Interview | Franco Noriega

Franco Noriega is not just a pretty face. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Franco moved to NYC to make things happen. He was discovered by famed photographer Mario Testino, appeared in ad campaigns for major international luxury brands, he was the youngest Creative Director at Macy's for the millennial division, and is a professional chef and restaurant owner at BABY BRASA to name a few. Most recently he has taken part in Jean Paul Gauthier's new fragrance launch for La Belle & Le Beau in Marrakesh. Franco took a moment to answer some questions about his experience and what he's working on next.

1. What was the most memorable experience of being part of the La Belle & Le Beau ad campaign?

The fact that Jean Paul Gaultier would choose you as a brand representative is memorable in it of itself, however, I would have to say that being part of the creative concept of the campaign, the romanticism of tying it to the creation of man and woman, all in the beautiful background of Marrakesh was absolutely wonderful.  

2. What makes this ad campaign different from others you taken part of?

What made this campaign different for me was that I was able to showcase my abilities in other aspects of my life. A lot of people think that I am just a model and that I am superficial. What people do not know is that I am also a fitness professional and a chef. During this campaign I was able to demonstrate that in order to be successful in life, you must be prepared in all aspects of it, such as being healthy in every way. 

3. The ad campaign kicked off in Marrakesh, what places did you get to explore during your time there?

We had very little time alone in Marrakech. The city is so rich in amazing places, shops, markets. The local culture is so wonderful that I recommend it as a destination for everyone to visit. A real Arab dream.

4. What projects are you working on for 2020 that has you excited?

We have lots of plans! I'm about to open my second restaurant in NY at the end of November. And next year we want to open one in Brazil. Seeing my gastronomic project expand has me more excited than ever. I am also working on a new book that will explore gastronomy from an unusual angle. I am sure that more projects are coming, so I only have to continue to be prepared with my team to take on all the new challenges that come ahead.

Timo's Picks at the CFDA Retail Lab

Timo Weiland known for his updated take on American classics partnered with online eyewear brand Zenni Optical and created a curated collection called Timo's Picks and is part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Retail Lab in NYC. Timo took the time to answer a few of my questions about his picks and his experience at the retail lab.

Designer- Timo Weiland

What made the styles you selected stick out from all the different styles available at Zenni?

The whole concept of Timo's Picks center around the styles from Zenni's plentiful range that Donna, Alan and I covet the most for every occasion. The assortment is an authentic reflection of our combined personality and our multifaceted lives in New York City- architecturally inspired with a fun colorful and textural twist.

Which ones are your favorite out of all your picks?

My personal favorite are the woodacre sunnies for a day at the beach and the tortoise browline frames for day to night adventures in the city.

The Woodacre Sunnies

Do you see yourself delving in to designing eyewear in the near future?

Optical is definitely a category Timo Weiland would like to explore with our designs. Zenni has been a phenomenal partner to us as a brand, so naturally we look forward to exploring other ways to collaborate in the future.

How was your experience having your collection available in the CFDA's Retail Lab in NYC?

The CFDA Retail Lab has been an unparalleled learning experience for us as a brand- not only was it successful financially, but we faced a new challenge everyday while being able to experiment with different activation strategies throughout the 10-week term. We are honored to have had this opportunity and thankful that Zenni was on-board with us. We collectively gained a tremendous amount of exposure + new fans & clientele. 

The Zenni Optical - Timo's Picks

Interview | Asher Weinberger Founder and CEO of Twillory

Do you own non-iron shirts? Do you know how they're made? I had Asher Weinberger, Twillory Founder and CEO answer a few questions about non-iron shirts, the chemicals that go in to them and what makes Twillory shirts special.

How long has Twillory been in the shirt making business?

We like to say that we are a startup from the 1800’s. Our family heritage in the shirt making business goes back well over one hundred in years and across multiple continents and countries. On the other hand, with Twillory we have tried to re-tailor our tradition for the modern man.

What makes your shirts special?

