Who would’ve thought that Fausto Puglisi majored in modern literature at university? “Well, yes, actually I studied also classic literature,” he said today. Even if his looks are not exactly those of a geeky scholar, and his vision often borders on the controversial, to say the least, he’s not one bit an illiterate fashion obsessive, just fond of all type of excesses. Actually, quite the contrary.
Take for instance the Antica Roma statuary symbolism he’s so fond of and which, for his second menswear collection, he splashed unabashedly on XXXL surf-inspired T-shirts and sweatshirts fit, he said, “for a young Caligula living in La Jolla.” He could give you a lengthy, articulate lecture on their historic significance. Hercules, Caligula, the sun as a metaphor for power, the whole thing. It was fascinating fun.
The men’s lineup was well edited yet unapologetic: The leopard cannot change its spots. Puglisi worked around a skater/surfer-inspired wardrobe; a Perfecto leather jacket was emblazoned with the words royalty and zeitgeist—“Don’t ask me why, I just liked them!” he said—framing an antique statue of Hercules (full-frontal, of course, with just a red star concealing what couldn’t be exposed). More oversized tees were printed with Fausto in capital letters across the chest and worn with jumbo boxing shorts. Self-confidence is not a problem here.
Puglisi presented his women’s Resort collection in the same location; it had a brash appeal, and spanned from street-inspired excesses to floating softness. Poplin midi dresses with flounced skirts were printed with Indian Art Deco–inspired swirling motifs; the same pattern ran throughout in many different iterations on everything from skinny stretch leggings with a matching bomber and combat boots to red carpet–ready long chiffon numbers. Thrown in the mix were a couple of silver leather ruched minidresses, ballerina skirts in stiff layered tulle, a long zippered bustier dress, and a leather biker with bondage-inspired metallic details. The Puglisi crew is brazen and bold, with a riot of choices to spare.
