Their different backgrounds somehow all came down to fashion; brought together by a joined passion for documenting any fashion-related story, the critical-thinking team behind Iconoclast Daily is contributing absorbing articles – be it on the latest fashion news, events or trends – that always give you something to think about. We caught up with founder Gianpaolo D’Amico to discuss how Iconoclast Daily came to life, hear his opinions on current attitudes among the fashion industry, and pick up his brains on what is the “disruptive behavior” in fashion that is worth writing about.
What were you doing before launching Iconoclast and what made you start a website of this type of content?
We all were students at Polimoda doing our Masters in Fashion Communication and Fashion Writing. For one of the semesters, we had a chance to create something online. After a lot of brainstorming, we finally realized that we as a group had a lot to impart considering we all come from different parts of the world. We started with simple articles about the diversity in the fields of fashion, culture and society from our respective backgrounds, to a point where we realized that our audience was really engaged and interested in what we had to share.
What is mainstream and what stirs the waters of fashion, to your mind?
Honestly, we aren’t the kind of people who care about what is mainstream, what is “in” or what is trending at the current moment. If you see the nature of our content, we try to focus on aspects that are disruptive and iconoclastic in our eyes, regardless of the popularity of the topic. According to us, things/people that are unique, new or bring back something in a very unconventional form definitely stir the waters of fashion.
I’ve just read your opinion about fashion weeks. What do you think of the growing number of fashion weeks taking place around the world?
Every year the locations and the number of fashion week increase. They give you no time for the anticipation or excitement they used to generate once upon a time. In a way, the increasing number of fashion weeks is a good thing – giving these amazing new artists a platform to showcase their talent – but we fear that there will soon be a point of saturation where fashion weeks will denote nothing but a meaningless crazy circus.
From pretentious street style to underage models, what do you think is the most “disruptive” trend that has emerged within the industry lately?
None. Both of the trends mentioned above are the result of commercialism and the rise of the celebrity culture that according to us has nothing disruptive.
Is there a current tactic within the industry you strongly oppose to?
Animal abuse in the name of fashion. Karl Lagerfeld created an all-fur collection for Fendi this season. The way he quantified luxury to fur was pure balderdash and desperate. All his last Chanel shows have had a spinoff on mass-consumed and mass-produced goods to showcase luxury. He is contradicting himself in the most absurd way. Right now, taking into consideration the rate at which we are exploiting the environment, we really should take other factors into consideration to symbolize “luxury.”
Are there any events or publications you look forward to every year?
In the past, we have had multiple successful collaborations with young and upcoming fashion designers from different countries. We always look forward to their exhibitions at fashion weeks or trade shows. We try to participate and encourage them in every way that we can.
In the sense of the “Iconoclast Woman,” who is the “Iconoclast Fashion Creative/Professional?”
Everyone and anyone can be “iconoclastic” in their own way, as long as they find what is unique or different about them with complete security. They don’t have to be extra talented or one of a kind. As a group, we all are very distinctive in our own ways, which works really well for us. If we had to pick an Iconoclastic individual, I am very sure we all would have very different opinions and choices.
What is on your daily reading list and how do you stay updated on the industry?
We all are super savvy on social media; all these different mediums keep updating us.
Since your website is about expressing opinions – that last longer than trends – would you ever transition to print?
We have never thought of that, maybe in the future.
What is next for Iconoclast? How will you continue to spread your vision?
We have new people joining us, which are helping us impart more information about unheard cultures. In the future, we are aiming for more fruitful collaborations that will help us make this industry more “iconoclastic.”
www.iconoclastdaily.com
Images via Iconoclast Daily
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