Donatella Versace: Gay Icon now Stone Wall Ambassador!

Donatella Versace Has Long Been a Gay Icon. Now It’s Official.

Where else would the high priestess of Italian glamour end up but as a Stonewall Ambassador riding around on a float?

Donatella Versace said she hasn’t seen a movie since “A Star Is Born” last year. She’s hooked on the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” devoured Netflix’s “The Society” and has a new favorite book: “The Mueller Report.”

Ms. Versace had trouble understanding parts of the conclusions and findings of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. She keeps underlining things, wondering (as she often does) whether her English is getting in the way.

But, she said of Robert Mueller, the special counsel, “There’s something about lawmen I find fascinating. You look at him and know he’s telling the truth.”

And, she admitted, “he is good-looking.”

“Ugh,” she added. “Don’t print this. I’ll lose my visa.”

It was Thursday afternoon, and Ms. Versace was perched on a sofa in the gilded Versace-esque Midtown Manhattan hotel suite where she is staying while in town as a Stonewall Ambassador.

She wore checkered orange and blue Pucci-like pants from the Versace spring 2019 collection. Her white T-shirt was emblazoned with a rainbow flag made from Swarovski crystals, in the center of which was her company logo. Her jewelry was basically all gold.

Last year, she  sold her company to Michael Kors for a reported $2.1 billion, but she got to New York via Emirates airline. “Commercial,” said Ms. Versace, who remains the chief creative officer of her label. “Always commercial. If there aren’t 12 rows of windows, I don’t get on.”

On Friday, she was scheduled to appear at the Stonewall Inn for an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the uprising there. Sunday, she had a commitment to ride around the Pride parade on a float. That evening, Ms. Versace “of course” had plans to see Madonna perform  at the Pier Dance.

Madonna  has history with the company.

She first appeared in a Versace campaign in 1995, when Steven Meisel photographed her looking just like Donatella.Back then, Ms. Versace’s brother  Gianni was Versace’s chief designer. His baby sister was the party girl/front row fixture who marshaled celebrities to fashion shows and helped conceive Versus, the company’s bridge line. She had hair down to her waist, wore slinky metallic gowns and showed off her cleavage. So that’s how Madonna was styled.In 2015, 18 years after Gianni’s death, Madonna returned for another campaign. This time she paid tribute to boardroom Donatella, licking envelopes and putting her feet up on the desk as she tapped away at an Apple computer.

What is true power in fashion if not the ability to hire one of the world’s biggest celebrities to impersonate you?

Anyway, other people do it for free.

Ms. Versace can barely step outside without having a drag queen approach to thank her for providing them with inspiration. Ms. Versace attributes this in part to her “acceptance” of other people, who know instinctually they can walk up to her and that she’ll be nice. “I say, ‘Hi, I’m Donatella,’ and they go, ‘Aaaah!’” she said.

But it’s her appearance, too. “The hair and make up and clothes,” she said. “I do not blend.”

Gianni was the one who set her on the path.

When she was 11, he told her two important things: that he was gay and that she needed to become a blonde. Once she acquiesced to his wishes, their history together was secured. After it became clear that being gay was an impediment to having a life in Calabria, Italy, he moved to Milan. She followed him there.n the 1980s, fashion was a business in which gay men could work with a fair amount of acceptance. But living life openly still wasn’t easy. “Our father was a very distant man,” Ms. Versace said.

So Gianni never came out to him.

When Gianni was alive, he and Donatella went to gay nights at big clubs. “Palladium, and what’s the one in the church?” Ms. Versace said, referring to Limelight.

After his death in 1997, Ms. Versace took over the company and became the unapologetic maven of Italian opulence.Maya Rudolph impersonated her to great effect on “Saturday Night Live,” and Ms. Versace rolled with it. They stood on stage with each another at the 2002 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, wearing nearly identical sequined gowns, basically competing to show the world which one of them was the most Donatella — the real or the fake.

Lady Gaga later did a tribute song  to her. The lyrics went: “I am so fab. Check out: I’m blond, I’m skinny, I’m rich, and I’m a little bit of a bitch.”Even in rehab, where Ms. Versace went in 2004 to deal with a cocaine problem, her biggest complaint was about wardrobe. “I said, ‘The only thing I miss are my high heels,’” said Ms. Versace, sober ever since.

