SS26 Menswear - Old Spin, New Classics with Taylor Phillips

.digital

After Roaming On The Digital Aether, Taylor Phillips Now Walks On Solid Ground

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

In a world permeated by downturns and saturation that shape society with increasingly ferocious pace, carving out a personal lane with fierce, unapologetic demeanour is no mean feat. However, one’s journey may be shaped with hard-hitting and defiant steps, which, in turn, lead to thematically varied outcomes. Such is the case with Taylor Phillips, the New York city multihyphenate who’s worn a lot of hats over the years.

“I’ve spent more than a decade sharing my life online,” he tells LE MILE’s Fashion Market Director, Chidozie Obasi, the moment they settle into conversation. “What started as a kid from a small Midwestern town moving to New York to pursue modeling eventually evolved into a career built around storytelling,” he confesses. “Along the way, I’ve shared everything from coming out publicly and navigating relationships to building a business and creating a life that feels authentic to who I am.” Over that time, Phillips built a broad community across his platforms, and that has shaped the way he approaches everything he undertakes. “Whether it’s content, creative direction, or brand building, I’m always thinking about connection first,” he says. “That’s ultimately what led me to launch GoodPark. In many ways, the brand feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned over the last ten years—about storytelling, community, identity, and creating experiences that people want to be part of.” But there’s more to the story, which you’ll probably read here first. You’re welcome.

Chidozie Obasi
How’s the past year been for you?

Taylor Phillips
The past year has been both exciting and transformative. Last year, GoodPark launched its first swim collection and the response exceeded anything we could have hoped for. Since then, we’ve spent the year expanding the brand, refining our point of view, and building something that feels much bigger than swimwear. What excites me most is that GoodPark has evolved into a lifestyle brand with a very clear perspective. We’ve expanded our product offering, strengthened our community, and spent a lot of time defining what we want the brand to stand for. On a personal level, it’s also been a year of reflection. After spending more than a decade creating content online, I’ve become increasingly interested in building something lasting. Social media moves incredibly fast. A post exists for a day, maybe a week if you’re lucky. Building a brand feels different. You’re creating something people can physically experience and hopefully carry with them for years.

When did you first realise you wanted to go into the fashion space?

It happened in a pretty roundabout way. I don’t think I fell in love with fashion first—I fell in love with imagery. I was fascinated by photography long before I ever considered fashion as a career. Growing up in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, I remember waiting for catalogues to arrive in the mail. J.Crew, Lands’ End, Abercrombie & Fitch—they weren’t just selling clothes, they were selling worlds. Their campaigns felt like moments I wanted to step into. At the same time, I was obsessed with pop culture. I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. I still remember seeing Gisele Bündchen in Taxi and being completely captivated by her presence. Fashion entered my life through modeling, but what kept me interested wasn’t necessarily the clothing. It was storytelling.Modeling exposed me to branding, photography, creative direction, and the way great brands create emotional connections with people. I became fascinated by the idea that a product could be a vehicle for something much bigger than itself. That’s ultimately what pulled me into such a space.

Could you unpack any key reference points you look at when finding inspiration, and talk us through the influences you had while growing up?

Honestly, most of the influences that shaped me came later in life. I grew up in a very blue-collar, industrial town, and my exposure to the creative world was fairly limited. It was often the little things—a catalogue arriving in the mail, a magazine, eventually getting access to the internet—that made my world feel bigger. We had an Abercrombie & Fitch at our local mall, and I was obsessed with those campaigns. I used to save the shopping bags and hang them on my bedroom walls because I was so drawn to photography. Looking back, that was probably one of the first signs that I was interested in visual storytelling. As I’ve gotten older, my sources of inspiration have shifted. I’m endlessly fascinated by people and the stories they carry with them. I love hearing what someone remembers about their childhood, a place they grew up, a summer they can’t forget, a song that reminds them of someone. Those small details often inspire me more than traditional fashion references. That’s very much the world GoodPark lives in. We’re not interested in nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. We’re interested in memory—how certain moments stay with us and continue shaping who we become.

If your path had to be described in a manifesto or summed up as a story, how would you best go about it?