What makes our shirts special is that they have been designed sensibly. Producing millions of shirts annually for brands everywhere has given us deep insight into exactly what guys actually want to wear and how they want it to fit. For example; there is a misconception that the way to make a shirt “slim fit” is simply to remove extra fabric. That’s how you would produce a “tight shirt”, not a “slim fit." Knowing how to properly angle an armhole so that the shirt drapes the body with a more slimming effect is the kind of sense that isn’t so common.

 How has Twillory solved the non-iron shirt problem?

This one is pretty straightforward. All non-iron shirts contain Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Why don’t consumers know about this? There has been no effective alternative and considering that non-iron makes up the vast majority of shirt sales by major brands, it wasn’t a secret anyone wanted to share. We made it our mission to not only educate guys about what goes into their shirts but also to engineer the first and only solution to the problem; SafeCotton.

What's next for Twillory?

We are pretty excited about continuing to build upon the SafeCotton disruption. We have a few new exciting products in the pipeline we'll be launching soon ;)


Here's a couple of articles about the non-iron shirt industry:
GQ-  Non-Iron Dress Shirts Are the Worst
WSJ- The War Over Non-Iron Shirts

Interview | Karen Murray, President of Nautica and Their New Store

Ladies and gentlemen- exciting news! Nautica, one of our favorite brands, has opened its first doors to a store in SOHO in New York City. Karen Murray, President of Nautica took a moment to answer a few questions about the new location and about the brand. Take a look at the cool interior design of the store and the great clothes of course.

- Who is the Nautica man and woman?

The Nautica man and woman care deeply about style and the brands that they purchase. They seek many sources for inspiration, especially those with authority such as magazines, blogs and celebrities. Style is a tool that helps them to feel respected and be appropriate. They are driven, self-confident, action-oriented people who take charge of their days, their goals and their aspirations. They have a strong affinity for the water. For them, it’s a place to connect, have fun, be social and active. In their busy lives, the water is a place to get away from the grind and be their best selves.

- Why open a store now?

Two years ago the Nautica team embarked on a brand journey worldwide in an effort to better address the needs of its target consumer and refine their brand positioning. The results enabled the brand to resonate more with the target consumer, broaden its reach, and differentiate itself from other fashion brands. The SoHo store opening embodies the brand’s refreshed marketing and design strategy that was announced in February 2016. The new positioning: Reimagine Nautica - Inspired by the Sea, Designed in the City, celebrates the Nautica brand's home in New York City and its established nautical heritage.

- What are some of the key pieces in the Spring '16 collection we should seek out?

The men's selection offers updated outerwear in new fabrications, such as high-twist poly and water repellent cotton nylon as well as new elements such as engineered pockets and inverted pleats. You will see more wovens, sweaters, sport coats and pants that have been added to the collection to help consumers build head-to-toe looks. The women’s line includes timeless pieces that are versatile. You can expect to see day-to-night staples, like chambray shift dresses, tailored trousers, and modern jumpsuits, available in a feminine mix of neutrals and sea glass shades.

- Are there plans on opening another location in the near future?

We would love to, but our focus right now is building awareness and excitement around the SoHo store.

Interview | International Model Ryan Taylor

I met up with Ryan Taylor ( VNY ) at the Nomad Hotel lobby in NYC to catch up and see what he's been up to. It's common place to read about models who are musicians or skaters but there are a few out there that are taking matters in to their owns hands with an entrepreneurial spirit. Find out about Ryan and all the adventures his embarking on when he's not in front of the camera in this exclusive interview for Adentro Style.

Photo by Alejandro Brito

Where are you from?
Toronto, Canada

Relationship status-
Currently single, recently currently single

Any plans for the summer?
That's a tricky one. I'm actually going to go with some friends and family from Canada out west to Vancouver Island and we're going to do a 2.5 week hiking trip in the middle of nowhere. Kind of like the west coast version of the Appalachian trail. It's supposed to be very beautiful. I've never been to British Columbia before except for the Rookies which is completely different from what you get in the coast. It will be nice to see it.

How long have you been modeling?
10 years, I started when I was 15 years old. I haven't been modeling the whole 10 years. I took off 4 years and went to college and did some other stuff here and there  Closer to 5 years doing it full time.

