Fausto Puglisi, sometimes called the next Gianni Versace, says Chinese women suit his styles
Sicilian designer Fausto Puglisi has his sights set on the China market as he hosts his first fashion show in Asia, writes Divia Harilela
Fausto Puglisi has been hailed by many as the next Gianni Versace, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. We are at the headquarters of luxury maison Emanuel Ungaro in Paris and the roguishly handsome designer strolls in, dressed casually in a tartan shirt and a pair of jeans.
His hair is dishevelled and it looks as though he hasn't shaved in days (it makes sense when he reveals that he has shown two collections at two major fashion weeks within a span of a week). The only telltale signs of Versace-style excess are the diamond tennis bracelet on his wrist and the matching solitaire stud glistening from his ear.
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A glimpse at his work on the catwalk, however, reveals his alter ego. Daring black leather harness bras and biker jackets are matched with flouncy skirts and silk shirts printed with palm tree motifs. Lavish gold beading and embellishments cover leather or pleated gladiator skirts for a bold yet sexy look.
"My hero is Gianni Versace, because he was the only one to understand that fashion needed to be connected to fun and beauty. It's about creating something new that he couldn't find somewhere else," says the designer.
"We all have a story to tell, but I think Fausto is about creating something exciting. I want a woman who wears Fausto to see herself in the mirror and say, 'Wow'. Her husband will say she looks amazing, and her friend wants to be her. I want to create a 'wow' world. I have a big ego, you know. I want to take over the world," he says.
