He is one my favorite bloggers in the entire world and I have the pleasure to have the chance to call him my friend. His name is Zé and he is the owner of the blog 2XNº1, one of the best blogs written by a man. I'm sure you're going to fall in love with it from the first time you read it. He is funny and has a fashion sense that is absolutely flawless. He takes great pictures and he has a big model potential. I hope you like the interview and don't forget to stop by his blog. It's so f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s.
Why did you name your blog “2XNº1”? It’s cool and uncommon!
I’m always aiming for something more, I’m persistent, I’m a dreamer and I wanna be the best I can… I don’t content myself being number one… I wanna be twice number one, number one to the second power. That’s what this name is about. Being ambitious in a personal kind of way. I remember listening to Lil Kim’s “Who’s Number One?” and in a certain way I’m answering that, I’m trying to evolve and improve myself, my skills, my intellect. Besides, 2XN1 it’s a short name/abbreviation and I sure imagine it as a brand.
Why is your blog different than the others?
Honestly, I’m just being myself. My blog reflects me 100%. It’s about me, it’s about what I like, what I do, what inspires me, my experiences and stories… people who read my blog are certainly not looking for something predictable. If I don’t feel like I have anything to say, I don’t. I’m not a catalog, I’m not a publicity puppet, I don’t try to post what everyone posts… not because I wanna be different, but because I only talk about what makes sense to me.
How do you describe yourself?
I can’t describe myself. I might say that I’m a complex human being, really rational and a little sensitive too. I like art, philosophy, cinema, music, fashion and literature. I’m really moody as well… These words probably don’t even describe 1% of myself, but that’s what I can say right now.
How would you describe your style?
I wouldn’t, simply because I don’t feel like I belong to a specific style. I don’t like prototypes, you know?! It depends on my mood… on what I listen… on the weather… on the occasion… it’s such a relative question. One thing I can tell you: I always try to think outside the box, to outdo myself, to reinvent myself. I don’t like being vulgar, I don’t like wearing “uniforms” to be considered “normal” by everyone else. I wear my personality and I don’t give a damn about what people might think.
What does inspire you the most?
Art, no doubts. Paintings mostly. The colors, the themes, the feelings, it’s such a vast world of references. Impressionism and baroque are my favorite artistic movements. However, music and cinema inspire me too. James Dean inspires me so much for being an immortal icon, he will be young forever. Editorials have a huge influence on me too, I love to see and discover fashion editorials, they’re reflect how edgy a person can be.
What blogs/sites do you read every day?
Style.com, The Fashionisto, FuckingYoung, HypeBeast, Homme Model.
What do you think are going to be the major Street Style items for next season?
Exuberant prints, denim and acid colours. At least that’s what I like the most.
Who are your favorite designers? Why?
Tom Ford because he creates classy and timeless designs that are just flawless, his collections scream elegance and fierceness. His clothes are absolutely unique and designed for a sophisticated man. I really like Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana too, they are such visionaries, everything they do is iconic, is remarkable and most of all versatile. They go from classic formal to casual chic and urban. Gotta love them.
What are your favorite brands/stores? Why?
Givenchy, Gil Sander and Versace. These brands are trendsetters… they’re one step further. If I could, I would wear their collections for the rest of my life.
If you had to leave for a desert island, what three items would you bring with you?
A book, my ipod and sunscreen.
Where are we most likely to find you?
Near the sea… at the beach. On my twitter. Downtown.
What type of books do you prefer? What’s your favorite?
Art books, novels, historical ones… my favorite of all time is “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde.
Which singers/bands can we find on your iPod?
The Pretty Reckless, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, The Kooks, Florence + The Machine, Britney, Marilyn Manson, John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Lana Del Rey, Drake, Sum 41, Bruno Mars, Rihanna…
What’s your dream trip?
Fiji Islands
In which city do you see yourself living in the future? Why?
LA, NY or Rome. LA because I love the spirit of the city, it’s so fresh and sunny, totally my kind of place. NY because it’s where everything happens… it’s a crazy fashion capital and the diversity we can find there fascinates me. Rome because it’s a perfect city, full of art everywhere, it’s beautiful and I have some kind of chemistry with Rome.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be?
James Dean, Taylor Momsen and Meryl Streep.
If you could own the world for a day what would you do?
Give people limitless credit cards and a day-off for a shopping spree.
Any advice for my readers?
Be yourself. Don’t give up. Fight for what you want and believe. Be brave. Let them haters talk… because while you live your life, they spend theirs trying to take you down.
Any future projects?
On the top of my priorities list: be happy.
