Dennis Basso Discusses His Past, Present & Future As He Celebrates His Fashion Line’s 35th Annivers...

Dennis Basso is a fashion icon. The womenswear designer has been creating fabulous confections since 1983, when he launched his eponymous label. Now, 35 years later, he is celebrating the anniversary of his efforts by launching his first-ever solo accessories collection. We sat down with Basso to talk about his legacy, the evolution of his brand and what he has planned for the future.

What’s your favorite Met Gala memory?

My favorite memory was when Liz Tilberis introduced me to Princess Diana!

What celebrities embody the Dennis Basso brand now and why?

I think that we have a great variety of celebrities who wear my brand. Some of my favorites who truly embody the Dennis Basso name are Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren and Rihanna. We appeal to many different women of many different lifestyles and that’s what’s important in todays world. We need to be able to have a collection that appeals to every type, and we do!

How would you describe and define your line?

Ultimately, it’s elegant with a touch of edge, and is truly classic with a clear vision.

Who is your target shopper now and why? Has that changed over the years?

What’s really changed over the years is how product is seen; the internet has changed so much that our target shoppers are now a much wider group! Our best clients are international women with a pulse in the digital sector; they may see a fur online while on their plane, at a lunch or event at the ski slopes. Everything that we have in stores and boutiques needs to be seen also online.

How did you celebrate your 35th anniversary of the brand personally?

I held a very intimate lunch for my closest friends immediately after my fashion show. It was cozy, comfortable and under the radar, and mostly, celebratory.

What up-and-coming young models have ‘It’ in your opinion? And why?

That’s a great question. With so much strong talent, I’d have to say I immediately think of Karlie Kloss. She’s so elegant, so refined, yet also approachable and sweet, level-headed, intelligent and driven. That’s the sort of woman who I want representing my brand; a modern woman who does many, many things, but who also happens to model. Ms. Kloss leads a wonderful example of a life well balanced.

You’ve had some really gorgeous shows over the years… if you had to pick one or two, what would you say have been your favorite venues?  

You’ve been named one of the top sellers at Harrods in London — tell me, how do you think you’ve managed to carve out such a strong consumer base there?

35 great years in the fashion industry — what’s next?

I am very excited to announce that I am launching my first capsule collection of luxury accessories!  While I’ve always had accessories in the past, this is the only time they’ve been available independent of a SS or FW collection.

The sounds really exciting; what are some of the products that will now be available?

Any favorites from the collection?

How do you continue to design new items and to find new inspiration?

What is your favorite thing to do while you’re not busy designing?