She didn’t love that Ryan Murphy chose last year to revisit the past in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.” So she hasn’t seen Penélope Cruz play her. Ms. Versace said there are some “errors” in the show but offered no specifics as to what they were.

“I know what happened,” she said. (The show, a limited series for FX, won seven Emmys and two Golden Globes.)In person these days, Ms. Versace’s act is considerably toned down.

The tan has gotten less pronounced, and her famous hair goes just about to her shoulders. Even the cigarettes are gone. “Two packs of Marlboros a day,” she said.Ms. Versace quit five years ago, after seeing a doctor in New York who told her not only that she was going to die from them, but also that he wasn’t going to see her again for checkups unless she stopped.

Ms. Versace was terrified at the certainty with which he spoke to her.

But there was also something appealing about someone with the nerve to say no to her. “No one else did,” she said.

Ms. Versace still misses the feeling of nicotine hitting her throat. She still thinks cigarettes look great and misses having her trademark Medusa lighter. “I want to go back,” she said, laughing.

But she didn’t seem to mean it. The recent deaths of two close friends who had cancer have made Ms. Versace more contemplative. She is aware that nothing is forever.

The first was   Ingrid Sischy, the longtime editor of Interview Magazine, who died in 2015. The second was Franca Sozzani, the editor of Italian Vogue.

They were the ones Ms. Versace called for advice. “Any time I had a problem,” she said.

Ms. Versace, 64, doesn’t know how much longer she’ll run her own company.In 2015, she starred in an ad campaign for Givenchy, whose designer Riccardo Tisci was an obvious steward to carry the Versace brand into the social media age. After his resignation from Givenchy, Ms. Versace and Mr. Tisci had what many believed was a long negotiation about him taking over her company. It seemed a fait accompli.

What happened?

“Nothing,” Ms. Versace said. “I stayed where I am, and he went somewhere else.” (Mr. Tisci is now the designer of Burberry.)

She doesn’t want to remain in her job for life, as Karl Lagerfeld, who worked all the way to his death this year at the age of 85, did. “At some point, you understand you need help,” she said. “But at the moment, I feel totally full of life.”

Francisco Lachowski: Most Wanted Male Model

The world of fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry. Owning to this, it is not surprising that models of different categories, shapes, sizes, and talent levels can be found wherever you look. Still, in the midst of all this, Francisco Lachowski stands out. He is not the tallest, or the most chiseled; his physical appearance can be described in a single phrase – just right.

With his brown eyes, perfectly shaped jaw, and not-yet-adult framework, Francisco burst onto the scene in his mid-teens and has never looked back. Since then he has worked with a myriad of big names: internationally reputed fashion magazines, elite advertisement agencies, top fashion brands, etc. His portfolio includes names like Cosmopolitan, L’Oreal, Esquire, DKNY Jeans, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Dior, Armani, Vogue, GQ, etc. Today he is celebrated as an established model who still has much more to give.

Francisco Lachowski Biography

Francisco, who was born on May 13, 1991, did not grow up with a silver spoon. He was born in the city of Curitiba, the capital and the largest city in the Brazilian State of Parana. However, sometime in his childhood, he and his family moved to the city of Foz do Iguaçu. Francisco would stay there until he was eight years old.

It is inarguable that Francisco’s looks and work ethics are partly down to his genes. His father, Roberto Lachowski is of Polish descent. And his mother, Maria Lachowski is of Portuguese and German heritage. The model also has two sisters, both of whom are older than him – Isabella and Marcela.

Everything You Need To Know About Him

The then-pubescent boy seemed to show he had the Midas touch when he made his first attempt at modeling in 2008. He entered a modeling competition sponsored by Ford Models. He emerged the winner of the competition and won the title for Ford Men’s Supermodel of the World. His win also earned him his first ever modeling contract with the organizers of the competition, Ford Models. The contract was reportedly worth $60,000. Francisco was 16 years old at the time.

