John Varvatos: Rock ‘n’ roll designer
New York-based menswear designer John Varvatos, who hopes to go global with his American lifestyle brand, has long plumbed the rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic. His men’s collection is due to hit the runway in Milan.
More in Image:
• John Varvatos hopes to go global with rock-flavored menswear line
• John Varvatos’ iPod picks
• Taz Arnold: rocking his look and label, one at a time
• Motorcycle boots arrive for winter
• Petite? Head to the boys’ section for a blazer
(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Menswear pieces by Varvatos are displayed among vintage artifacts in the former New York City nightclub CBGB, which the designer turned into a clothing boutique.
More in Image:
• John Varvatos hopes to go global with rock-flavored menswear line
• John Varvatos’ iPod picks
• Taz Arnold: rocking his look and label, one at a time
• Motorcycle boots arrive for winter
• Petite? Head to the boys’ section for a blazer
(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
The appeal of Varvatos’ rock-flavored clothing reaches across generations, from Zac Efron to Ian McKellen. Varvatos likes to play with genres, melding rock riffs with military, bohemian or Edwardian-dandy styles. He often works in wools, cottons and leathers.
More in Image:
• John Varvatos hopes to go global with rock-flavored menswear line
• John Varvatos’ iPod picks
• Taz Arnold: rocking his look and label, one at a time
• Motorcycle boots arrive for winter
• Petite? Head to the boys’ section for a blazer
(Carolyn Cole/ Los Angeles Times)
One of John Varvatos’ early influences was Led Zeppelin. “Every guy has a rock-god fantasy. I just dial into that,” he says. At his boutique, clothing and accessories mix with books, records and stereo equipment.
More in Image:
• John Varvatos hopes to go global with rock-flavored menswear line
• John Varvatos’ iPod picks
• Taz Arnold: rocking his look and label, one at a time
• Motorcycle boots arrive for winter
• Petite? Head to the boys’ section for a blazer
(Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)