I’d describe it as a story about becoming comfortable taking up space and staying open to possibility. For a long time, I was trying to fit into versions of myself that other people expected—professionally, personally, creatively. The biggest turning point in my life happened when I stopped doing that and I’ll be the first to admit it’s something I could be better at. Coming out publicly, sharing my relationship online, leaving a traditional career path, starting a business—each of those moments required becoming more comfortable being seen. If there’s a common thread throughout everything I’ve done, it’s the belief that authenticity compounds. The more honest you become about who you are, the more opportunities you create for meaningful connection with other people.

Speaking of your brand, what urged you to create it in the first place and where did the initial concept come from?

GoodPark started from a desire to create community. Years ago, I launched a small collection of apparel with positive messages and affirmations. What surprised me wasn’t the products themselves—it was how strongly people responded to the feeling behind them. People weren’t buying a t-shirt because they needed another t-shirt. They were buying into a sense of belonging and shared values. That idea stayed with me. Over time, it evolved into GoodPark.

Today, the brand is inspired by the feeling of summer—not necessarily a season, but a state of mind. Long days with friends, spontaneous adventures, human connection, and the freedom to be fully yourself. The products matter, but they’re really vehicles for a bigger emotional experience. At its core, GoodPark is about creating things that help people feel moreconnected—to themselves, to each other, and to the moments they’ll remember years from now.

Taylor wears a jacket by LOUIS VUITTON, shirt by CELINE, pants by DSQUARED2, shoes by CHURCH’S and tie by ETRO

Taylor wears a total look by PRADA

Taylor wears shirt and pants by MOSCHINO and tie by CELINE

Walk me through your creative process, or even your own background in branding and design.

I don’t come from a traditional design background, which I actually think has been an advantage. My background is in content creation and audience building. For more than ten years, I’ve spent every day paying attention to what captures people’s attention, what creates emotion, and what makes someone feel connected to an idea. When I’m developing something for GoodPark, I almost never start with the product. I start with a feeling. I’ll ask questions like: What memory does this evoke? What does this moment feel like? Who is this person? Where are they? What are they listening to? Who are they spending time with? I like to zoom out and build the entire world before focusing on the individual pieces inside it.

Once I understand that world, everything else starts to fall into place—the photography, the copy, the colors, the casting, the product design. I try to design from inside the experience rather than from the outside looking in.

Among a highly saturated market of both independent and established labels, what strategies do you adopt to stay afloat and continue carving out space to develop your own practice?

I think the biggest advantage smaller brands have is clarity. Large brands often have to appeal to everyone. We don’t. We have a very specific perspective on masculinity, community, memory, and self-expression. The goal isn’t to be everything to everyone. The goal is to create something so distinct that the right people immediately recognize themselves in it. I also think being a small brand gives us permission to experiment. Some things work, some things don’t, and that’s okay. I’ve spent most of my career online, where adaptation is part of survival. The digital landscape changes constantly. Algorithms change. Platforms change.

Consumer behavior changes. You learn to stay curious and keep moving. Community has also been a huge advantage. Because I spent years building an audience before launching GoodPark, the brand didn’t start from zero. There was already trust, conversation, and shared values. We launched with built-in support, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

And are you hoping to scale the brand further?

Absolutely. The long-term vision has never been limited to swimwear. I see GoodPark becoming a complete lifestyle brand that extends into apparel, hospitality, experiences, and community. The brands I admire most aren’t simply selling products—they’re creating worlds that people genuinely want to be part of. That’s what we’re building. I don’t necessarily measure success by how many products we sell or how quickly we grow. I measure it by whether we’re creating something meaningful enough that people want to keep coming back to it. If we can do that, growth tends to follow naturally.

Any exciting projects for the future?

We’re currently expanding beyond our core swim category while continuing to refine GoodPark’s identity and visual world. I’m also incredibly excited about bringing thecommunity together in real life. Some of the most meaningful connections happen offline, and I think there’s a huge opportunity to create experiences that feel just as intentional and memorable as the products themselves. That said, there will always be another project. There will always be another launch, another idea, another thing on the horizon. What I’m actually trying to get better at is slowing down enough to appreciate what’s happening right now. I’ve spent most of my life with my foot firmly on the gas pedal. I’m always looking ahead, thinking about what’s next, chasing the next goal. Lately, I’ve been learning the value of pausing and taking it all in. So while I’m excited for what’s coming, I’m equally excited about becoming better at appreciating what’s already here.

