Giovanni Dario Laudicina

‘We’re bombarded with images and information that are often useless. What I suggest you do is editing the channels through which we receive them a priori’. Those are the words of stylist and Vogue Hommes Paris’ fashion editor Giovanni Dario Laudicina, who can be spotted walking down the streets of The City of Light. Let’s deepen the knowledge of this young, Sicilian creative together.

Giovanni, when did you realize you wanted to pursue an art/creative career?

At the last year of high school, while I was taking into consideration the possible university paths, I found out the fashion world was more real that I had ever imagined.

How could we describe your stylistic approach?

Timeless.

I don’t believe memories are the most important thing in someone’s childhood, but the experiences that mark you and come with you, more or less consciously. From Sicily, I bring with me the nostalgia, the warm colours and the effortless aesthetic, both elegant and vulgar.

Going back to my first question, what’s the most important moment in your career?

Three people have marked my career path: writer and director Michele Perriera, director of the Degree Course in Fashion Design at IUAV Maria Luisa Frisa, and stylist Anastasia Barbieri. So, the most important moments in my career are the moments spent with them.

And what has challenged you? An experience that has put you to the test?

The rhythms and the pressure of the fashion world are a daily test.

That being said, what’s an unfinished project you’d like to work on?

I’d like to work on a project that’s exclusively of mine, dedicating myself to this work with the necessary time and passion. At the moment, I’m still at the embryonic stage.

With over 14.000 followers, you have a large following. For you, what’s the so-called ‘dark side’ of social networks? How do you react to online critics?

I only get a few critics and I really consider the kind of critics I receive, the reason why and the person they come from. Nowadays, everyone has an opinion and the chance to communicate it, without having anyone to check their reliability, their preparation and the variables: what’s lacking is a good information control. For me, that’s one of the dark sides of social media.

What can’t be missing from your suitcase?

An ecru wool T-shirt and wide rib socks.

You have five minutes to get ready. What do you wear?

In my everyday life, I dress myself in one minute, and not in five. I follow my gut and I make sure I feel at ease. I always start from my hair, deciding wether to keep them curly or comb it back with some gel (in that case, I need five minutes!). Today, for example, I’m wearing an ecru wool T-shirt, an ivory cotton shirt, a pair of black corduroy velvet trousers, the boots I wear every day and an oversize black coat. My hair is combed with some gel, but on a dry base.

And what’s the garment your most attached to?

A Stephan Janson camel-coloured (with a touch of honey), cashmere coat.

Let’s take a step back. You live in Paris, but you were born in Sicily: What do you still remember from your childhood?

Do you have a daily routine? If yes, what is it like?

I don’t have a proper routine, even if they’re good for you. I have to work on it.

If you could define the place where you inspiration comes from, what would it be?

Italy

What do you do and, most importantly, where do you go when you feel the need of chilling out?

I unwind, lying on my couch and watching some light-hearted videos in the middle of the night. This ritual (that’s rare, luckily) gives me a sense of inaction and ‘greediness‘, that I find satisfying.

Do you have a dream for the future?

If we’re still talking about fashion, I hope that one day I’ll be able to only work on projects I believe in and I also hope that I’ll have the means necessary to realize those projects.

And a piece of advice for the young, Italian stylists who are in search of their stylistic hallmark?

Today, we’re bombarded with images and information that are often useless. What I suggest you do is editing the channels through which we receive them a priori (I constantly block Instagram profiles that I find harmful and I try to only follow enriching accounts). Look way less at what others are doing and work on projects you really like, carrying them on with humility, discipline and dedication. I also suggest you to do a lot of experiences and try to learn as much as possible from people who, in your opinion, can give you something. Don’t be ‘slaves’ and give a value, also economic, to your contribution.