Louis Vuitton SS12

What is one of your most memorable photo shoots or projects that you've done as a model?
The one that always sticks out in my mind was an editorial, I want to say it was for Details Magazine. This was a long time ago, about 2007. We were shooting in Tenerife an island off the coast of Africa and we were shooting in a crater of a volcano. It looked like mars, everything was red it was one of the most striking landscapes I've ever seen. The team was amazing and we had a lot of fun. I had never been anywhere close to Africa before at that point in my life- it was a wonderful experience.

United Colors of Benetton FW 2009

What do you do when you are not modeling?

When I’m not modeling, the rest of my time is taken up working on a tech startup, (Bookt) that my partners and I  launched a few months ago. It's basically a communications tool for models and agents. The software focuses on making the casting process easy for models. It automatically puts their castings, jobs, and call-backs into an simple and easy smartphone app. Bookt also calculates casting wait times, provides models with Google powered directions, and helps models keep track of their income with a “quick” bookkeeping feature. This solves many problems agents have had for years. In addition, Bookt provides agents with notifications when models have arrived at their castings, increasing accountability. Agents commonly claim that 20% to 30% of their models don’t go to castings. That's a lot of lost potential income. I'm really excited to work on this project and we have a lot of really valuable features coming in the future. 

How long have you been working on this project?
I've been doing this now, full time for 6 months. The project has been going on for about 13 months. Right now it's available for download and it's free! We're already with a couple of big agencies and close to 1K users. we are currently exclusively in NYC but we plan on branching out.

Bottega Veneta SS13

Where else do you see this App taking you guys?
I see it branching out in so many directions because it's applicable in so many different industries.

Is there anything else that we should know about you?
I love adventure, traveling and back packing, new experiences. I'm the kind of person that would rather climb a mountain for 7 days then go to any club in NYC- that's my cup of tea. Jumping out of a plane, doing whitewater rafting, I feel alive when I'm doing that kind of stuff.

Meet Tiffany Ying of Masterclass Apparel

There is a new activewear brand that you need to know about- Masterclass Apparel. I'm a fan of their designs and totally appreciate workout clothes that don't look like boring workout clothes. I asked co-founder Tiffany Ying a few questions about the brand and how it all came about.

- Who is the Masterclass Apparel man? The Masterclass Apparel man is an active, driven, discerning guy who takes pride in his appearance and is careful about the style choices he makes; he invests in his own health and well-being in all aspects of his life and isn't afraid to stand out from the crowd a little for his choices.

- You use an engineered knit which includes silver ion antibacterial technology. How doest that work exactly? Silver's antibacterial properties have been recognized for well over a hundred years, but we're only now really understanding why it works so well. Researchers believe the silver ions disrupt some of the proteins necessary for bacteria to replicate. Slower bacteria grown = less smelll. Our silver ion treatment is designed to last wash after wash: the finish is built in to the yarn fibers before our fabric is knit - so the treatment is more durable than if it were applied after the fabric was knit.

- What's the inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2016 collection? The SS16 collection was inspired by the intricacy of traditional Japanese woodcut prints. I love the mixture of vivid color with delicate imagery and wanted to incorporate it into our collection. Our deep sea and camo patterns have bold color, but also a depth to them that draws you in and makes you want to 
seek out all of the little details.

- How did Masterclass Apparel get started? Masterclass Apparel was started by Emily and myself after my husband observed that my activewear was way more interesting, visually, than his. He was sick of the traditionally garish colors that screamed "gym clothes" and wanted something that blended well with his everyday clothing while still being breathable and sweat-wicking. The rest is history!

- Why is Masterclass produced in the US instead of overseas? We manufacture and source in the USA because we believe that customers can identify and want quality, well-made clothing. We love that we're able to monitor the quality of production as it's happening, close to our design headquarters in New York. It's also no secret that a lot of clothing is made overseas in less-than-ideal working conditions in order to keep manufacturing costs down, but these "savings" come at the expense of the workers and the environments they live and work in. We wanted to build a different type of supply chain, one that focuses on treating people well, using expertise that we've got locally in New York's Garment District, and it's working out really well for us.

