Simone Furlan
Simone Furlan is the stylist of some of the most interesting celebrities of the moment: from Madame to Mara Sattei, via Manuelito, we asked him to tell us where this passion for fashion and music comes from.
Hi Simone, tell us a bit about who you are and how your passion for fashion came began?
I'm a stylist and art director based in Milan, the city where I was born. My passion for fashion, I think, was born watching my favourite pop stars since I was a child. The music and the imagery of the artists I admired played a fundamental role in my interest in costumes and styles. Today, I look after the image of some music and big screen artists, I'm a consultant for a few brands. For the last year or so I've been trying to do something else that's a bit outside the job of mere styling/art direction. For example: I did an episode of an English TV series, created a Sanremo-themed podcast for Vogue Italia and RaiRadio2 last year. I'm also enjoying doing interviews whenever I get the chance: recently, one in particular with the legendary Ornella Vanoni.
The best part is when you get in tune: no more words are needed but a quick chat and you're both on the same page.
You're an established celebrity stylist. In your opinion, what're the pros and cons of working with celebrities?
I'm lucky to work with the artists I listen to and it's definitely a plus of the work I do. I enjoy comparing notes, hearing multiple voices and figuring out how to make it all work best. The best part is when you get in tune: no more words are needed but a quick chat and you're both on the same page. The flaw is the rush, the hurry. Sometimes there's too little time compared to everything that should be done but, either way, you get it done.
Can you explain what the creative process is for organising a look for one of your singers?
I work in different ways depending on the situation. I usually listen to the song/album many times. First the music will inspire something in my head and then with research I go deeper. I look for visual references that aren't only from the fashion world. I hate self-referentially and to avoid it I go deeper with inspirations from visual art. Once I understand the direction I propose it to the artist and the team. Once the concept is approved, we proceed with the requests to the brands: the pieces that make up the final puzzle are put together. An important part is to involve the make-up artists and hairstylists.
If you haven't been a stylist, what would you have liked to do?
I think a musical performer, I studied to be one when I was younger. I sing a lot, alone and in company, hoping it will please those around me!
You're an established celebrity stylist. In your opinion, what're the pros and cons of working with celebrities?
I'm lucky to work with the artists I listen to and it's definitely a plus of the work I do. I enjoy comparing notes, hearing multiple voices and figuring out how to make it all work best. The best part is when you get in tune: no more words are needed but a quick chat and you're both on the same page. The flaw is the rush, the hurry. Sometimes there's too little time compared to everything that should be done but, either way, you get it done.
Can you explain what the creative process is for organising a look for one of your singers?
I work in different ways depending on the situation. I usually listen to the song/album many times. First the music will inspire something in my head and then with research I go deeper. I look for visual references that aren't only from the fashion world. I hate self-referentially and to avoid it I go deeper with inspirations from visual art. Once I understand the direction I propose it to the artist and the team. Once the concept is approved, we proceed with the requests to the brands: the pieces that make up the final puzzle are put together. An important part is to involve the make-up artists and hairstylists.
If you haven't been a stylist, what would you have liked to do?
I think a musical performer, I studied to be one when I was younger. I sing a lot, alone and in company, hoping it will please those around me!
What was the project you worked on that made you most proud and of your work?
I hate to choose. So I'll tell you at least three! Madame at Sanremo in 2021 and all the iconographic work we did together with the Maison Dior; the stylistic path we took with Manuelito at X Factor, the collaboration with Giampaolo Sgura for the photos on Mara Sattei's 'Universo' album. I am proud to be dealing with people I respect, they're friends. Without their trust and that of the teams, I wouldn't have made it.
If you had to decide on one international celebrity to work with, who'd it be and, why?
I think Lady Gaga. I've never been as much of a fan of an artist as I am of her.
What's your plans for the future?
I'm working on many things in different directions. I've started doing editorials again and would like to deepen that part. I would like to expand my consultancy network, not only for economic reasons, but also to be stimulated by different aesthetic and design ideas than my own. I'd like to communicate to a lot of people by creating interesting projects of various kinds not only in fashion.
What was the project you worked on that made you most proud and of your work?
I hate to choose. So I'll tell you at least three! Madame at Sanremo in 2021 and all the iconographic work we did together with the Maison Dior; the stylistic path we took with Manuelito at X Factor, the collaboration with Giampaolo Sgura for the photos on Mara Sattei's 'Universo' album. I am proud to be dealing with people I respect, they're friends. Without their trust and that of the teams, I wouldn't have made it.
If you had to decide on one international celebrity to work with, who'd it be and, why?
I think Lady Gaga. I've never been as much of a fan of an artist as I am of her.
What's your plans for the future?
I'm working on many things in different directions. I've started doing editorials again and would like to deepen that part. I would like to expand my consultancy network, not only for economic reasons, but also to be stimulated by different aesthetic and design ideas than my own. I'd like to communicate to a lot of people by creating interesting projects of various kinds not only in fashion.