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.

Grooming Essentials via Bespoke

When I was a poor college student I used to place my toiletries in a plastic grocery bag and pray nothing opened while in transit and ruined my clothes. Those days are behind me now that I invested in a Dopp kit. This month's Bespoke Box brought a Blue Claw Co. dopp kit filled with top notch grooming products. They include some familiar names and some that deserve your attention. You'll get to try out Mitch products Double Hitter 2-in-1 shampoo & conditioner and their construction paste. The Base Light Daily Refresh Bar Soap with peppermint will keep you clean and fresh along with the Maapilim face Cleanser and Marvis Classic Strong Mint toothpaste. The contents of this box will help you travel like an adult and look great day to day.

Razor not included

The Weekender- Bespoke Post

Guys, it's officially summer! This means, BBQs, rooftop parties, and (hopefully) some trips. In this month's Bespoke Post box, the coveted Line of Trade weekender bag arrived. The canvas body as it breaks in will have a beautiful patina and genuine leather trims will age nicely. The design was inspired by the bags stonemasons used to carry their tools. This bag has me all excited for the weekend trips in the near future. Can't wait for the adventures that await!

Line Of Trade- Weekender Bag #BoxOfAwesome

Bespoke Post: Viscata Espadrilles

Hola Amigos! This month's Bespoke Post box item hails from the land of Spain. Viscata Sitges Espadrilles are my first pair of espadrilles and I 'm excited to try them out. That's one of the great things about Bespoke Post, the access to special authentic items you would normally not know where to get.

The espadrilles are handcrafted by Spanish artisans and made with a light weight cotton canvas upper and 100% jute sole to make these another great footwear option for the summer season. Espadrilles have been around for hundreds of years and a staple in the Mediterranean. Let's show them how it's done in this side of the pond.

 

How to Wear Men's Espadrilles Tips:

Where to wear them: Poolside, ocean side, farmer's market, anywhere chill
What to wear them with: shorts, swim trunks, khakis, rolled up jeans
When to wear them: as soon as it gets warm
Why wear them: Their classic, to replace the old flip flops, you're an adult

Stay Dry and Proud With Helmm

You'd never think that a deodorant could be associated with luxury. The people at Helmm have elevated this daily used grooming product to new luxurious heights. Nickel-plated zinc and beautiful hand-stitched leather make up the exterior while the deodorant itself is available in variety of aluminum free and antiperspirant scents. To boot, the refillable cartridge uses 60% less plastic. In addition to keeping you dry, Helmm will keep you proud to help the environment. Get this for yourself, as a gift or better yet, both.

Bespoke Post- Dutch Oven

At your mark,

get set, 

bake!

In-tuned with my recent guilty pleasure, The Best British Baking Show, monthly men's subscription box company, Bespoke Post delivered a classic kitchenware right to my door- the cast iron dutch oven from Old Mountain. This cast iron Dutch oven is as legit as they come (you can tell as soon as you lift it) and I can't wait to try out some recipes like these. The Bespoke Post box included a couple of other kitchen essentials, a silicone trivet from Meridian and a multipurpose Mexican kitchen cloth. Now, I'm all set and ready to expand my repertoire. Make sure to check out their other uniquely curated boxes!

#bespokepost #boxofawesome

Inspirations for NYFW- Menswear F/W 2019

New York Fashion Week is only a few days away. The fashion world is running on adrenaline, coffee and lack of sleep as all the preparations are under way to present the Fall/Winter 2019 collections. For most the collections start with a sketch, an idea, a location or even time period. Here are a few of those inspirations and quotes from some of my favorite designers and some new names you should have on your radar.

Brand/Designer name:  Chan Chit Lo
Inspiration: Inspired by the work of Frank Meadow, this season, we celebrate the fishermen from the 19th century. Chan Chit Lo conveyed the spirit of the Fisherman and the scenery of their daily life to the collection, from the tools they use for work to the sense of harbor. Chan Chit Lo use of piles of yarn, recycled fabric and unwanted garments and transform it into luxury textile design, through her hand-craft. She believes the vision of luxury is creating craftsmanship from faults, flawed and imperfect materials.