The Man's Guide To Decorating

With the season changing I think its time you rethink your living quarters and take a look at these friendly decorating pointers. I had Kalam Dennis from AptDeco.com answer a few questions on how to start decorating and furnishing your place. Plus, as you read on you'll find some helpful hints on bedding, like what does thread count mean and more!

When buying furniture, what piece of furniture should one start with in the living room? Does it even matter?

It's best to start with a piece that you truly love—whether it's a sofa, a rug, a credenza, or a coffee table. Once you've found something that gets you excited you can plan around it without compromising your space. Of course everyone needs a sofa, but that might not be the piece you want to build around.  I'd suggest shopping around in all categories until something catches your eye. You can then start building from that piece outwards.

How can I get the most from the AptDeco website?

AptDeco has an absolutely huge catalog at every type and price range that encompasses all of New York, D.C., and the surrounding areas. The catalog also changes every day based on sellers posting and move-out dates, so it's important to know what's there and be able to act fast.  The catalog includes lots of filters to help you get specific. If you only have a broad idea of what you want, the Collections and our Shop By Style sections are a great way to get some inspiration.

Are there brick and mortar locations too?

In their own way, thousands of homes across NYC and DC are AptDeco's brick and mortar locations. But we do not keep a storefront or warehouse for furniture pieces.

Where do you recommend men can get inspiration ideas for decorating their homes?

When decorating it's good practice to visit furniture stores near you to get some inspiration. Much like fashion, furniture is a big seasonal industry and with the change of season comes a change in style. Designers also tend to recommend homeowners to visit boutique or small hotels around different neighborhoods to explore their takes on interior design. Another great way to get inspiration is through our popular Pinterest boards, which have been hand-curated by our designers, or by following sites like design-milk.com or designsponge.com to discover the latest trends in design.

Now that we've discussed furniture I think there is another dimension least thought about by men- how the room smells. The sense of smell affects greatly how a person feels about a room and if you have a guest over you want to make sure to make them feel comfortable in every way. One of my favorite candle companies is Diptyque. This French company has been around for decades and they have mastered the art of creating alluring scents for men and women. For men, they recommend scents with a woody base like OUD, described as a woody and leather scent, intense and rooty. Other scents like the classic Feu de Bois and Amber also fall under the woody family and are great options. If you prefer a more floral scent the Baies scent is the one for you, which is a combination of red fruits and rose.

Did you know Greg Shugar founder of the Tiebar.com put together a great website called ThreadExpirement.com specifically designed to make men's live's easier when it comes to all our bedding needs? Not only will you find bed sheets made with men in mind but also the Bedding University. This tab will clarify all those bewildering terms like thread count, weave and what's the difference between a comforter and a duvet. You're welcome!

WOOLRICH Turns 185!

There aren't a lot of companies that can say they're celebrating their 185th anniversary- congrats Woolrich John Rich & Bros.! As part of their celebration an intimate fête was held at the Soho, NYC location. To make the festivities extra special Fashion Illustrator Blair Breitenstein aka @Blairz showed drawings inspired by the Fall 2015 collection. Josh Rich 8th generation descendent of John Rich who founded the Woolrich Company took a moment to answer a couple of questions about the 185th anniversary collection.

Rocco Scazzariello, Blair Breitenstein and Josh Rich

-What elements from the archives were used in the FW15 collection as part of the 185th anniversary?

The Hunting Coat and Hunting Vest in Traditional Woolrich Hunting Check which is part of the Pennsylvania Tuxedo. Also different blanket patterns that were used as lining in the Arctic Parka.

The Greenlander Stripes (pop color stripes on cream color Wool) which were mainly used in the 70’s for Coats and Blankets. Also, different blanket patterns from the Civil War series in Wool Coats and linings.

-What piece from the collection would you say everyman should own?

Definitely the Arctic Parka which is an absolute timeless piece that can be worn for every occasion and with every kind of outfit.

-Which are your favorite pieces?

Different interpretations of the classic Arctic Parka in Stretch Cordura and Gore Tex and there are also very soft and luxurious Cashmere sweaters.

--As a bonus I also asked Blair Breitenstein a few questions about her great illustrations too!

-You typically focus on womenswear illustrations, how was it for you to interpret the Woolrich woman and man?