Taylor wears a total look by LORO PIANA

Taylor wears vest by PAUL SMITH, shirt by ETRO, pants by SETCHU and shoes by AQVA ALTA

Taylor wears jacket by CANALI, shirt by ISABEL MARANT, pants by RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati and shoes by AQVA ALTA

Taylor wears t-shirt by SON OF A TAILOR and swimwear by GOODPARK

Taylor wears henley shirt by DOLCE&GABBANA and swimwear by GOODPARK

PARK HYATT MILAN
Located in the heart of Milan’s historic centre, Park Hyatt Milano has stood for Italian luxury hospitality for over two decades. Recently refurbished by Flaviano Capriotti Architetti, the hotel combines contemporary Italian design with bespoke experiences and refined suites inspired by the city’s landmarks. The Montenapoleone Suite looks out directly onto the Milan skyline thanks to its spacious panoramic terrace, spanning 180 square metres with an outdoor area of 35 square metres.

— visit Hyatt.com for more information.

---

photography STEFANO SCIUTO
fashion market director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
contributing fashion editor EDWARD PUSCA
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinators FILIPPO CANCELLIER + ALBERTO MICHISANTI
make up MARTA CUPAIOLI via MKS MILANO
hair FUJIWARA TAKAHASHI via MKS MILANO
talent TAYLOR PHILLIPS
photography assistant GENNARO ANDREOLI
fashion assistants ISABELLA RUIZ + CHARISSE ORDINARIA + ANGELINA PERSIANI + LOUIS VEDERE

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Stefano Sciuto

SS26 Menswear - Why Sebastiano Pigazzi Keeps It Private

.digital

Why Sebastiano Pigazzi Keeps It Private

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Sebastiano Pigazzi is busy. Perhaps it’s the grind of travel and time zones. The script-scanning and the self-tapes. Or maybe it’s the time commitments of interviews like this one, done over the past year. “I try not to think about it too much, but I did things that I haven’t done before,” Pigazzi reflects.

“For example, I put up my own play that I wrote, directed and starred in along with nine other cast members: It was an enthralling experience that taught me so much,” he confesses. One might imagine that his current career reality is the result of some meticulously devised strategy: oscillating between characters, networks, and cast types to showcase a very well-honed creative range. But there’s more to the story: The Boston-born, Rome-hailed actor — raised between New York and Los Angeles — made his screen debut in Luca Guadagnino's We Are Who We Are (2020), where he played Enrico, before joining as Steve in Elisa Amoruso's Time Is Up (2021). Below, LE MILE’s Fashion Market Director grabs five with the actor, unpacking all things creativity and future hopes. You’re welcome.

Sebastiano wears a total look by VALENTINO

Chidozie Obasi
Could you recall the first moment that you felt drawn to the creative realm?

Sebastiano Pigazzi
After watching the movie, Tootsie with Dustin Hoffman.

Leaning on to the crucial moment that changed your path forever: could you unpack it with us?

Going to college on my own and leaving my family house made me grow up very quickly and helped me understand myself better.

At a time when the social and cultural phenomena are wreaked by havoc at an increasingly ferocious pace, how do you navigate the system and stay afloat?

Use it sparingly and keep some sense of privacy.

Could you unpack your most ‘complex’, dare I say, moment of your journey?

Well, when you work, you’re happy when you don’t, you’re not. The most complex times are when there’s nothing motivating or stimulating around and I have done my best to avoid those moments.

What’s the most exciting production that you took part in?

Every production is exciting and interesting for different reasons. I don’t want a single one of them out in the fear that others might feel excluded.

Any dream roles you’d like to have under your belt?

The ones people don’t think I can pull off.

What's next for you, and where are you hoping to take your career in time to come?

I’m hoping to take my career in surprising different directions.

