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A Feel For Fashion: Karl Cyprien

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Based in New York, Karl Cyprien masterminds brand strategies and creative campaigns for leading global artists and visual artists. Highly connected while flying under the radar, the Haitian-American entrepreneur’s work sits at the intersection of storytelling, culture and commerce in ways that feel both aesthetically compelling and substantive. His formative years in finance and consulting at Morgan Stanley and Deloitte, became foundational as he made a creative pivot to brand and collaboration strategy at UNIQLO and Daniel Arsham Studio. Last year, Cyprien and his wife, Meg Cuna Cyprien, are the founders of À LA, a fragrance and decorative objects brand that bridges innovation with the preservation of ancestral craftsmanship from Japan. Launched last year, À LA will be premiering a fine fragrance and candle at Dover Street Parfums Market this evening.

When was the last time you marvelled over something in fashion?
Pat McGrath for Martin Margiela Artisanal 2024 Collection. The glossy porcelain skin was phenomenal.        

How do you think fashion can spark and sustain desire with so much else going on in the world?
Often, it’s the premeditated need for desire that gets in the way of the spark. Focus on unique craftsmanship and storytelling. The spark and sustained desire will come. 

Do trends still matter?
Trends are nothing but hamster wheels. You're not sure what you're chasing, but you're chasing anyways. Things usually end how they start.

Who are your fashion heroes?
In no particular order: Willi Smith, Rei Kawakubo, Miuccia Prada, Haider Ackermann, Hedi Slimane.

What are you most curious to know about how designers work, how a collection comes together?
How do they strike the balance between their desires and what the merchandising and business teams are looking for?

What has been a highlight of your career so far?
Launching À LA with my wife and seeing the product live in the most interesting retail environments in the world. 

Is there any fashion show — no matter how far back — that you would have loved to attend?
Alexander McQueen Spring-Summer 2001: Voss. Nothing has topped this since. 

If you could make any fashion wish come true, what would it be?
The last fashion dream I had came true: Grace Wales Bonner for Hermès.

 

 

This interview has been lightly edited.