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recent years John Varvatos has done collections
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with legends such as Willie Nelson, ZZ Top, Cheap Trick,
Green Day and countless other music icons. Now he
has partnered with rock icons KISS for his latest collection.
We talk to Nicolas Roseillier, who is the Creative Director
A
The rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle is what drives John in
what he does, and is the essence of the John
Varvatos brand. John thinks that we all have a rock ‘n’
roll star within ourselves, and the true star finds himself
identifying with the eyewear brand as an extension.
at REM Eyewear who will distribute the pieces in Canada.
Q
A
How did this collection come together from a
creative perspective?
It’s always about collaboration and relationship.
John and I work very closely to design the right
eyewear and to select the perfect fit. We have been
Q
How does KISS fit into the John Varvatos lifestyle?
A
The iconic rock band, KISS perfectly represents
what the brand is about which is classic, and
rock’n’roll with a true attitude. The KISS image is one of
the best campaigns produced by JV, to date!
“The iconic rock band, KISS perfectly represents
what the brand is about which is classic, and
rock’n’roll with a true attitude.”
~Nicolas Roseillier
developing three sub collections within the John Varvatos
collection—Classic, Artisan, and Bowery. And, we’ll
be launching a new collection next fall, called Soho.
All elements of the collections take back to the world
of JV and offers the essence and detailing that John brings
to his collection.
Q
A
Explain some of the finer elements of this
collection (materials, design, inspiration)?
We went back to old school detailing but brought
them back to today’s fashion, the same way John
looks at the past to move towards the future in his fashion.
Elements like cable wire with fine detailing, coining wire,
and antique finishes all tie into the rock ‘n’ roll attitude of
the JV collection.
Q
Q
KISS are not only rock legends, they are astute
businessmen—how did that play a role in the
creation of this line and bringing them on board as
partners?
A
KISS came after the creation of the line as part of
the ad campaign to support the new collection. They
are the right partners when it comes to demonstrating the
brand. For the first time ever, the legendary band was
actually part of the Milan runway show in January 2014.
Q
How do you see the John Varvatos line of eyewear
evolving as new musicians emerge?
A
We always wonder what JV has up his sleeve! We’re
excited to see which new band or artist John will fit
for his clothes…and eyewear.
Why does the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle lend itself to
eyewear so easily?
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