A new generation of fashion lovers craves meaning and values, as opposed to vacant buzz and meaningless clothes. It’s refreshing to listen to Paris-based designer Mohamed Khattabi, who launched his own brand Reward if Found last year, talking about the kind of fashion he loves, which fuses concept and intellect with politics and raw emotion. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi.

Michel Gaubert’s job is to create unique soundtracks for fashion shows or films, and some of them are quite memorable. Think of early 1990s Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld, or more recent offerings for Loewe by Jonathan Anderson and Moschino by Jeremy Scott. Whether it be catchy, ironic, fun – or more on the conceptual side – Gaubert can craft any type of sound that will enhance, reflect and complement a designer’s vision. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi.

Berlin-based French designer Lou de Bètoly belongs to an exciting wave of talents questioning the status quo, as well as looking for new ways to create collections beyond the usual calendars, while making them playful, unique, sustainable and smart at once. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi

Fashion has the power – and the ability – to transport us into a world of emotion, grace and refinement. It can transcend the everyday and inspire us completely. Asim Khan, who is launching his eponymous brand this year, is a real fashion designer, in the sense that he uses clothes to deliver messages and raise key questions that are close to his heart. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi.

In recent years we have experienced a resurgence of activism and a more politicized view on fashion. A variety of social movements and public discussions have been centered around the body as a contested terrain for the exploration of issues about gender, beauty ideals and identity. The Hasselt Fashion Museum contributes to this discussion by launching the exhibition DressUndress. Interview by Marco Pecorari

Men’s fashion was said to have its eyes wide open, but its senses tightly shut. At a time when youth-centric styles and edgy looks had characterized menswear for nearly a decade, designers were surprisingly blind to the creativity and colour that younger consumers craved. Like doctors reviving the dying, the menswear cognoscenti checked the body of fashion for vital signs, but failed to find the pulse. By Bradley Quinn.

Unlike other fashion brands, Alexandre Mattiussi’s business has thrived during the pandemic, making him even more intriguing. In conversation, he’s animated and curious, as well as self-critical. No matter how much AMI has developed, the French designer doesn’t rest on his laurels and keeps working with the same passion and care. In this exclusive interview, Mattiussi recalls his humble beginnings, why he enjoys being back at work with his team, and how age is really just a number. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi.

Womenswear designer Meryll Rogge, who honed her skills at Marc Jacobs in New York and Dries Van Noten in Antwerp, is a great illustration of how a young fashion brand can capture the attention of prestigious retailers within a couple of seasons, including the likes of NET-A-PORTER, SSENSE, Nordstrom, Maxfield, and many others. That is quite an achievement, considering the kind of context our world has lived in for the past year and a half. Interview with Meryll Rogge by Philippe Pourhashemi.

Pierre-François Valette certainly had no idea he would be faced with a global pandemic when VALETTE STUDIO was born last year, a beautiful menswear brand updating key concepts of tailoring, savoir-faire and craftsmanship. Still, that did not prevent the French designer from pursuing his dreams and we should be thankful that young creatives like him are willing to take such risks. Turns out that fresh independent brands are appreciated by a select clientele, favoring quality and care over hype and logos. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi.

Thomas Monet, who launched COOL T.M two years ago, is a designer who undeniably loves fashion and clothes, but he’s also critical of certain parts of the industry that make it tough for new names to develop. His own career path is an impressive one and he has honed his skills at Balmain and Faith Connexion, working with style maverick Christophe Decarnin. We sat down with the Paris-based designer to discuss what makes a young brand relevant, how to navigate the current fashion landscape, and why he has no control when it comes to vintage shopping. Interview by Philippe Pourhashemi