The Woolrich man was easy to interpret for me because the Arctic Parka is essentially the same on a man or a woman! I simply sharpened the edges on the men's faces and shoulders to enhance the masculinity of the sketches... To create a contrast to my round slim female figures. I exaggerated square shoulders and jawlines on the men wearing the Pennsylvania tuxedos as well.... Just because I like to exaggerate! 

-Will you be doing more menswear illustrations in the near future?

I still prefer drawing women's clothing to men's clothing...I just find them more interesting in the way of shape/ volume and color. 

-What's your favorite piece from the FW15 collection?

I loved the Woolrich Mink, black and red polka dot cape! 

Interview | Fabrice Tardieu

Fabrice Tardieu has been working in the fashion industry for over a decade. In 2004 he started a shirt company, Bogosse that was sold in Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. He then decided to go to the next level and in 2014 created his own namesake collection found at select Neiman Marcus throughout the US. Fabrice Tardieu has taken his travels and cultures in to designing a collection with a combination of street wear and tailoring. He took a moment to answer a couple of my questions about the brand.

Who is the Fabrice Tarieu man?

The Fabrice Tardieu man is successful, confident professional that understands how to dress smart without a suit and tie and takes pride in wearing crafted menswear featuring outstanding quality and fit. 

Fabrice Tardieu is designed to be easily integrated into professional wardrobes but to also serve as standout pieces for casual weekend wear.

What inspired the Fall 15 collection?

My Fall/Winter 2015 collection is the result of my love and passion for different art forms, cultures and aesthetics. For over a decade I have continuously had a vision to design menswear that represents elegance and sophistication while still being young at heart. 

What's your favorite piece from the collection?

This is such a hard question as the collection is so diverse and I love each piece. If I had to choose I would say either the cashmere-jogging suit, kangaroo bomber jacket or pony hair sneakers.

What motivated you to start designing?

I was frustrated with the lack of garments available to men that did not have the detailing and fit that I knew men were seeking most.
Why did you choose Miami as your home base?
As  native Haitian living in Paris for 11 years I knew I had to move closer to family. Miami is a city that   continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

A Male Model's Fall Must-Have

Take cues from these male models from Soul Artist Management as they tell us in these interviews their must-haves this fall. Guys, these are some great options you should add to your wish list- stat.

Topcoat- Bespoken | Shirt- Belstaff | Jeans- Levi's | Watch- Skagen | Bracelets- Scocha

Dan Murphy

Hometown: Sarasota, Florida

Instagram/Twitter: @DanMurphyModel

What is your must-have item this fall? Why?

My style is very simple but I love to add a bit of sophistication to it, so my must-have item for fall is a topcoat. I like to wear tailored coats in darker muted colors like olive and burgundy because it's a subtle way to add luxury to a basic look.

What do you do when you're not modeling?

I model full time, so most of my days are spent either in the studio or on the road for work. On an off day I try to spend it with friends or family. Food is another passion of mine, so I love exploring new restaurants as I travel around the world. When I'm home in NYC, I  like to spend an evening with friends and taking cooking classes.

Where is your favorite place to spend the holidays?

I have a house in Florida near my parents and grandparents that I enjoy spending time at over the holidays. Since I travel most of the year, it's important to me to take some time off and spend it with loved ones. While I'm in Florida I make sure to watch the sunrise on the beach with my morning coffee. It's a great break from NY snow!

Parka- Alpha | Shawl Collar Cardigan- Turnbull & Asser | V-Neck- Parke & Ronen | Beanie- Adeen

Austin Scoggin

Hometown: Sherwood, Oregon

Instagram/Twitter: @AustinJScoggin 

What is your must-have item for this fall? Why?

My must have item for fall, is beanies. Beanies are great for fall because they add some style to every outfit and they keep me warm.

What do you do when you're not modeling?

When I'm not modeling I'm either cooking, at the gym, watching Netflix/YouTube, or out with friends.

Where is your favorite place to spend the holidays?

My favorite place to spend the holidays is wherever my family is.

