FASHION

The Cool Hunters

by W Magazine

fass_opening_ceremony_search.jpg

Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, proprietors of boutique chain–cum–fashion brand Opening Ceremony, have spent nearly a decade trolling the globe for fashion talent. Among those on their radar right now: a couture umbrella-maker and a designer of hamburger-themed jewelry. Here, their who’s who of style.

1

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“Yasuko launched Toga, her very conceptual ready-to-wear line, in 1997, and it has since become a staple in Japan. Toga Pulla is her new diffusion line, with great printed looks and oversize shearling coats.”

2

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“Along with Undercover and Number (Nine), the L.A.-based Daisuke is part of that second generation of Japanese designers. He makes men’s wear that women love too.”

3

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“Laetitia oversees this millinery, which is the oldest in Paris. She’s very eccentric, and makes hats that are cool and kind of sexy, like the ones with sequined kitten ears.”

4

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“He’s a young London College of Fashion grad who does crocheted T-shirts and construction boots embedded with crystals. We call it ‘luxurious grunge.’”

5

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“We’ve been fans of Nicola since way before he styled Lady Gaga, and now he’s overseeing Mugler. For spring we love his white cape with cognac trim and tricolored dress with a beautiful layered effect.”

6

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“Hickey Freeman still makes its suits in its original 19th-century factory in Rochester, New York, and sources fabric from the same English mill. For our suit and tuxedo collaborations with them, we took that heritage and made it more youthful.”

7

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“Her spring collection was inspired by the world of travel. Our favorite is an evening bag shaped like a globe.”

8

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“A stylist in Paris, she makes unisex woven shirts that are supersimple and really refined.”

9

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“There are plenty of beautiful eyeglasses out there, but these guys really push it with their metal-injection molding. Plus they work with out-there designers like Bernhard Willhelm and Romain Kremer.”

10

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“In the Eighties, Katharine used the T-shirt as a canvas to promote her messages— like choose life—and they became so influential. We’ve been working with her on a new series of T’s.”

11

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“Jill’s a Vogue editor; Karen is Annie Leibovitz’s studio manager–producer. They both love surfing, and decided to do a superstylish surf collection. Next season they’re doing Pret-a-Snow.”

12

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“He invented buttons, modeled after the ones you get at rock shows, that play music. You plug in headphones and listen! We are working on Opening Ceremony compilations with him.”

13

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“A couture umbrella-maker based in Paris, Pierre reinvents traditional styles with novel prints and shapes.”

14

Stylist: Olivier Rizzo

“An Australian designer who started out at Dior Homme, he creates these highly sculptured, mythological pieces, such as a cuff shaped like galloping horses. They almost look like movie stills.”

15

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“Tadaaki is probably the wackiest and most hilarious jeweler in Japan. He does make-your-own-burger jewelry. Pickles, pineapples, lettuce—you buy the charms and build a burger.”

16

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“Though Delfina’s a Fendi, her line is very much her own—funny, modern, and intellectual. For spring it’s inspired by men’s wear: cuff bracelets with adorable cuff links, dress shirt collars with lips for a button. It’s jewelry that every girl wants to wear.”

17

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre

“Raquel is a stylist in London, and Laura is a designer from Barcelona. Together they do these chic bodysuits—everything from cashmere plunging V-necks to sailor tops.”