Fashion Fiver With 416 Provocateur Marcello Cabezas

Marcello Cabezas. Image by Kevin Gonsalves.

Fashion Fiver with Amy Lu and Marcello Cabezas

I bumped into Marcello at the Greta Constantine F/W2011 show on Friday and had a chance to ask him about his take on style…

1. Who impresses you?
Great question. And would add in who inspires me too. I think it is all about what choices
people make and what they choose to do with their lives. Like the risks they take. The
innovation that they create that can be say, artistically relevant but commercially viable at the same time. People who are real and not judgmental are key for me. People that are not satisfied with the status quo and are making it happen. Authentically. For real. And not some vanity project. They really care about what they do and they treat people along the way with respect and enthusiasm. And they are actually leaving a legacy along the way.

2. What do you love?
I love when shit happens. Like stuff that you dream about and you can be the conductor and connect people and watch magic happen. It is contagious. And amazing. I love this city. There are so many amazing people and possibilities. I only hope to help produce experiences that make the best talent be like, damn we have it going on, and the world will be, damn I want to be part of this.

3. When do you feel your best?
After a workout for sure. Crave the cardio high. And then slipping into some vintage get-up. And then being around people who champion me as I champion them. Provocative conversation. Happy accidents. Discoveries. Throw in a drink, maybe a Broken Social Social song playing in the background on some patio, like the Spoke Club. Heaven.

4. Where do you shop?
Almost exclusively in Kensington at vintage shops. Isabella at Exile always takes care of me with sick shirts, jackets and pants. As for essentials, socks, boxers, etc….various places. But kudos to my Puma gals. They always surprise me with fun kickers and wearables. Love their new Puma Social hours stuff. I am an after hours athlete yo!

5. Why is style important
It defines the vibe of someone. I have gone back and forth on caring what I wear. I remember I went to a Mirvish opening once in pajama bottoms and a tank top and the gal I was with freaked. Like I didn’t respect her by not dressing the part or dressing for the occasion. Some people have given me tough love about knowing my audience. My banker friends tell me it is all about the type of suit, watch and shoes you own. It’s the price of entry. I went to private school for all my life, and I never owned a suit. Just dress pants and jackets. Always liked mixing and matching. So I guess where I am at now is I have eclectic tastes. Love bright colors and vintage cuts and styles. I want to be comfortable, but I also want to set a tone. Should the notion that I am a misunderstood genius reflect in what I wear? Maybe. Maybe not. I think I have entered a coming of age place now where knowing my audience is key. Making company around me feel comfortable about taking chances with say fashion and perhaps even taking chances with their lives is a slow build. Someone said to me you are like an approachable guide to experiencing life without inhibitions. You allow people to be comfortable to take risks. Maybe a bit lofty, but if I can affect people to be human and not walking clones, then sure, I would be ok with that.

Marcello is currently producing Woody Harrelson’s play, Bullet for Adolf, April 19-May 7, as well as co-producing Hope Rising, a benefit for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, featuring Alicia Keys on May 3.