As Creative Director of Esquire, what’s the most intriguing part of your job?
The most intriguing is explaining what real luxury is for our readers, making it relevant for them. That means presenting fashion, luxury, experiences, all that, in such a way that they feel it can enhance their lives.
The concept of elegance and savoir-faire has been extensively revised over the past centuries. Today there’s definitely more room for interpretation. How do you feel about this?
I think true elegance is when it feels authentic, when it doesn’t push itself at you. And savoir-faire is meaningful only when it comes with the self-confidence, not to shout about it.
Working in the editorial field can be hectic and, sometimes, it may be hard to completely disconnect from projects and deadlines. How do you balance work time and leisure time? What do you usually do to unwind and relax?
Increasingly, the lines are blurred. Years ago, as a writer, you could only really work at a desk with a laptop, before that a typewriter. So when you weren’t at a desk you were doing something else. Something physical. For me the constant connectivity of the phone tends to push precious thinking time out of the picture. So, to fight back, I make a rule never to work on planes or trains. I watch a movie or read or sleep, anything but actual work. Travel time is me time. But thinking, having ideas for sure. Because that’s the fun stuff.
often travel worldwide to attend fashion shows and exclusive events, as well as working on editorials and cover stories. How frequently do you come to Milan?
I would say it varies, but maybe six times a year. Last time I was in Milan I bumped into a mate who joked “You’re here so much you might as well get an apartment here”. I think I would love it.
How would you describe your relationship with the city?
I love Milan. I always had. But I think it’s the relationship with Milan’s people that means more. I mean with designers, Prs, writers. I’ve learned much of what I know about style from them. And the lifestyle – though I’m sure Milanese people complain about it – is great. It’s urban, but to me it’s also sophisticated. It feels like a balance between work, friends and family that seems about right.
What is your typical day like when you’re here, outside of coming to our restaurant for a well-deserved, comforting meal?
If it’s show time it’s a crazy all-day, all-night race around the city. I usually get on Google Maps beforehand and try to work out the best order in which to do the many appointments, based on the drive time between locations. Often we have barely ten minutes at a particular presentation, or we risk missing something else. But the best time I’ve had in the city was during the women’s shows, when I have ridden around on the back of my Milan colleague’s scooter. We can leave a show before everyone and arrive at the next one before everyone. If it’s hot, it cools you down too. If I lived in Milan, I’d definitely get a Vespa!
Conviviality plays a major role in the Italian culinary tradition and especially at Giacomo Milano one of the top priorities is conveying this warm feeling to our guests, through both service and surroundings. In your opinion, what can never be missed to make people feel welcomed and spoiled?
Atmosphere. A good atmosphere is way more important than being trendy. And, of course, good food. You can go to a tiny restaurant in the middle of nowhere and if those things are there, it’s all you need.