Of course, this opened the doors to a myriad of other clients and agents. As he grew older, his developing physique and burgeoning modeling experience brought him international recognition – and clients in the form of elite brands like Dior. It was during this period that the increasingly popular model made his runway debut for the elite designer brands Dior Homme and Gucci. The fashion shows for both brands took place in Milan and Paris in 2009.

The young model’s career-graph only shot up from there. He had already been doing work for editorials like Vogue Hommes, The Ones 2 Watch, V Man, Sense Magazine, and Tendencias Magazine. However, in July 2010, he landed on the radar of Vanity Teen. He did a photoshoot organized by Marley Kate and shot by Marley Rizzuti.

In the following years, top fashion brands came knocking on his door. As a result, Francisco’s portfolio includes powerhouses like Roberto Cavalli, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Mugler, and DSquared2.

His work with popular editorials has seen him work with other models, such as Sebastian Sauve, who he worked with on a project for Chaos.

Besides his ad campaigns for names like DKNY, MAVI Jeans, Triton and Armani Exchange, he has also appeared in a host of promotional videos and television commercials. One of these happened in 2014 when he did a promotional video for Cacheral and MAVI Spring/Summer 2014 collection; the promo video was titled Amor, Amor in a Flash.

Career Achievements and Hobbies

Francisco Lachowski’s work has taken him to countries and cities that most people can only dream about. His work with various modeling agencies has taken him to places like Milan (WhyNot Models), Barcelona (SIGHT Models), Paris (Success Models), London (Models 1). He has also been to Hamburg, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo in his home country of Brazil.

In 2013, Tumblr compiled a list of “Most Blogged About Models”. Lachowski came in 5th on the list. In 2015, Models.com ranked him on their ‘Sexiest Men’s’ and ‘Industry Icons’ list. He is also on their list of the top 25 highest paid models in the fashion industry. Francisco holds the record for being the highest rated and ranked Brazilian model in the world.

Mr. Lachowski is a sports lover and frequently enjoys tennis, skateboarding, surfing, and soccer. He is also a hardcore fan of the Brazilian soccer team Atletico Paranaense. He took Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai classes at one point.

Francisco Lachowski’s romantic life

Lachowski’s career achievements are not the only thing worthy of envy. On the personal and home front, the supermodel couldn’t be doing any better.

Francisco Lachowski is married to Canadian fashion model, Jessiann Gravel Beland. As lovely as their love story is, it is somewhat predictable. The couple met in Japan, Francisco was in the country for a shooting he was doing for HUGE Magazine. Jessiann and Lachowski hit it off and soon moved in together in Paris. They later moved to Montreal, Canada, and then Brooklyn, New York City.

The fashion icon married his heartthrob among friends and family, on December 3, 2013, at Pompano Beach, Florida. They have two children, Milo Lachowski and Laslo Lachowski. Milo was born on March 25, 2013, and Laslo came on November 19, 2016.

The couple’s love story was a public affair and was covered by a few illustrious magazines. In 2014, Lachowski, his wife, and their son, Milo were on the cover of Cosmopolitan April edition as “Love Story”, and also a Galore editorial “Meet the Lachowskis”.

Francisco and Jessiann have worked together on a number of editorials and ad campaigns. Their joint efforts have seen them tackle projects for Dress To Kill, Bare, Elle Quebec, and the Canadian clothing brand RW&CO.

Building a family is something one does not hear often of models, especially those in the zenith of their careers. However, the Brazilian icon is a big believer in the priority and importance of family and is proof that having one cannot derail your dream if you do not let it.

Tyson Beckford: Modeling & Racism in the Fashion industry

Tyson Beckford on Modeling, Zoolander, 

and Racism in the Fashion Industry

Tyson Beckford isn't exactly new to the game. In fact, with more than two decades of modeling experience under his belt, he's a certified fashion industry vet. And recently, after a long hiatus, he returned to the brand that launched him into the next level of his career back in the '90s — Ralph Lauren. I caught up with Tyson to chat about everything from his return to label where he made his name to the issues of race and whitewashing in fashion industry. Read on to see what he had to say.

