Andrea is the kind of go-lucky happy guy who welcomes you with a smile and a look that you wish you could pull out everyday. As far as he is concerned his dress code is pretty casual but pretty: think a shirt buttoned from the third button down on top of wide-leg/rolled-up cotton trousers and laceless reviewed Derbys.
First the look then the smile, or first the smile then the look? Whatever, the whole "Hi, I am Andrea Pompilio" experience is memorable, simple and cheerful. Back to my interview story and after the 3 seconds that it took me to nail down his appearance I started a spring summer 2012 conversation that ended with me ordering future staples.
But Andrea Pompilio designs menswear, no? Yes and so... Hasn't it been one of the biggest trends lately to borrow from the boys?
I am just in and on time with the global fashion timeline. Plus is it a crime to get my spring-summer boarding pass in advance?
No, according to Andrea. As long as it is a business class one.
Preppy dirty would be my description of Pompilio's style, in respect of the trend diktat as preppy is even celebrated by brands that did not use to go for a student-out-of-college look, not to mention the Tommy Hilfiger fashion moment that any fashionista's wardrobe seems to be having this summer.
With Andrea the discussion goes beyond the marinière style and leaves the stripes in the archive cupboards to introduce Hawaiian prints that redefine preppy.
Always on time, Andrea is even ahead of the pack with his SS12 collection and I am thrilled and ready to stripe off my too classic loafers and menswear shirts that miss a quirky appeal.
For next summer, he has revisited the classic swimshorts that to be honest needed a revamp; if you do no go full on the Vilebrequin style, the rest on offer is quite boring not to say cheesy.
Following his personal timeline, we are pleased to remark that our designer has developed his talent in the past 6 months.
Four collections completed, a new one about to be conceived and the news falls: Andrea would like to launch a womenswear line. When? What would it look like? Let's stay calm, first the man than the woman that should consistently step in her boyfriend's shoes and belt his pale pink loose chinos. Andrea's style applies for both gender and is a cool mix of sartorial pieces and sportswear staples; when being asked what he would delete from a masculine wardrobe he answers "monocolour" and starts to declare loudly his love for colours.
Following the picture we all have of a fashion designer at work, AP does draw but ends up trying on himself, i.e., he creates for real people which can be seen as an exception today where humanity is often mono illustrated on catwalks with high skinny androgynous models that like angels could be of both genders.
But he is a boy and I am a girl. And to my new fashion friend Andrea I should as a matter of urgency borrow from my boyfriend an oversized crispy white shirt and matching casual pants to pair with high red sole stilettos. Smart even if to look chic one needs to be it so to have the attitude: an impeccable nonchalance.
To do so, respect the guidelines written on the preppy-dirty manual sheet: dare the prints on prints, cut your bermudas wide & short and spend your holidays out.
Out & about, now that we know who is Andrea Pompilio, we are desperate to
know where to find him and his tagged belongings. Order lists - READY.
Andrea Pompilio is the menswear winner of the third edition of the competition Who is On Next? Organised by Vogue Italia. To discover more about Andrea Pompilio, visit: http://www.andreapompilio.it
By Delphine Hervieu.