new store; it’s beautiful.
John Varvatos: Thank you!
SS: How is your Bal Harbour store different than the one in South Beach?
JV: We have two different worlds; this is kind of an elegant, Madison Avenue store and South Beach is kind of a downtown rock ‘n’ roll store.
SS: This is very elegant. Does that mean that men are actually dressing up again?
JV: Oh yeah. That’s definitely happening right now. A lot of guys who have been dressing down are loving dressing up and young guys, who never really dressed up, are really loving dressing up.
SS: When you come to Miami, is there anything you HAVE to do or that you love doing?
JV: I love to relax when I come down here, but the only time I do that is the holiday time. Every time I get off the plane here, I say: “There’s nothing wrong with this.”
SS: Yeah, right!
JV: It’s such a beautiful place.
SS: I know that you are very passionate about rock ‘n’ roll and rock stars and it shows in a lot of your designs and collaborations, but is there anything else that you’re just as passionate about?
JV: Well, my family for sure. My family is the thing I’m most passionate about and I’m really passionate about giving back, especially with children. There’s a point in your life that you realize there’s so much out there and that you can affect things for the better. My family and charity are the things I think about the most. Rock ‘n’ roll is my pleasure.
SS: Your muse.
JV: Exactly.
SS: If you had to describe the Miami man and his style, what would it be?
JV: Stylish. I think the guy down here thinks about style. You know, there’s a difference between fashion and style. Style is when you have a different aura about yourself. Of course, there are a lot of different people who live in Miami, but as a whole, they think about style. There are a lot of different places in the country that it’s not such a big part of people’s lives. I grew up in Detroit, in the Mid West, it doesn’t have the same thing. You know here, I see it everywhere that I am, different types of styles.
SS: If you had to give men and woman alike one bit of fashion advice, what would it be and why?
JV: When you’re buying clothes definitely look at yourself in the mirror or work with someone and buy something that is really you and really comfortable. Don’t ever try and be someone that you’re not. You can juice yourself up and make yourself sexy, but in the end, you really just want to be you. How you dress is a reflection of your personality as well.
After our interview, John and I mugged for the camera and posed for a #PeaceRocks picture. It’s all part of his 2014 fashion/charity campaign starring former Beatle, Ringo Starr. Every time someone hashtags #PeaceRocks on social media, John donates $1 to Ringo’s “Peace and Love Fund.” The organization provides transcendental meditation to at-risk students, female survivors of domestic violence and veterans with post-traumatic stress.
While John Varvatos continues to be a fashionable brand, it’s the person himself and his passion for his family and fellow man that makes him truly stylish and that’s why “The Rock Star of Fashion” will always be one of my favorite things.
Blog wardrobe
dress: www.lovemytiki.com vest: www.forever21.com
Shoes: by McQ by Alexander McQueen
available at www.kokoandpalenki.com
John Varvatos
Bal Harbour Shops
Bal Harbour, FL. 33154
305-501-4900
Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 12pm-6pm
www.johnvarvatos.com
Twitter: @johnvarvatos
IG: @JohnVarvatos
FB: John Varvatos
Twitter @ShireenSandoval
IG @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com
photography by tod p/t4twophotography
Twitter @todp_photo
IG @Tod_p
info@t4twophotography.com
Hair by Odette Hernandez
Make-up by Javier Lucero
Editor: Matthew Auerbach
MattAuerbach@yahoo.com