Sebastiano wears a blazer by TOD’S, shirt by KITON and pants by RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati

Sebastiano wears a blazer by RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati, shirt by PAL ZILERI and pants by QUARTO ATTO

Sebastiano wears a total look by DOLCE&GABBANA

Sebastiano wears a total look by LORO PIANA

Sebastiano wears a blazer by MICHAEL KORS, shirt and pants by DIOR, shoes by BEPOSITIVE and tie by PAL ZILERI

Sebastiano wears a total look by BRIONI

---

seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion market director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinator EDWARD PUSCA
make up KIM GUTIERREZ via STUDIO REPOSSI
hair GIUSEPPE LORUSSO via MKS MILANO
talent SEBASTIANO PIGAZZI
photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants DAIANA EDOSA + ANGELINA PERSIANI + LUIZA ANGELOVA + FILIPPO CANCELLIER + ALICE GAVIN

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Cosimo Buccolieri

FW25 Menswear - He’s Fine & Classy with Jonathon Luke Baker

.digital
HE´S FINE & CLASSY
*with Jonathon Luke Baker

written + interview CHIDOZIE OBASI

It’s often hard to admit, but generally, the Italians do it better. However, one’s gotta admire the Brits for their wild romanticism and ingrained sense of cool. They’ve got the London look on lock for sure and they’re proud to often be pioneering the ‘wilder the better’ attitude, but their Italian and French counterparts tend to fall into a more poised category. On fashion terms, Brits do creative ramshackles, Italians do superfine spectacles.

Jonathon Luke Baker wears a total look by LORO PIANA

It’s only fitting then that in this shoot, Jonathon Luke Baker — a multihyphenate based in East London — mixes his charisma and attitude with a pared-back style that veers on the edge of the familiar, with dashes of wear-anywhere coolness. If you’re not already impressed, bear in mind Baker has worked with some of the world’s most talented artists and culturally exciting figures such as Sir Matthew Bourne, Sir Bob Cohen, Arlene Phillips DBE, Wayne McGregor CBE and Sam Smith, to name a few.

Not an art fan? Shame on you. Or, better, brush up on your contemporaries through Baker’s list. In this story, fashion highlights to look out for include Valentino, Loro Piana, and Louis Vuitton. And lastly, brace yourself: LE MILE’s Fashion Director grabbed five with the artist to chat all-things career, mental health and future hopes. You’ve probably heard it here first.

Jonathon Luke Baker wears a total look by VALENTINO

Jonathon Luke Baker wears a blazer by DIOR MEN, a patterned shirt by RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati, a beige shirt by FENDI, a sweater by EXTREME CASHMERE, pants by QUARTO ATTO, a bag by FERRAGAMO, and shoes by PREMIATA

Chidozie Obasi
First things first: could you introduce yourself to us?

Jonathon Luke Baker
I’m Jonathon Luke Baker, a dancer and movement director based in East London. I’ve spent the past ten years performing in contemporary works, but more recently I’ve transitioned into the more commercial side of dance. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me thrifting around Brick Lane or trying my hand at clay sculpting.

How has the past year been for you?

It’s been a year of growth. I’ve experienced the loss of loved ones, which has been a difficult but deeply human reminder to stay grateful and cherish the beauty of connection. Professionally, it’s been a blessing — I’ve been touring across Europe and the U.S. with Jessie Ware, who I adore, and I’ve continued my relationship with Jean Paul Gaultier, performing in his Fashion Freak Show in Tokyo. Creatively, it’s been a year of refinement — understanding more about my own movement language and how I like to explore the body’s potential for expression. 

What’s your earliest memory of dance?

Throwing my body around to Basement Jaxx! I’ve been twirling for as long as I could walk, but my earliest memory is forcing my family to watch me, my older brother, and my cousin perform our partially choreographed, mostly improvised, but fully committed dance shows to Basement Jaxx.

When did you realise that you wanted to make this craft a professional career?

Very early on — dance was all I ever wanted to do. The idea of growing up and actually getting paid to move my body to music was the ultimate dream. Of course, I had no real idea what the job would entail, nor did I imagine it would take me around the world. I’m grateful to have parents who had blind faith in me pursuing a path they also knew nothing about, yet supported me completely.