Jacket- Calvin Klein | Hoodie- Parke & Ronen | Shirt- Burton

Mitch Baker

Hometown: Edmonton Alberta Canada

Instagram: Mr_MitchBaker

What is your must-have item for this fall?

My leather jacket.

What do you do when you're not modeling?

I love nature so I jump at any opportunity to go to the mountains or get out on the water. I also spend a lot of time reading. I'm fascinated by the way people think and interact so I am usually reading something that has to do with how the human mind works. Staying fit is another thing I spend a lot of time doing when I'm not modeling. I do hot yoga once a week in addition to my usual gym sessions. I also love to dance, I may not be any good at it but I still have fun doing it.

Where is your favorite place to spend the holidays?

Surrounded by my family and friends. But one year I would love to spend the holidays on a surf and yoga retreat in Bali or Costa Rica.

Photography: Ty Mecham
stylist: Alejandro Lopez
Grooming: Sarah Salice

Meet Model Emilio Flores from Spain

ph: Greg Vaughan

Spanish model, Emilio Flores with Soul Artist Management in NYC took a few minutes to answer some questions. To switch things up we'll start with the interview in spanish as that's how the interview was originally done and then the translation in english. Make sure to follow Emilio on all his adventures in NYC and abroad on Twitter and Instagram.

-Como empezaste trabajando como modelo?

Mi familia y un amigo me presionaron a intentarlo ya que si fuera por mi nunca habría dado ese paso, no me veía capaz de ganarme la vida con mi físico.

-Cuanto tiempo has estado modelando? 

3 años; empece en el verano de 2011

-Cual es tu experiencia favorita hasta el momento como modelo? 

La vivo cada día, es difícil decirse, por que cada día es inolvidable, es como crear una historia día a día, paso a paso. Pero hay una que aun me llena de felicidad fue cuando vi emocionarse a mi booker Reinaldo (Traffic Madrid) el día que me conoció.

-Cuales ejercicios y deportes son parte de tu entrenamiento (regime)? Normalmente me levanto bastante temprano para caminar, me encanta caminar sobre todo por Nueva York. Tambien practico Karate, muchos estiramientos y como dice mi madre, "no estar nunca parado excepto cuando duermes"…Hahaha

-Comer saludablemente es una parte importante de tu vida. A donde te gusta comer en NYC?

Me encanta comer, pero para mi la comida es mi medicina y vario mucho de alimentación, pero sinceramente mi sitio favorito en Nueva York es sin duda Whole Foods.

Ph: Edu Garcia

-How did you start modeling?

My family and a friend insisted I try it out if it were for me I would've never thought I would make a living from my looks.

-How long have you been modeling?

3 years. I started the summer of 2011.

-Up until now what has been one of your favorite experiences as a model?

I live it every day. It's hard to say because every day is unforgettable, it's like creating history day after day, step by step. But there is one experience that still fills me with joy, when I saw my booker at Traffic Madrid, Reinaldo, get excited when he first met me.

-What exercises or sports are part of your regimen?

I usually wake up early to walk, I love to walk especially in New York. Also, I practice Karate and lots of stretching and how my mother always says, "never stand still unless you're sleeping"…hahaha.

-Eating healthy is an important part of your life. Where do you like to eat in NYC?

I love to eat but for me food is my medicine and I eat a variety of foods. Honestly, my favorite place in NYC without a doubt is Whole Foods.

ph: Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca

Interview | Meet The Talented Mr. Nieves

I'm pleased to introduce you to Mr. Sam Nieves-Velez and his first menswear line, Mr. Nieves. He brings us modern silhouettes with vibrant patterns and fabrics inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage. Needless to say I am filled with Puerto Rican pride as I write this and especially as I viewed his collection first hand. The collection has everything you need from polos, t-shirts, swim trunks, to slim fit trouser and even Guayaberas. Every piece of his collection has the vibrancy you've come to love about spring and summer.

What motivated you to launch the Mr. Nieves collection?

SAM - The motivation came from the success of my Womens line Nieves Lavi. I then started creating items for myself that I could not find out in the market, and found that guys would stop and ask me where they could find it.  (aha aha moment, finally came to fruition)

How long have you been working in the fashion industry?