 After twenty years, you're returning to working for Ralph Lauren. How do you feel about it?

TYSON BECKFORD: I'm beyond excited and ecstatic. I don't even have words for it. Once you've gone out and worked for other brands after you've worked for Ralph Lauren, you really realize how much they have their stuff together. Everything they do is so on-point. As my guy says in Ocean's Eleven, "It's good to be working with some proper people again."

 So what inspired you to come back now?

TB: I felt like there was — in fashion, there's a lack of strong male images. And there's a huge lack of strong African American images. I noticed over the past thirteen years, Ralph and those guys have used guys that looked similar to me. And I was happy for those guys, but eventually I said, "Enough is enough, I'm just going to go in and take my job back." Why use the imitation when you can have the real thing? So I worked on this for a while with the team at Ralph Lauren, and we talked to Ralph and he said, "OK." And that was it. I couldn't believe how cool he was about it.

Let's talk a little more about the issue of race in fashion.

TB: I mean, a lot of people don't realize it, but fashion is one of the most racial industries left out there now. Radio and music aren't. Television and movies aren't. Even commercials now are showing interracial couples. You see a lot of diversity in TV shows, but you don't see that in fashion. You think there would be some, because the consumer is of all colors and all shades. But you don't see that in fashion.

 What do you think lies at the root of that problem?

TB: I think the root of it is, one, the designers. Two, I blame the stylists. And three, it falls on the bookers, the agencies. I believe those three have an influence.

So you think it has more to do with the supply side, the people who are creating this imagery?

TB: Yeah, I think it's the supply side. The demand is there. But the consumer will take what you give them, to a certain point. If you keep giving them the blonde hair and blue eyes, they have no other choice. But if you start to say, "OK, we're going to use this beautiful Asian, or Latino, or mixed-race girl to show the diversity of the universe…" You know the old Benneton ads? They were groundbreaking. They were the first to have all shades in one ad and really push that. Nowadays you don't really see that. Gucci will do it a few times. Ralph has been doing it for years. Tommy Hilfiger. A few brands will do it, but it's fallen off.

Do you think there's anything that the audience or the consumer needs to do to change it?

TB: I mean, the responsibility falls on everyone. If everyone were to step up and say, "Hey, enough is enough." Listen, we all stood up against bullying, we all stand up for gay rights. And it's legitimate. I think that fashion breaks a lot of walls and barriers, and if fashion would step up and say, "Just like we stand up for gay rights, we're going to stand up for equal rights when it comes to who we put in ads," that would be big. But Ralph is a visionary. If you walked into Ralph Lauren today, or ten years ago, or twenty years ago — he's got a multiracial staff that's worked with him for years. And he also portrays that in his ad campaigns. Just like he shows the different colors of the polo shirts, he shows the different colors of the people who wear this stuff.

One of the things I've always admired about Ralph is that he has a very specific vision and aesthetic, but the way he presents it is so inclusive.

TB: I mean, this is a guy from the Bronx. He loves everyone to wear his stuff. You don't have to have a yacht, or be at the country club. This is a guy who came from the Bronx selling ties.

We've said for a while that we've kind of arrived at a new golden age of menswear over the last ten or so years. You've been in the industry throughout that time. Are you seeing that?

TB: I'm totally seeing it. If you walk down the street, guys care about their shoes, their socks — about their trousers, how they fit. Men have really been accessorizing over the last few years, and I think that's because so many ads catered to men during the '90s. These guys read magazines and they said, "OK, when I make some money, this is what I'm gonna do to my wardrobe."

 You think the seed was laid earlier on and guys are now coming into their own with how they dress?

TB: Yeah, I think guys who grew up seeing the Ralph Lauren ads and reading Esquire magazine, these guys are realizing now that women are paying attention to that. They want to be that unique guy who walks into a bar or a cocktail party or a business meeting and gets that compliment — "Hey, nice shirt." And even other guys are doing that, asking "Hey, where did you get that?" A lot of my guy friends are now asking me to take them shopping with me. And I always tell them, "You don't have to buy the expensive stuff. You have to buy the stuff that fits. Buy that suit off the rack, but go get it tailored."