What would you say have been the best moments of your path thus far?

One of the most meaningful moments in my journey so far has been building a connection to Francis Menuge, Jean Paul Gaultier’s late partner, whom I portray in Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show. Francis was not only Gaultier’s lover but also his creative partner — together they built the brand and presented the very first Jean Paul Gaultier collection. In the show, I even wear the original suit Francis wore in that debut in 1976. There’s a solo that depicts his death from AIDS-related complications, exploring the persistence of the disease as it consumes the body and the spirit’s struggle to keep fighting. Although my connection to him is ultimately parasocial, I feel a deep sense of care and responsibility to honour his life and death with authenticity and respect.

And how about the most challenging ones?

The hardest part of this path is maintaining closeness with my life and relationships at home. I’ve spent most of the last few years touring or on location, and I can get completely absorbed by the project I’m working on. It’s something I’m working on actively: being more intentional about staying connected to the people I love. It also makes romantic relationships tricky. On the surface, the lifestyle can look beautiful and cinematic, but in practice it can make it really difficult to build long-term intimacy.

Jonathon Luke Baker wears a sweater by PAUL SMITH, a vest by CANALI, a shirt by TOMMY HILFIGER, underwear by DSQUARED2, and shorts by DSQUARED2

After stints in ballet, you pivoted to a more commercial route… Do you feel nostalgic about your ballet background?

I love ballet deeply, but it feels like another lifetime. As I grew into myself, I realised the way ballet often tells stories didn’t align with the kind of emotional language I wanted to express. The discipline required to pursue ballet at a high level didn’t match the way I like my life and art to breathe and move. Getting to be in the audience to watch loved ones dancing leading roles at the Royal Opera House fills me with so much pride — it’s a joy to appreciate the art form intimately without needing to live inside it anymore.

Is there anything you’d do differently? Do you feel you’re where you wanted to be?

My biggest real regret is not taking GCSE French! My teacher discouraged me because she thought I’d lower her average grade, which still makes me laugh. Now, after spending so much of my career in Paris and performing at Folies Bergere in a Circus Erotica show called Fantasma, I wish I’d cared less about her statistics. I’ve just started learning again on Duolingo, so redemption is happening slowly! My career has never followed the path I imagined, but it has led me to experience my younger self couldn’t have dreamed of. Tomorrow I land in New York to perform Quadrophenia on Broadway with Pete Townshend and Ansel Elgort. That was never on any five-year plan. But I’ve learned that the most beautiful parts of this career are often the detours.

Have you always maintained stable mental health, or were there doubts and difficult times?

I’ve definitely had low periods. I work mostly in dance and fashion and both are visual worlds — you spend so much time in front of a mirror or surrounded by models who are impossibly beautiful. It’s very easy to slip into comparison. And comparison really is the thief of joy, though she has a way of feeling seductive. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on what I uniquely bring to the room — the perspective, the expression, the humanity — rather than trying to match or mirror what someone else is.

In a world shaped by downturns and social unrest, how do you see the future of the arts?

I think creativity becomes even more vital in times of uncertainty. Art helps us feel less alone, and sometimes it allows us to escape long enough to breathe. In a changing world of social tension, I hope the arts can continue to bring people back to each other — to remind us that every person deserves to be valued, especially those who are pushed to the margins because of their identities.

Jonathon Luke Baker wears a coat by FENDI, a jacket by LOUIS VUITTON, a cardigan by BRIONI, a shirt by ZEGNA, a shirt by ISSEY MIYAKE, pants by ANDREADAMO, and shoes by FABI

Jonathon Luke Baker wears a vest by DSQUARED2, shorts by LOUIS VUITTON, and jeans by DIESEL

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE /
Cosimo Buccolieri

photography COSIMO BUCCOLIERI
fashion direction + styling CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordination ALBERTO MICHISANTI + EDWARD PUSCA
make up DIANA DJURDJEVSKI via STUDIO REPOSSI
hair DAVIDE NUCARA
film SARA FINEZZO
model JONATHON LUKE BAKER

photo assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
production assistant LORIS VOTTERO
fashion assistance PASQUALE CORLETO + JORDAN MAX BAGLIONI + ALESSANDRO GIANESIN + BRUNA TOGNINI + AMELIA ZACCAGNI + CHARISSE ORDINARIA + GIOELE ROSANO + THEA OLOFSSON ROWCLIFFE