SAM - Longer that I will admit.  But, long enough to have a clear understanding of what goes into creating, operating and building a business. I was fortunate enough to have worked for companies that have taught me a great deal.

With limited examples of successful and talented hispanic designers, what would you say to a young hispanic person with a dream to pursue a career in fashion?

SAM - My best advise would be to go out and learn ALL that you can. Be curious about every part of design from the creative to the technical. Fashion goes beyond just a sketch. Launching a new business these days takes more than desire and motivation. It requires experience and knowledge.

Which is your favorite piece from the SS15 collection?

SAM - It’s difficult to single out my one favorite piece in the collection, when you put your heart and soul into it all. But, I would have to say the embroidered shirts, I am very fond of, and have been getting a lot of recognition.  Of course the Guayabera, a staple in every latin mans wardrobe. I liked mixing the prints with the Guayabera elements, it gives a wild modern spin on a classic.

What is one place in Puerto Rico you recommend for everyone to check out and visit?

SAM - This is even more difficult that picking my favorite piece from the collection. I would say it depends on your personality. There is something for everyone on this “Enchanted Island." If you are adventurous, I’d say to go hiking at El Yunque, the only Rainforest in the USA. There are B&B’s nestled in the mountains where you can stay with breath taking views and incredible food. Or a seaplane tour around the island. If your more of the leisurely type, fly or ferry over to Vieques Island. There is a W hotel that that will cater to your every need.  From afternoon sails to midnight kayaking at the bioluminescent bay. And for the true (Christopher Columbus) explorer, just rent a jeep, and navigate the island to discover what every corner has to offer. Don’t bother to pack breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are incredible food vendors on every roadside, just waiting to be discovered and devoured. Buen Provecho.

Que te motivó para empezar la colección de Mr. Nieves?

- Fue por el éxito de mi linea para mujer Nieves Lavi. Comencé creando piezas para mi que no podía encontrar en el mercado, encontré hombres que me detenían para preguntar me donde podían conseguir las. Esas experiencias echaron fruto.

Cuanto tiempo haz estado en el mundo de la moda?
- Mas de lo que querría admitir. Lo suficiente largo para tener un entendimiento claro de lo que se require para crear, operar y construir un negocio. Fui lo suficientemente afortunado por haber trabajado en empresas que me han enseñado mucho. 

Hay un limitado numero de ejemplos de diseñadores latinos exitosos, que dirías a un joven hispano que sueña con tener una carrera en la moda?
- Mi mejor consejo seria de aprender lo mas que puedas. Se curioso acerca de todos los aspectos del diseño desde la parte creativa a lo técnico. La moda va mas allá que un dibujo. Empezando un negocio en estos días toma mas que solo un deseo y motivación- requiere experiencia y conocimiento. 

Cual es tu pieza favorita de tu colección SS15?
- Es difícil escoger una sola cuando pones tu corazón y alma en todo. Tendría que decir que las camisas bordadas. Me encantan y han recibido mucho reconocimiento. Por supuesto la Guayabera, es un clásico en el guardarropa del hombre latino. Me gusta mezclar estampados con los elementos de la Guayabera, le da un toque salvaje y moderno a un clásico. 

Que lugar de Puerto Rico recomiendas ir a ver o visitar?
- Eso es mas difícil que escoger me pieza favorita. Diria que depende de tu personalidad. Hay algo para cada uno en la "Isla del Encanto." Si eres aventurera puedes ir a caminar en el Yunque el unico bosque tropical en los EEUU. Hay hoteles en las montañas donde te puedes quedar con vistas espectaculares y comida increible. O toma una vuelta en avion alrededor de la isla. Si te gusta algo mas relajado te vas en lancha o avion a la isla de Vieques. Hay un  W Hotel que te brindara todo lo que necesites. Desde la tarde en veleros a kayaking a la medianoche en la bahia bioluminiscente. Para el explorador como Cristobal Colon, alquila un Jeep y recorre la isla para descubrir cada rincon que ofrece. No te molestes en empacar para desayunar, almorzar o cenar hay vendederos de comida increible en cada carretera, solo esperando ser descubierto y devorado. Buen Provecho.