 You don't have to spend a bunch to look great.

TB; Yeah. You don't have to buy that Tom Ford tuxedo.

 Even though it'd be really nice to have it if you could.

TB: Yeah. [Laughs.] It would be nice. But you can look like you do. Fake it till you make it.

 So one more question. It's maybe the most important of the entire interview. You were in the original Zoolander in a brief cameo. Will we see you in the upcoming sequel?

TB: I would be honored if I were to get a call to be in the next one. The first one did so much for me. People still come up to me. Little kids come up and say, "Hey! You were in Zoolander!" It's like, "How old are you? How do you know about Zoolander?" To me, it's amazing, and I would love to do it again. I've been hearing talks of it. We've reached out to their office and let them know if they need us, we're here. I would definitely be in the second one. I'd almost be offended if I weren't. [Laughs.]

 I'll make sure they know that.

TB: I'd be heartbroken.

                                   

Getting Personal with Adam Kaszewski

So we have this Poland-born, Milan-based international model Adam Kaszewski was discovered in 2012,  while on a mountain climbing trip, and as of last month, walked in his second season of shows. In his debut season, Kaszewski walked for Rick Owens, Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier and Trussardi – among quite a few others, and has since graced the pages of GQ China, Lui  Magazine, and i-D.

But we remember he also did ANTPITAGORA’s Spring Lookbook in Milan. Adam took a quick break from work to talk to us about sports, his pre-fashion week routing, and he started to boxing, and many more.

 Adam, tell us from your experience as a model have you noticed any difference changes in the world of fashion from your beginnings to now?

AK: Like 5 years ago when I started boys were not that young like right now. We were all around 18-20 years old and now boys are like 15-16 which mean  that all cloths are much smaller, and not everyone can fit them, especially at the shows. Fashion is for sure way faster than was even couple years ago, so designers want all the time new faces for their projects.

What’s the differences between working in Europe (Paris, Milan, Poland) and NYC as a foreign model?

AK: Models work around the world it’s quite similar. It s based on shows and photo shoots so you can’t really see any difference. Maybe in every country people just have different attitudes and culture of work. For example I love to work in Sweden. People always smile and they’re super friendly.

 What was your last album/song you played in your phone?

AK: Doing it in Lagos: Boogie / Only You – Steve Monite !! I can’t get enough of this song.

The last movie you see.

AK: It was Borg/Mcenroe – incredible tennis story  Quite funny because I used to work for Bjorn Borg, a Swedish sportswear brand. It’s really nice after all to see all the story.

Even when the world is full of negativity thoughts, catastrophic times, how do you keep your mind clean from so much crap?

AK: Oh it s for sure sport! Last month when I was in LA I finally made my dream come true and started boxing. I was working out everyday for a month and felling like I’m getting ready for the pro fight  I’m as well a triathlete so I can 100% promise that every single activity gonna clean your mind and help to move forward.

Your favorite place in the world.

AK: I’m love Scandinavia for the interior and beautiful life style.

 Your favorite experience working in fashion?

AK: In all fashion industry for me the best are shows! All those preparation just for 15 minutes. It’s really magical moment. I’m gonna remember forever my show for Alexander Wang x HH when I was walking with Karlie Klos, Adriana Lima and many others!

You have worked with so many talented people around the world, is there any missing you want to work with?

AK: There is still so many photographers, I would love to work with like Peter Lindbergh, Giampaolo Sgura or Steven Klein.

Tell us something you can never live without.

AK: I’m can’t live without books. I’m quite addicted 

Any new projects, works you can share with us?

AK: There is one thing I’m dreaming about. One day I would love to open my agency and be a successful agent 

Interview with French Model: Anthony Lorca

Anthony Lorca is a French model and actor born in Annecy. In 2009, a local model agency director in Geneva scouted 19-year-old Anthony in the street. Anthony Lorca started his modeling career thereby participating in different art, fashion and commercial projects. At the age of 21 years old, Anthony moved to Paris with the objective of developing his career as a model. He signed with a couple of agencies there and after a series of successful jobs for the French market, he decided to turn abroad to look for an international career. From 2012 to 2016, he has never stopped to travel and to diversify his life-enhancing experience in China, Spain and even New Zealand. His travels have allowed him to work for a large number of photographers, magazines, fashion catalogs, and commercial advertisements.