FW25 Menswear - Soft Rebellion with Edu Roman

.digital
SOFT REBELLION 

*with Edu Roman

written + interview CHIDOZIE OBASI

Hot on the heels of his first TV show and a sweeping modeling career under his belt, the model and entrepreneur peels back the curtain on life, path and future hopes—all while becoming the embodiment of what makes a public figure beloved: a rare mix of kindness, grace and warmth.

In simple words, Edu is a breath of fresh air in an industry that, at times, feels bone-dry. So dive into the conversation below, as he speaks with LE MILE’s Fashion Director. You’re welcome.

Edu Roman wears a coat by ISABEL MARANT, a polo shirt by CALVIN KLEIN, a shirt by ZEGNA, pants by DOLCE&GABBANA, a tie from the ARCHIVE, and shoes by FABI

Edu Roman wears a total look by CELINE

Chidozie Obasi
First things first: could you introduce yourself to us?

Edu Roman
I’m the father of a beautiful daughter and the husband of a beautiful woman. I see myself as someone who’s always evolving and trying to adapt to every situation life puts in front of me — always with a smile on my face.

How has the past year been for you?

It’s been hectic! My baby was just a newborn when the year started, and I was living in Tenerife — a beautiful place in the Canary Islands — mixing parenting with my professional work. It’s been an awesome year, and it’s not over yet…There's still so much to do and enjoy. 

Taking a trip down memory lane: where did you grow up?

I grew up in a beautiful place called Cambrils, a small town by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s tiny, but it always gives me this magical feeling. Still, I’ve always been ambitious, and I knew the world had great things waiting for me. Nothing grows in your comfort zone, but it’s always nice to have one, just in case you need to go back.

You have a twin brother! Did you have a happy upbringing? And do you have any other siblings?

Yes! Having a twin brother has always been the best. Growing up with Jorge has been amazing: he’s not just my best friend; I like to say he’s my right arm. Only twins will understand this, because it’s a different kind of bond. He’s always there to give me the other side of the story, to keep me grounded, and to make sure I don’t become someone I don’t want to be. We keep each other on the right path and, as you can imagine, we have a lot of fun together. I also have two younger sisters whom I love with all my heart, and we try to be a great example for them.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in the creative industry, or did that come later?

Actually, I studied Economics! [Laughs]. But creativity has always been part of my life. I have an entrepreneurial mind that’s always looking for ways to add value. For me, creativity is everywhere; you just have to connect the dots and stay curious. I freaking love learning about anything, anytime.

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue this path as your main career?

As always, life had some surprises for me. I was discovered on the street and started modeling. I’ve always liked adapting to new situations, and modeling is all about that: new teams, different people, brands, creative ideas; and you’re the one who has to deliver. And I’ve always loved to deliver. 

In a world shaped by global crises and social change, the role of a model, talent, or creator is often seen as ‘trivial’. What does influence mean to you today?

Be the kind of person you’d love to have close to you. Nowadays, “influencing” is often misunderstood — people think it’s just about posting content and having followers. But for me, influence is about being the person others enjoy spending time with. That’s what creates a kind of virtuous circle that makes the world a better place. Be as happy as you can, and make the people around you feel warm and safe — that, to me, is a real influence.

Edu Roman wears a coat by TOM FORD, a shirt by RANDOM IDENTITIES by STEFANO PILATI, a sweater by MICHAEL KORS, a blazer by ZEGNA, blue pants by CELINE, and beige pants by FERRAGAMO

Could you talk me through your biggest career feats?

Honestly, my biggest feat is still being alive in this industry! I built an international modeling career from scratch: I’ve worked with some of the best brands and photographers in the world. I’m really proud of that, but I never take anything for granted. Staying humble and working hard is key. Thanks to this industry, I’ve met some of the most amazing people — including my wife — and my business partners. I’m the co-founder of a marketing and AI agency called IMMORAL, which has a division dedicated to growing fashion businesses. Everything I know comes from modeling and this outrageous curiosity that defines me.

