IRIS MAN: JOHN VARVATOS

Interview by Miguel Figueroa | Photography by Richard Phibbs @ Art Department

Since the year 2000, John Varvatos has managed to build his eponymous lifestyle brand on his obsession with rock ‘n’ roll. We met up with the New York designer backstage at his latest runway show.

Who are you obsessed with at the moment? 

Andrew Watts. Tyler Bryant and The Shakedown. I just signed both groups to my record label.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a fashion designer? 

In my 20’s.

First supermodel crush?

Cindy Crawford.

What were your initial thoughts when you decided to open a store at the former CBGB night club?

Somebody has to do something here to keep music alive. We can’t let this spot become a bank or a drug store.

Who is your favorite rock star?

Iggy Pop.

When are you the happiest? 

At my lake house with family and friends.

An item of clothing you can’t live without?

A leather jacket.

If you could run into teenage John Varvatos, what would you tell him? 

Be a sponge. Learn all you can. 

What do you think is the best thing about being a man?

Women.

What about the worst?

Women.