Tell Us more about yourself and your personal Background.

I am a French model born in the center of France. I started modeling when I was 19 years old. I currently live in Madrid, Spain but I also live and work globally especially in Europe and Asia.

How did you first get into modeling? And how long have you been modeling?

A photographer found me on the street in Geneva and asked me if I wanted to pose for him. I accepted and this was how I started putting my portfolio together and started applying to modeling agencies. I have been modeling for more than 8 years now and I am enjoying every minute of it

What do you enjoy most about your career?

What I enjoy most about my work is that it does not feel like a job it's something I enjoy doing because while doing it, I do not get the impression I am working because it is a part of me. I enjoy modeling so much that I spend long days on set and I never feel tired because I am very passionate about it.

What’s your most memorable shoot since the start of your career?

It was probably my first TVC video shoot in Taiwan when I was 22 years old. It's Memorable because that day was my birthday and I felt it was the best gift I could ever receive.

What are the pros of being a model?

For me, I really enjoy the freedom that modeling brings me. I can work when I want, where I want and with who I want to work with. Modeling also gave me the opportunity to travel to many countries, which is something not many jobs can bring you.

What were the Major Milestones that gave you that extra motivation boost to pursue modeling as a career?

Well, a modeling career isn’t a straight path. There are some good periods and times of doubts too. However, it’s always been harder for me to renounce modeling than to pursue and I had the chance to meet the right people at the right moments who believed in me and offered me the opportunity to grow and to persevere, I had to stay focused and determined because this is something I love doing.

What are your other passions outside of modeling?

I love traveling, taking pictures, playing sports. I also like to play the piano occasionally.

What are some of your best tips for someone who wants to break into the modeling world?

The most important thing is to trust in yourself, this will get you a long way. The second thing associate yourself with professionals and people who only care about boosting your career. The last thing is to stay focused on your objectives and be consistent with your choices.

Any upcoming projects you are working on?

I am currently preparing a future TVC and a few other editorials too. Everything is coming very soon!

What are your future goals, dreams, and plans?

I am now 28 years old and I know that I won’t be model all my life. In a perfect world, I would like to be successful in the Acting and Film industry but I do know I still need a lot of work to achieve this, so I am staying positive and focused to make sure I achieve my dreams.

If you could change anything about the fashion and modeling industry what would it be?

Unfortunately, there are a few unprofessional photographers and agents that give a very bad image to the modeling industry. However, I notice some changes in the mentality now after the Terry Richardson and Bruce Weber’s scandals. I Hope it will continue to be this way. I do believe that the people who can change the modeling industry are the models themselves.

How often do you Work out and what are some of your best Health and Fitness tips?

I try to work out 6 times a week. I do not only go to the gym. I also swim, run, do yoga, snowboard, etc. It’s very important to practice the sports that you really like and that you are really passionate about, without sacrificing your social life. I think this is the key to achieving the best results. Then I maintain a healthy lifestyle because this is important of course. Having a good sleep, eating fresh food and drinking a minimum amount of alcohol and tobacco makes you stay young! 

Lol- Since the start of your career what has been the biggest hurdle you have had to overcome?

Well, I don’t know if I should say this but it was probably my studies. I decided to study, unlike many models, and I’m proud to have a Master’s degree. However, my studies made me stop modeling a few times and that may be part of the reason I couldn’t reach the career height I was aiming for.

Wow! Trust me You should be proud of yourself, you were able to achieve your Master's Degree and you are still chasing your dreams, it is never too late and you will get to that height because you are determined Anthony, So What’s the biggest misconception about the male modeling industry?

Well, many people think that we are earning a lot of money and living the dream life. However, the reality is, in fact, a bit biased. Of course, we can earn a lot of money in a few days but we are never sure to work every day or every month. We have to fight every day to stay in the limelight in order to avoid that someone taking your place. Modeling is a daily battle, but that’s probably why it is exciting and I love every bit of it.