Have you ever had moments of self-doubt or personal struggle?

Of course. We all have self-doubt, because we’re human. We’re not meant to handle this crazy amount of attention; we’re meant to hunt and grow with our people. But as you grow up, you realize there’s always an excuse — either “you’re not the one they’re looking for,” or “you’re perfect for the job.” As models, and as humans, we hear “no” ten times more often than “yes.” The faster you learn not to be defeated by that, the less you’ll suffer. I always tell young models and people in the industry: keep going, keep your head up. You’re loved by the ones you love, and that will never change.

Being in the public eye isn’t easy. How do you take care of your mental health?

I went to therapy a lot as a kid and a teenager. I’ve always liked to express myself, and I’m not afraid to talk openly about my problems. I believe that when you can say out loud what’s happening to you, you’re forcing yourself to truly understand your emotions — and that’s already halfway to solving the problem. And of course, it’s so important to have people who love you and will always take the time to listen, even if they don’t fully understand what you’re going through. 

Tell us more about your company! How did it start, and how is it going?

When I finished my Economics degree, I started a company with my brother and some partners. It was basically a directory of marketing agencies, web developers, and design studios. We had a great database, but then the government changed the data management laws, and we lost about 80% of our clients. So we decided to sell the database, and I focused on my modeling career. A few years later, my current partner, Marco, built a new business helping brands grow online. We’ve always had a great friendship and mutual respect, and one day he reached out to me and my brother with an idea: to create a new division called IMMORAL FASHION. We combined our experience in fashion and our network with his expertise in scaling e-commerce. Now we’re focusing on AI, because it’s changing everything, and we want to stay at the forefront of new technologies. It’s been a fantastic journey — and I hope it lasts a long time and keeps bringing us joy.

Tell us about the TV show you’re working on! What’s it about, and how do you feel about it?

I’ve never done TV before, but as I always say, when opportunity knocks, you have to adapt and step out of your comfort zone. I’m still filming, and I have a non-disclosure agreement, but I can tell you a bit: it’s a competition featuring 12 Spanish celebrities, where we compete to become the Master of Sewing. We design, choose fabrics, and craft our own pieces. It’s basically the Spanish version of The Great British Sewing Bee. It’s been intense, but super fun. It will air on Spanish public television this coming January.

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to become the man I’ve always wanted to be — and I think I’m on my way. I want to have fun, build genuine relationships, love the people around me, and spread love everywhere I go.

Edu Roman wears a dress and black skirt by MOSCHINO, a plissé skirt by MEIMEIJ, socks by VALENTINO, shoes by JIMMY CHOO, and hats by VALENTINO and STETSON

Edu Roman wears a shirt by PAUL SMITH, a vest by EXTREME CASHMERE, a blazer by DOLCE&GABBANA, a jacket by TOD’S, pants by ACT N1, and a skirt by MEIMEIJ

Edu Roman wears a red sweater by CELINE, a white sweater by TOM FORD, pants by MORDECAI, and a tie by PAUL SMITH

Edu Roman wears a sweater by FENDI, a shirt by CELINE, a tank top by DSQUARED2, pants by QUARTO ATTO, and socks and a tie by PAUL SMITH

Edu Roman wears pants by PRADA

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE / Cosimo Buccolieri

photography COSIMO BUCCOLIERI
fashion direction + styling CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordination ALBERTO MICHISANTI + EDWARD PUSCA
make up DIANA DJURDJEVSKI via STUDIO REPOSSI
hair DAVIDE NUCARA
film SARA FINEZZO
model EDU ROMAN via NEXT

photo assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
production assistant LORIS VOTTERO
fashion assistance PASQUALE CORLETO + JORDAN MAX BAGLIONI + ALESSANDRO GIANESIN + BRUNA TOGNINI + AMELIA ZACCAGNI + CHARISSE ORDINARIA + GIOELE ROSANO + THEA OLOFSSON ROWCLIFFE