(NEW YORK) Hollywood hunk whisperer Italo Zucchelli is also celebrating 10 years as creative director of Calvin Klein Menswear. The Daily stopped by to say happy anniversary.
BY EDDIE ROCHE
How does it feel to be with the company for a decade?
Life goes by very fast. I’m very grateful. I’m in a company where I feel I can express myself. It’s very second nature for me to design Calvin Klein Collection. I worked with Calvin for three years and this kind of aesthetic is what I do best. It’s an effortless process for me. The celebrities that I dress keep coming back and it’s all guys that I admire!
Do you have a season that was the most memorable or challenging?
They’re always a challenge and always a memory! The thrill of taking my first bow was unforgettable. There’s always some drama or something funny that happens, but it’s all part of the game.
Like what?
We did a show in China and there were a thousand people backstage. When the models were in line, about to go out, we noticed that the tailor forgot to do the alterations on four or five of them, and the jackets were all still pinned. The stylist and I were removing the pins as the boys were walking out. We ended up removing them all and nobody noticed, but that was a moment!
Who’s been your unsung hero through the years?
Mr. Calvin Klein. Honestly. He changed my life. He knows this because I wrote him when I was nominated for the CFDA to thank him again. He’s been a mentor, and he personally told me that he believed in me. I’m very grateful. Of course, our CEO, Tom Murry, has also been so supportive of me exploring different ways to bring the aesthetic to the present, so I’m very grateful to him, too.
PLUS! ITALO ON HIS MAIN MEN
Jake Gyllenhaal, 2005 Brokeback Mountain premiere
“I didn’t get to fit this myself. Sometimes [that] happens if a premiere is in Los Angeles. Brokeback was one of my favorite movies of the past decade. He has the Calvin Klein aesthetic.”
Kanye West, 2007 Emmy Awards
“Years ago he went into the store and liked what he saw and asked to come see us. We talked for hours. I like when he wears my clothes onstage. He’s very knowledgeable and very opinionated.”
Bradley Cooper, 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards
“He’s a super funny guy. He looked so elegant. I’ve rarely seen women melt in front of a man like I did that night. I was like, ‘My god!’ Women love that man.”
Zac Efron, 2011 Golden Globe Awards
“He wears the clothes perfectly. He has such a great body and looks great in a suit. We’ve been dressing him consistently for awhile.”
Alexander Skarsgard, 2013 Costume Institute Gala
“He came to my apartment before the gala; we had a glass of champagne and arrived really late. We had a lot of fun and went out after. He’s so elegant.”
Jamie Foxx, 2013 Oscars
“We wanted to do something a little conventional since it was the Oscars, but he stood out.”
Hugh Jackman, 2012 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
“He’s amazing looking. I’ve never met him properly due to our schedules. I like the range of his career, from superheroes to Broadway.”
Matt Damon, 2011 We Bought a Zoo premiere
“He wears us consistently. I enjoyed his performance in Behind the Candelabra. That was perfect casting, but the costumes are totally opposite of what I do!”
Jon Hamm, 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards
“He always looks great. I’ve fitted him and he’s always a pleasure. He’s a very smart guy. It’s classic, but more form fitting.”
Justin Timberlake, 2011 GQ Men of the Year Awards
“He’s the perfect guy for us. He also wore us on the cover!”
