Today, on Conversations with Creators, we are thrilled to introduce a very special guest: Julian, also known as @julianpiket. Julian will take us on a captivating journey through his passion for men’s fashion and his commitment to sharing knowledge about this dynamic field. From his childhood in Amsterdam to his current residence in New York, Julian will share how his interest in fashion, nurtured from a young age, led him to delve into the world of men’s fashion. Join us as we explore the various aspects of this fascinating universe. It is an honor to welcome Julian to Conversations with Creators.
Sure! I’m 33 years old. I recently moved from Amsterdam to New York to continue my work as a content creator and fashion model. I got into the world of men’s fashion after finishing my studies in commercial economics, when I got booked for many fashion brands and started modeling.
I realized that I wasn’t particularly fond of street style, and I felt most comfortable and confident in suits and shirts. Interestingly, I received most of my bookings for these types of brands, which further solidified my focus on this style of content. I feel that this style is a great fit, not only for my clients, but also for myself. I feel happy and confident whenever I wear a suit. As a result, I began creating content centered around suits and shirts, which I still do.
I would describe my personal style as elegant, Italian style, business casual, old money. I don’t wear ties often, but I always wear a chino or a pleated trouser, combined with a suit jacket, a blazer or a sweater over it, and in that way it’s always classy. Not too formal, but definitely not very casual and far from streetwear and urban. I never wear jeans, and especially not jeans with holes in them, and I barely wear sneakers.
Well, I’ve faced many challenges. I think the biggest challenge for me was maintaining a certain quality in my posts. Especially considering that my posts were of higher quality than those of many other influencers and content creators, yet theirs went more viral than mine. I believe most people can relate to that feeling, and it’s often why many give up at a certain point: “everybody’s going viral but me.” It feels unfair. That was the biggest challenge I faced, but I had a lot of faith in my own skills. I believed that if I continued improving the quality of my content and if my clients were satisfied with what I offered and delivered, then eventually I would gain more visibility and grow my account.
In the end, it worked out pretty well, and I feel rewarded for it. Especially with the followers I’ve gained: many comment on my daily posts, and they are all so kind and supportive. That’s the biggest source of energy and motivation for me to keep going. While I acknowledge there’s still much to do in terms of growing my following, I’m already very pleased with how far I’ve come, and I believe it will only improve. Currently, I’m also focusing on expanding onto different channels, so the growth will only continue.
While I appreciate both styles, I believe the upcoming trends involve blending elements from both. Suits are increasingly incorporating streetwear influences, and it’s common, especially at fashion week, to see people combining these styles. It’s pretty cool, but it’s not quite my taste.
I think elegance is highly personal. For me, it’s synonymous with classic fashion, such as old-school suits. By classic, I don’t necessarily mean the traditional fits; it can encompass more contemporary or slim fits, tailored to individual body types. What matters most is a suit that’s impeccably tailored to your body, instilling confidence when worn.
On the flip side, streetwear signifies bold logos, a desire to stand out, and outfits that demand attention. It gives off the impression that one is seeking attention from the media or press, aiming for fame. That, to me, is the key distinction.
If one seeks fame, it should be based on their personality and character rather than just the clothes they wear. An outfit should complement one’s character and enhance their persona.
For me, the biggest factor is discovering who you are and what you stand for, essentially understanding your character. Based on that, you have to find a style that truly fits you. For me, that’s classic suits, but they should be nicely tailored and slim-fit to showcase the body. Fabrics are crucial; don’t focus on brand names, but rather on the fabric itself. It should be of high quality to endure longer, be breathable, and wearable for an extended period. I believe the fabric speaks volumes about the quality. I also consider the origin, but it’s not the most important factor for me.
Many brands boast about being made in Italy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are better than those from other countries like China, which also produce excellent fabrics. Simply check the label and try out different brands to determine the quality for yourself.
My favorite accessory currently is my Cartier Tank. Not simply because it’s Cartier, but because it was my reward from last year, after overcoming a difficult period of intense work which ultimately turned out very successful. So, I see it as a tangible reward, and every time I wear it, I’m reminded of the hard work and effort I put in to earn it. Wearing it fills me with pride.
As I mentioned earlier, elegance is a deeply personal aspect of style. Personally, I would suggest opting for high-waisted trousers, particularly if you have a fit physique. High-waisted trousers not only elongate the legs, but they also alter the silhouette of the body, enhancing the overall appearance. Even for someone tall like myself, it makes a noticeable difference. When wearing a suit, for instance, high-rise trousers create a seamless transition between the bottom of the blazer and the pants, resulting in a more polished look compared to non-high-rise trousers. That’s my first recommendation.
The second recommendation is to wear less sneakers. While I understand that they are trendy and comfortable, loafers can be just as comfortable, if not more so. By opting for classic footwear like loafers, you can add a touch of sophistication to your look and stand out from the crowd. Especially when paired with classic menswear, it elevates the overall look, preventing it from appearing overly casual or sporty.
I enjoy dining out frequently, often with my wife and occasionally with friends. I have a preference for elegance and luxury, so I seek out fancy restaurants to experience their exceptional food, hospitality, and services. Additionally, I have a keen interest in interior design and style, which adds to my dining experience.
I’m also a big fan of art, particularly in the form of photography. I enjoy taking pictures, not necessarily of myself or other people, but rather of the cityscape. I love strolling around with my camera, capturing images of anything that catches my eye: buildings, nature, cars…
I have numerous goals, and I’m currently working on some follow-up plans. However, the process isn’t far enough along for me to provide further details. At the moment, my primary focus is on my Instagram account, ensuring I post daily, and also on developing my presence on YouTube and other platforms. These are currently my top priorities.
Here you’ll find a completely free article every Saturday from our men’s fashion and lifestyle magazine.
