FASHTALKS WITH JAMES AGUIAR

In the midst of working on a soon-to-be-revealed collaboration between FASHWIRE and Aguiar, we chatted with the Vice President of Fashion and Creative Director of Modern Luxury about his new Instagram Live series jamesAtoday where the consumate host interviews creative forces in the fashion industry. Herewith, we turn the tables, and ask the industry icon 20 quick fire questions. 

James, where are you currently based?

New York City

Where can we follow you?

You can always find me on Instagram at @jamesastyle

Your fashion icon?

It changes constantly, but, right now Harry Styles for the fearless factor.

"My style is is split personality. I'm wildly outrageous and unapologetically classic."

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is is split personality. I'm wildly outrageous and unapologetically classic.

What are you currently working on?

My jamesAtoday Instagram Live series interviewing the creative minds and original eyes of fashion.

Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

My Library.

How did you get your start in fashion?

Doing wigs for Macy's mannequins and window display at Bergdorf Goodman.

Greatest talent that you have had the opportunity to work with?

Linda Fargo, without question. She taught me everything I know today. To this day she is a friend and trusted collaborator.  Some may say we are co-conspirators.

What do you miss about day-to-day life in the fashion industry?

I miss the constant discovery and market appointments to get up close and touch all of the beauty.

Innovation is important to you. How have you pivoted and reinvented yourself recently?

I very early realized that people needed a distraction from the news and I wanted to connect in new ways, thus jamesAtoday was born!

Any fashion discoveries you have personally made during the Q that you love?

I love the Instagram of @sgairewood and the rediscovery of @marcjacobs which is bordering on performance art.

Where do you see the greatest opportunity for innovation in fashion?

Fashion is always innovating and always first. I'm looking forward to a new way of looking at fashion, digital shows, and a significantly slower pace to the schedule that was becoming remarkably unsustainable.

Top five designers you have forever loved and still do?

Pierpaolo for Valentino, Paul Smith, Dries Van Noten.

"I interviewed everyone from Karl Lagerfeld to John Galliano, Anna Wintour, countless celebrities and was privy to all the backstage antics."

Top three fashion experiences you have had and why? 

• Being named Fashion Director of Bergdorf Goodman in 1999 because it was a dream and I achieved it. It put me front and center of the industry at a very young age.
• Hosting Full Frontal Fashion during the heyday of the fashion shows. We were there for the first reactions of designers, models, editors, celebrities and industry executives. I interviewed everyone from Karl Lagerfeld to John Galliano, Anna Wintour, countless celebrities and was privy to all the backstage antics.
• My work at Modern Luxury allows me to use fashion as paint and create stories that inspire and give us a reason to dream.

What are you most excited by post Q?

Same as everyone; I am looking forward to seeing friends, dinners, theater and entertaining. Oh and no more fake double kisses at fashion shows!

Trend in the Q you love?

Seeing nature happen in real time, writing letters and FaceTime cocktails with friends.

Trend in the Q you don't?

Zoom calls with too many participants and no mute button.

Have any new items become staples in your wardrobe?

A cashmere hoodie either zip front or pullover.

Ultimate outfit to host jamesAtoday or the Zoom calls you referenced?

Something that pops and says you care.

Best quarantine purchase?

A ring light to light myself better for Instagram Live and Zoom calls.

On that note, we’ll let you prep James.  Stay tuned to @jamesastyle for an upcoming series with FASHWIRE launching Monday.