In Conversation with Nicola Formichetti on SYKY’s Digital Editorial Debut

Nicola Formichetti, a trailblazer at the intersection of fashion and technology, continues to redefine the industry’s boundaries with his latest venture as Artistic Director of SYKY. In this exclusive interview with RED-EYE, Formichetti delves into the launch of SYKY’s inaugural digital-first editorial project. Designed to showcase emerging talents and push creative limits, this project encapsulates SYKY’s vision of blending the digital, physical, and augmented worlds of fashion.

The debut editorial highlights multidisciplinary artist Yasmin Gross, who reimagines designer Kate Barton’s signature metallic textures and water-inspired aesthetics. Through Formichetti’s direction, this collaboration represents the synergy between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge digital innovation. Nicola shares how projects like this open new doors for both creators and consumers, offering immersive experiences and collectible digital art.

Beyond the project itself, Formichetti reveals his “digital soul,” describing his creative process as a dynamic landscape where unexpected detours spark innovation. Drawing from experiences at iconic brands like Mugler and Diesel, he discusses how technology—from AI to augmented reality—has become a catalyst for limitless creativity in fashion.

Formichetti also reflects on his role as a mentor to the next generation of designers, championing bold experimentation and collaboration. For him, this editorial is more than a showcase; it’s a platform for redefining how we engage with fashion in the digital age.

Dive into this insightful conversation to uncover Nicola’s vision for the future and his enduring passion for creativity without boundaries.

SYKY Magazine redefines digital luxury fashion with its inaugural issue. What inspired the vision behind this project, and how does it align with SYKY’s overall mission?

SYKY Magazine was born from a need to showcase the innovative work happening at the intersection of luxury fashion and digital technology. It aligns perfectly with SYKY's mission to redefine how we experience and consume fashion in the digital age. We want to celebrate the creativity and skill of both established and emerging designers, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in this exciting new space.

The first issue features multidisciplinary artist Yasmin Gross, who has reimagined Kate Barton’s signature style. What drew you to their work, and how did you guide this collaboration?

Yasmin Gross is an incredible artist. Her work resonated with me because it embodies the spirit of innovation and experimentation that SYKY Magazine champions. To arrive at the final look, we explored the possibilities of AI, discussed the key elements of Kate Barton's aesthetic, and encouraged Yasmin to push the boundaries of her own artistic vision.

With digital covers available exclusively for collection, how do you see this blending of art and technology shaping the future of fashion consumption?

Digital covers, available exclusively for collection, represent a new model for fashion consumption. They offer a unique blend of art, technology, and exclusivity. This approach allows collectors to own a piece of digital art that is linked to a specific moment in time and a special creative vision. I believe this model will play a significant role in the progress of defining what it’s like to participate in the future of fashion, blurring the lines between physical and digital ownership and creating new avenues for collectors and designers to engage with each other.

Your career has spanned iconic brands like Mugler, Diesel, and Uniqlo. How has your experience shaped your approach to digital-first projects like this one?

My experiences at global brands have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of creative expression and the importance of pushing boundaries. Each brand, in its own way, encouraged me to think outside the box and explore new avenues for innovation. This experience has been invaluable in my approach to digital-first projects like SYKY Magazine.It allows me to bring a unique perspective, blending my understanding of traditional fashion with a forward-thinking approach to digital innovation.

You’ve said that technology offers designers “limitless creativity.” Can you share an example from your work where technology unlocked a creative breakthrough?

During my time at Mugler, we experimented with 3D printing technology to create innovative and sculptural garments. Initially, 3D printing was a relatively new and unexplored technology in the fashion world. By embracing this technology, we were able to push the boundaries of garment construction, creating pieces that were both visually stunning and structurally complex. This experience demonstrated to me the incredible potential of technology to unlock new forms of creative expression and redefine the possibilities of fashion design.

How do you envision digital fashion complementing or transforming traditional fashion narratives and craftsmanship?

I envision digital fashion as a powerful complement to traditional craftsmanship. It offers new avenues for creativity and expression, allowing designers to experiment with materials, textures, and forms that may not be possible in the physical world. Digital fashion can also enhance traditional narratives by providing immersive experiences for consumers, allowing them to interact with garments in new and exciting ways.

As a creative deeply rooted in both physical and digital realms, how do you personally balance these worlds in your work?

I believe that the most compelling work emerges from a dialogue between these two worlds. In my own work, I strive to find the perfect balance between the tactile and the intangible, the physical and the virtual. This often involves finding innovative ways to bridge the gap between these two realities, creating experiences that are both immersive and meaningful.

If you could describe the "digital soul" of your creative process, what would it look like? Does it have a particular texture, color, or rhythm?

The 'digital soul' of my creative process is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape where I embrace the unexpected. I've come to see 'mistakes' as beautiful detours, leading to unexpected breakthroughs and opening up entirely new avenues of creativity.

How do you see emerging technologies like AI and augmented reality influencing the way fashion tells stories and connects with audiences?

Our recent collaboration with Apple Vision Pro provides a glimpse into this exciting future. This project brought the fashion experience into the home, allowing users to immerse themselves in the world of fashion through augmented reality. Imagine trying on a digital garment in your own living room, experiencing the intricate details and how it moves, experiencing a virtual fashion show, creating more engaging and personalized connectionsbetween brands and consumers. AI, on the other hand, can be used to generate innovative designs. This technology has the potential to democratize access to fashion, allowing individuals to express themselves in unique and creative ways.

SYKY Magazine is a platform for next-generation artists. What qualities or perspectives do you look for in these emerging talents?

I look for emerging talents who possess a unique vision, a willingness to push boundaries. I'm drawn to artists who are not afraid to experiment, who embrace new technologies, and who are passionate about using their creativity to make a positive impact on the world.

How do you hope this digital-first publication will inspire both creators and consumers in the luxury fashion industry?

I hope that SYKY Magazine will inspire both creators and consumers to embrace the exciting possibilities of digital fashion. For creators, I hope it serves as a platform for showcasing their innovative work and connecting with a global audience. For consumers, I hope it provides a window into the future of fashion, offering a glimpse into the exciting new fashion and technologies that are shaping the industry.

If you could give one piece of advice to young designers entering the digital fashion space, what would it be?

Don't be scared. Just try, experiment, and make lots and lots of mistakes. That's how you learn and grow. Collaborate with your peers, share ideas, and learn from each other. This is an exciting time to be a part of the fashion industry, and the possibilities for digital innovation are truly limitless. Embrace the challenge, embrace the unknown, and let your creativity flourish.

Interview by @danieleverse

Image courtesy by @the_syky @nicolaformichetti

Special thanks to @alicedelahunt @yasmingross @katebarton

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