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‘It’s a balance between looking modern and faking youth:’ An audience with Amiri

‘It’s a balance between looking modern and faking youth:’ An audience with Amiri

Amiri's Soulful Fusion: Blending Hollywood Glamour and Parisian Elegance

In the heart of Paris, designer Mike Amiri seamlessly merged the worlds of Los Angeles and the City of Lights, creating a captivating fashion showcase that celebrated the intersection of modern jazz, Americana, and luxury. Amidst the majestic Jardin des Plantes, Amiri's collection embodied a transcontinental dialogue, drawing inspiration from musical icons and subcultures to craft a unique sartorial experience.

Amiri's Cinematic Vision: Bringing Hollywood to the Rive Gauche

Embracing the Rhythm of Modern Jazz

Amiri's collection was a symphony of influences, with the tunes of South London musician Yussef Dayes setting the stage. The designer's fascination with the stage presence and off-stage lives of jazz legends like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie manifested in a range of pieces that captured the essence of "Modern jazz, meaning both the music and attitude." Faded, sun-washed hues of teal, blue, and gray, combined with vintage-inspired knits, created a soulful and effortless aesthetic.

Blending Formal and Casual: A Nod to Skate Culture

Amiri's collection seamlessly fused formal and casual elements, with tuxedos featuring dégradé beadings and flared pants that paid homage to skate culture. The designer's attention to detail was evident in the crystal-pinstriped garments, elevating the pieces with a touch of luxury. Accessories, such as drum bags with guitar pick locks and music note brooches, added a playful and musical touch, further reinforcing the collection's cinematic and eclectic nature.

Crafting a Transcontinental Dialogue

Amiri's journey has been shaped by his diverse cultural influences, growing up in Hollywood as the son of Iranian immigrants. This background has informed his approach to luxury, blending thrifting with subcultures like rock'n'roll, garage, and skate. The designer's fluid, creative vision has earned him a reputation for quality and a balance between elegance and hype, appealing to a discerning clientele who seek to express their individuality.

Rethinking Luxury: Extraordinary from the Ordinary

In an age of hyper-visibility, Amiri is challenging the traditional notions of luxury, focusing on the extraordinary within the ordinary. His attention to detail, infusing couture-level craftsmanship with DIY techniques, and his ability to twist and rework denim, leather, and textiles, have elevated the brand's offerings. As editor-in-chief James Sleaford of ICON France noted, Amiri has "brought a real element of luxury to American cool," blending technical know-how with a distinct aesthetic.

Amiri's Global Dialogue: Connecting Cultures and Aesthetics

Amiri's pursuit of a worldwide dialogue is evident in the brand's expansion, with a flagship boutique on Rodeo Drive, the "Amiri Prize" to nurture emerging talent, and a presence in Dubai and Saint Tropez. The designer believes that in a world of shared visibility, the blending of cultures occurs not through geography, but through the things that resonate with people. By crafting a story and an aesthetic that connects with individuals, Amiri aims to help them discover and bring out the best in themselves.

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