Declan Eytan

Italian Vogue Contributor

This is your first trip to Caribbean Fashion Week. What were your impressions?

Yes, it is. Kingston reminds me a lot of Suriname’s capital Paramaribo, which is where my parents are from. I also noticed that people in Kingston love to ask, “Are you OK? Everything alright? You’re good?”, every 10 minutes.

Give us your take on Caribbean Fashion Week after seeing dozens of collections over two nights.

I really like how Jamaicans love to celebrate everything. I told people in Milan about the open bar next to the runway — I loved that! The performances infused with the fashion shows were also really cool. As far as the fashion is concerned, I really liked the swimwear a lot. Jehan Jackson was my favourite.

How do you find the aesthetic and cut of the designs created by Caribbean designers?

I like that they’re proudly Caribbean and aren’t trying to copy Milan or Paris. It’s good to have an identity of your own, plus it’s the fastest way to build a brand.

You’re noticeably a man of style. What are your five wardrobe essentials?

Double-breasted blazer, leather pants, wingtip shoes, velvet loafers, black skinny jeans. But the most essential thing to carry is confidence.

As a contributor to Italian Vogue, what are your specific duties and focus?

My focus is mainly fashion from around the world. This can range from womenswear to menswear, and even kidswear. I then also occasionally focus on interesting emerging designers, in addition to conducting interviews with figures from the world of fashion and/or entertainment.

What men’s fashion trends are in for 2014 and what’s out?

Unlike women’s fashion, menswear is pretty consistent. Nonetheless, a novelty for fall 2014 is the comeback of leather pants. As for the rest, it’s pretty much sartorial, plus cool ankle boots. I don’t believe in the concept of fashion that is “out”.

What is your beverage of choice?

I mainly drink water and orange juice. When I go out, however, my drink of choice is vodka lemon (not lime), but I don’t believe it’s that known outside Italy.

Share the title of the last book you read.

American Fashion Menswear by Robert E Bryan.

What cologne are you splashing?

My favourite right now is Guilty by Gucci. When I was in Jamaica, however, I splashed Calvin Klein’s Eternity for Men Summer.

Share five fave locales in your travel black book.

1. The Sheats Goldstein Residence in Beverly Hills. It’s 600 feet up in the hills with a breathtaking view of LA. They’ve shot several movies and commercials here, including The Big Lebowski, Charlie’s Angels Full Throttle, and the Gucci Premier fragrance commercial. I did an interview with the owner — James Goldstein — and he took me on a tour around the house.

2. Il Pastaio restaurant in Beverly Hills.

3. The top of The Standard hotel in New York. The best New York Fashion Week after-parties take place here. But I guess now it’s better known as the place where the Solange/Jay-Z altercation took place!

4. Ulus 29 club/restaurant in Istanbul.

5. Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, mainly because of the massive events which take place there.

Who would call you at 3:00 am?

My mom, to ask me if I’m done packing so I won’t miss my flight.

Who is your professional idol and why?

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. I love how he’s a pioneer and has managed to turn a magazine into a global lifestyle brand. One day I’d like to do that, as well.

What is your life philosophy?

Follow your dreams. You’ll only regret not trying.