By: Silvia Garcia

We all have a place near and dear to our hearts, though we’re not necessarily from there. Sometimes, we can’t help but feel a connection after seeing or experiencing a location’s culture, diversity, and visual appeal. 

Having such a connection with a place can also draw creative inspiration that empowers people to embrace culture and explore opportunities beyond norms. Look at French multicultural designer Philip Doré and his appreciation for New York City. 

As a designer, Philip often draws his inspiration from his travels. To avoid any influence, he forbids himself from watching fashion shows or social networks before designing a collection. However, he enjoys observing people to understand their needs in an ever-changing world. 

“I prefer to write my clothes to let them evolve for a while. What fascinates me the most in my job is to seek the concept, the story-telling and the way in which I would bring this collection to life between the image and the clothing,” Philip shared.

Philip has traveled to various locations, including European countries like Belgium and Italy, for his career. But New York has a special place in his heart as it is where he spent the most time. He even calls it his second home. 

“New York was built by people from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures. This melting pot offers this city an open-mindedness that has never been equaled,” he said. “I like this knowledge of living together with all our differences.” 

In the meantime, the New York fashion scene is also diverse, drawing inspiration from various cultures, design styles, and even periods. 

However, some people find this expressiveness daunting, often trying to discover what would pique public interest. But Philip, as a man of culture and the world, sees New York as an opportunity. 

Philip is currently preparing to launch his first collection under a name that is still confidential. His project aims to offer something different from what exists in the market for men, and it signifies his return to the luxury market, influenced by his experiences in Belgium and Paris and inspired by the American West Coast.

“By bringing our brand to different aspects from what we know on the fashion market, we are certain that New York will be open to the creations we offer them and will become a major axis for our development,” Philip said. 

Despite his enthusiasm, the French multicultural designer knows that bringing his brand to New York isn’t without challenges. According to him, the city can quickly open doors and close them just as quickly. Still unfazed, he draws strength from his upbringing and experiences. 

“I come from a family that evolved in the world of sport, so evolving in competition is something that I grew up with all my life, and it is an opportunity to have even more motivation to take our project to the next level–to the ambitions we have,” he said. 

Yet the business is one factor of Philip’s brand. What matters to him most is the creative prowess his designs can offer to the fashion industry. 

“Through our collections and its image, we wish to offer a bubble of oxygen to this world, which has less and less freedom to express what it feels, wants or thinks. What I hope for the people who will associate with us is a feeling of freedom to be who they are. We all have within us this rock spirit and this old, unfulfilled fantasy of living the life of a Keith Richards or a Jimi Hendrix. And this is what we are going to give them without barriers and fully embrace our ideas,” he said. 

Published by: Martin De Juan