Sets the tone for social distancing where fashion and music intersect.
Sets the tone for social distancing where fashion and music intersect.
Text: Dania Curvy
The Argentinian creative, Marcelo Burlon is the mastermind behind Milan-based fashion label County of Milan and the organizer of events for brands like Gucci and Raf Simons. Today, Burlon’s fashion brand has evolved into a PR and event agency. His list of clients includes Adidas, Versace, Prada, and Jil Sander. VMAN spoke with the multi-talented designer to talk about how he got involved in the music industry.
Read the full interview, below:
VMAN: Tell us how you began your DJ career as a renowned fashion designer?
Marcelo Burlon: I was a DJ way before starting my brand in 2003, actually the brand is quite a consequence of being a DJ, a PR, and coming from a clubbing background. Before the brand, I used to run a club night in Milan, Pink Is Punk, and to organize events, do PRs, and DJ for brands like Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela, Prada, Versace, and Jil Sander. I also used to sound design for shows of brands like Missoni, n°21, and Iceberg. I kept doing this also during the first couple of years of the brand, then I had to turn down because County of Milan required 100% of my attention. I've always worked in between music and fashion.
V: Do music and fashion intersect or speak to one another for you? If so, how?
MB: Fashion needs music while music doesn't necessarily need fashion, although music originates subcultures that shape fashion. Ravers, punks, disco, gabbers still influence collections, editorials, and shows... I'd say there's a perfect spiraling synergy.
V: Who are some of your favorite musical artists or inspirations?
MB: I love the Japanese pianist Akira Kosemura. I also love Danit, Nicola Cruz, Chancha Via Circuito, Devendra Banhart, and many Italian artists from the 70’s like Lucio Battisti, Mina, Luigi Tengo, and Battiato.
V: What types of music do you gravitate toward?
MB: I like Electro Folk and House Tech. I just started a vinyl collection. I just got the first editions of The Rolling Stones from 1968, David Bowie from 1972, Pink Floyd, Steve Wonder, and Diana Ross! I may start spinning vinyls during my sets one of these days.
V: Why do you believe music is important especially during a time where the world is in crisis?
MB: Music has always been a means to gather people physically and mentally, to create a community. Social distancing is just about physicality, I think people are closer than ever, virtually.
V: Can you tell us how you are coping with social distancing during this time?
MB: I'm social distancing at my house in Ibiza with a couple of friends for a few weeks. Having a large garden, a pool, and a chance to be outside in nice weather is a very lucky situation, but I miss meeting friends like anyone else.
V: What are some tracks or beats that help with trying to stay energized, are mood boosters, easing anxieties or staying focused?
MB: The ones I selected for the playlist will work perfectly!
V: Tell us about your playlist for VMAN.
MB: I made a selection of South American artists who are shaping a kind of new wave we're calling Electro Folk. First of all, because I'm from Patagonia and this is what the kids in Argentina love the most, and also because it's a perfect playlist to listen to at home, to work, to focus on yourself, especially in this very strange period of our lives.