Nicola Formichetti

What is your ideal office?

My office is where I go to be inspired. It’s a calm environment that lets my mind wander, where I sketch and research new ideas. I have everything I need there, my MacBook, my books and music, and photos.

Is New York your city?

I moved to New York five years ago, so now it really feels like home. I am always traveling all over the place but New York has something special about it. I can’t describe it, but it always seems to feel like I’m in a movie when I’m here.

Who has made a remarkable impression on you?

People who have very strong views, the ones that are true to themselves and believe in what they are doing. People who bring their ideas to reality and believe without doubt in themselves. That is remarkable to me.

How would you like to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as someone who has contributed to pushing the boundaries within fashion and music, and inspiring the next generations. Shining the spotlight on new, diverse talent is very important to me, and I want people to see and be inspired by that.

What is your most treasured belonging?

My dogs! Tank and Bambi are my babies, I really miss them when I am traveling. I always wanted a dog. When I saw them I knew I had to have both of them, rather than just one. My favorite thing is snuggles with them in the morning! And my Robert Mapplethorpe photograph.

What grosses you out?

Donald Trump!

Who would you come back as in your next life? 

I have been told I have had very many different lives already, from living in Europe as a tradesman and Asia as a samurai. Next time I want to come back as a writer, I would love to write a novel. Writing is not something I am good at! 

What is your uniform? 

Black tank, black jeans, black bomber or coat. 

What qualities do you look for when building your team?
 

Work hard, listen and learn, have a genuine interest in fashion. My creative teams are made up of experienced individuals along with younger creatives in fashion, art, photography, architecture and technology—but all of them share the equal passion for being better, growing themselves into who they want to be, and I really love that. 

How do you ensure you stay creatively stimulated? 

Me time. I always make sure I have one day a week to myself, where I am able to read, visit galleries, walk around. Also being able to let my mind wander and daydream. Meditation and working out also help. 

Which artist—living or dead—would you love to collaborate with?
 

Robert Mapplethorpe, Andy Warhol and Michael Jackson.