Brand/Designer name: KA WA KEY Designers: Key Chow & Jarno Leppanen

Inspiration: KA WA KEY explores hedonism and reworks everyday streetwear with the designers’ roots of the Asian and Scandinavian aesthetics. Re-imagining traditional textile crafts and applies them on considered signature streetwear, with an unusual balance of high-concept, accessibility wearability, simplicity and soft romantic masculinity. KA WA KEY believes beauty of twinks.

Brand/Designer name: David Hart

Inspiration: A minimalist wardrobe

Brand/Designer name: Son Jung Wan

Inspiration: The women's and men's Fall 2019 collection is full of unconventionally mixing of faux fur, checkered prints, flowered prints, embroidered fabrics, sequins, and velvet, that have bold color to create a romantic mood full of playfulness.

Brand: Descendant of Thieves

Inspiration: Love Thy Neighbor, But Dress Like Yourself. We find inspiration in the individualism of New Yorkers— fewer judgements and an openness to people who celebrate personal style. It’s about respectfully living amongst others but truly being yourself.

Brand/Designer name: Krammer & Stoudt Inspiration: Krammer & Stoudt presents the Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection, inspired by the iconoclastic figure of Don Van Vliet (Captain Beefheart), a cult hero of the California psychedelic/desert rock scene of the late 60's and early 70’s. Expanding with that catalyst, the collection incorporates style elements of the era of rock music between 1969-1974 specifically, with an emphasis on the culture of the Sunset Strip and the wide open spaces of Joshua Tree, CA.

Harsh Winter Must-Have Grooming Products

In the last couple of weeks temperatures have drastically changed from 16 degrees that feel like -10 degrees to the mid 50s. With that said, we have to be vigilant in taking care of ourselves. Sadly, I started the new year with strep throat that required 10 days worth of antibiotics. We need to take care of ourselves internally and externally. Below are some of my favorite new finds to combat this harsh winter.

 From top to bottom:

V76 Smooth Shave Cream- This is the perfect size to pack in a carry-on. The weight of the cream is nice and light and with the essentials the blade just glides.

Kiehl's Age Defender Power Serum- Time is not on our side. Fortunately, Kiehl's Age defender line is on our side. This bottle is almost empty. Need I say more?

Duluth Trading Knuckle Wax- These guys are known for their sturdy apparel and ultra comfortable underwear. They are delving in to the men's grooming arena with some heavy hitters. This season has been really cold and dry in NYC. This knuckle wax does the trick.

Oars + Alps Power Cleansing face stick- This is another one of my travel essentials. You just have to roll on the face wash directly from the stick and rinse.

Base Light Essential Face Moisturizer- This line is new too brought to us by Bespoke Post! You must check out the rest of their line. Love the clean lines of the packaging and of course the product itself.

Duluth Trading Hand Lotion- So good I also had to include in this review. Plot twist- smells woods. It does not feel greasy when applied and the scent is not strong. All good things in my book.

Be Ready for Fall 2018

Fall is here! One week the temperatures drop to the 40's and the next goes up to the 70's. Below are a few new fall pieces to get you through whatever mother nature throws your way.

Photographer- Erik Carter
Model- Quincy Kdekwe @ Wilhelmina Models
Stylist- Alejandro Lopez

Coat- North & Mark | Shirt- Selected Homme | Pants- David Hart

Shirt and T-shirt Life/ After/ Denim | Pants- Krammer & Stoudt

Coat- North & Mark | Sweater- Selected Homme | Pants- Krammer & Stoudt

Sweater- Selected Homme

Sneak Peak- Ben Sherman Fall 2018

Can you believe August is already upon us! Where has the year gone? Now that summer is almost to a close the fall season is right around the corner. Let's be real, the weather has been sort of crazy lately so we don't know when the temperatures will start dropping. With that said, British brand Ben Sherman has great offerings that will help us look and stay cool while mother nature gets her act together. Check out some of my favorite pieces from the Fall 2018, perfect to wear right now.

Photographer- Eric Carter
Model- Weston Serame
Stylist- Yours Truly

Do-si DO's for Nashville

Even as a non-country music lover Nashville, Tennessee was great for a getaway. You'll learn about one of the country's music industry hubs and discover some cool places. You'll go to enjoy the live music playing along Broadway, take a trolley to tour the city, find an exact replica of the Parthenon in the middle of a park and eat delicious food. In a couple of days you'll find you feel right at home. Go see more touristy pics in my IG story.

