TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY
We made it to the presentation held at the Antony Todd store on East 11th Street, just off University, with 20 minutes to spare. Michele of Atelier PR organized one last talk-through of the collection for the benefit of the late-comers.
The eight models were unbelievably, not sweating, although they were posed on a white platform under bright lights and were wearing full-on winter outfits. The models were perfectly cast, ranging in age from early twenties to early fifties. Rather than just looking like generic models, they resembled the elegant men who inspire Mr. de Corato's designs.
The mostly female crowd of editors clustered around the dapper designer, and hung on his every word. As he talked passionately about a pair of white driving gloves and the artisan who made them, I forgot that I was sweating, late to my next event, and started listening, 100%. Here's a designer who's got it all and who could be the next big thing in the world of menswear.
Going down the list:
1. First and most importantly, the clothes are exquisite.
2. The clothes are timeless. Mr. de Corato told us he is still wearing one of the first suits he produced. It is over 8 years old.
3. The designer is media-genic - he comes across as warm, interested and attitude-free.
4. His boutiques are anchored in the top spots where the affluent shop: New York, Palm Beach, San Francisco, and Vail.
I really tuned-into what Mr. de Corato was saying when he spoke of the white driving gloves I'm dying to own. The designer joked in a mellifluous Italian accent, pointing to the model, " Yes, he's wearing driving gloves, but HE'S not driving; his driver's taking him to the soccer game at the arena."
When it comes to designing his clothes though, Mr. de Corato is all business and has dedicated himself to finding the very best artisans and small manufacturers to deliver the goods. He used Loro Piana natural fibers, horn buttons, sheared mink, super 150 wool, and satin pique in this collection.
Accessories are part and parcel of the look and he researches the components for his shoes and glasses with as much zest as he does the RTW. Taking a pair of sunglasses off one of the models, he held them up for us to inspect and scratched the lenses with a key, as we watched, horror stricken.
"See, these glasses are really scratch-proof. They are modeled after those from WWII. Please, know, I'm not the producer, I'm the dreamer who finds all these wonderful little producers who can make them come true."
Once he's identified potential partners, he engages in partnerships with them to produce small quantities of clothing and accessories that appeal to the man who appreciates fine Italian tailoring and is willing to invest in timeless pieces that give the wearer an elegant silhouette.
One notable piece was a cashmere sweater lined with mink and trimmed in suede with horn buttons. This is a piece I can easily image one of the nattily dressed Milanese men wearing in October while sipping a martini at Harry's Bar in Venice.
Although the Antony Todd store is indisputably chic, [think of a well-appointed hunting lodge], I can't wait to visit it later this year, after Mr. de Corato redecorates it.
To view more designs, visit www.decoratoboutiques.com
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