Jeans & Western Shirt- Wrangler | Boots- Sebago | Sunglasses- Ray-Ban

 

Shirt- Life After Denim | Khakis- Original Penguin | Sneakers- Gola Sneakers

Coincidentally during my visit to Downtown Nashville, Wrangler opened a pop-up shop just a couple of blocks away from Broadway and all the Honky Tonks. Make sure to make your way over and check out the latest offerings, a legit denim bar and even a stage for live music performances during the weekends. Get more details here.

217 2nd Ave S photo: Emily Blincoe

photo: Emily Blincoe

photo: Emily Blincoe

Spring Blues

We're practically half way through May and we still can't put away our sweaters here in the northeast. So here I am embracing the cold temperatures with this Wrangler sweatshirt and still feeling like it's spring with the Sebago boat shoes. How are you making your outfits work with this indecisive weather?

 

 

I'm a sucker for the color blue and comfortable sweatshirts. So this one here was a win-win!

These Sebago boat shoes have become my go-to's for spring and summer.

About Face

The change of season requires you to adapt. Below are a few grooming products that will keep you ready for what ever mother natures throws at you.

Your winter arsenal from top to bottom:

Kiehl's Close Shaves Squadron- Help that blade glide ever so smoothly with this lotion.

Harry's Handle and Blade- I'm such a fan of this sleek and light design. Oh, and you can get it engraved!

Kiehl's Vitality- (At the time of posting this was out of stock) Check out the website for other great options. 

V76 Beard oil- Take that extra step to make sure your beard gets the hydration and protection it needs.

Coqui Coqui- I currently went through a scent tour of all Coqui Coqui has to offer and my favorite to my surprise is named Tabaco.

V76 Detox Bar Soap- Treat Yo Self and smell great too!

Matrix Mega Varnish- This is great if you suffer from frizzyness. 

Bosley Professional Strength BosVolumize Ultra Boost Styling Crème- Another way to nourish your hair. This cream contains Gingko Biloba kernel oil, Argania Spinosa kernel oil, Moringa Oleifera seed oil...all good things.

Jurlique Purifying Mask- Once a week I take the time for a face mask. This one is for oily skin and helps exfoliate. Win!

The elegant watch you see is from Jorg Gray. It's classic design goes well in any season.

Stay Very Warm

Sweater- Life After Denim | Beanie- Burton | Denim- Polo Ralph Lauren

Have you heard of The Very Warm? If not, let me introduce you to this brand. The Very Warm is where function and creativity intersect. As puffer jackets go, I'm so happy with the way it fits. The color is called midnight and as soon as I saw it on the site I knew I had to have it.

(I'm such a fan of the oversized hardware)

Sneakers- Tretorn | Socks- Bombas | Watch- Jorg Gray

One of the coolest things about The Very Warm is the artist collaborations- giving them another venue to share their vision. The artist whose art is featured in the lining of this jacket is a Los Angeles based artist called Trav. Read all about him here.

Photographer- Karina Muñoz

Layering For Fall

As the temperature is dropping our layering game needs to step up for the occasion! Here are a few looks to help you transition in to fall during its colder and milder days as seen on Damien Davis at Soul Artist Management, styled by yours truly.

Photographer- Erik Carter

Jacket- Mavi Jeans | Long Sleeve Tee- Haspel

Jeans- Mavi Jeans | Boots- Florsheim | Watch- Timex

Bomber Jacket- The Very Warm | Shirt + Sweater- Outerknown | Jeans- Mavi Jeans

Sweater- Daniel Hechter | Jeans- Mavi Jeans | Boots- Florsheim

Jacket + Henley- Life After Denim | Plaid Shirt- Burton | Pants- Outerknown

End of Summer

Summer is winding down and all I can think of is how sweet it has been. It must end with a bang! All through summer I looked for ways to feel and look like I was about to go to the beach without actually going. It was easy with these cool trunks and short sleeve shirt from Original Penguin. It's all about finding shorts that look great in the water and while you are out and about. One thing to keep in mind is to stay away from tropical prints and to wear closed toe shoes like these loafers from Swims. They are elegant, comfortable and perfect for a day at the beach or run errands around town. Let's hold on to summer for a bit longer!

Photography- Karina Muñoz

Shirt and Swim Trunks- Original Penguin | Shoes- Swims

Sunglasses- Lacoste