Embark on a sartorial journey of excellence with Manolo Costa, the visionary behind MCNY, as he shares insights into his profound connection with elite men's fashion. Hailing from Peru, his childhood fascination with impeccably dressed actors ignited a passion that evolved into a distinguished career. With over two decades in the industry, Manolo reflects on the dynamic shifts in menswear, offering a glimpse into his philosophy of balancing timeless elegance and modernity, creating garments that stand the test of time. Join us for an intimate conversation with a fashion luminary, exploring the profound impact of dressing well on an executive's confidence and overall success, the essential wardrobe staples he believes every urban executive should possess, and gain valuable style tips for building a versatile and sophisticated collection. As Manolo envisions the future of MCNY, discover the legacy he aspires to leave in New York and the global fashion scene.
The Urban Executive: How did your interest in men's fashion begin, and what inspired you to become a figure in the industry?
Manolo Costa: I’m originally from Peru, and my journey into menswear and design began at a young age. I was always inspired by the impeccably dressed actors in my favorite films which led to me developing a passion for fashion early on. Even as a kid, I always gravitated towards a more refined attire - if I was wearing sweatpants or jeans there was something wrong.
The Urban Executive: Can you describe your personal style and how it has evolved over the years? Are there specific elements or designers that have influenced your fashion choices?
Manolo Costa: When it comes to my personal style, I'd say it's a healthy blend of timeless classics with a modern twist. I often joke with my clients that I‘m boring since my wardrobe consists of a rotation of about 10 suits paired with either a t-shirt, turtleneck, or shirt and tie. Trends have never been a part of my style and truthfully I try to avoid them. I prefer to focus on quality and fit above all else. I find a lot of inspiration from old school Ralph Lauren - but then again, who doesn’t?
The Urban Executive: New York is a global fashion capital. How does the city's unique energy and diversity influence men's fashion trends, and how do you contribute to shaping this narrative?
Manolo Costa: Having traveled to numerous cities worldwide, I can confidently say that none quite embody the essence of fashion like New York—well, except maybe Italy. A good portion of our clients are professionals seeking classic blue and gray office suits, but we also cater to those in search of their next bold statement piece. This is where the true excitement of bespoke clothing unfolds. The creative possibilities are boundless, and knowing that our clients move in circles among some of the most stylish individuals in the world—better yet, stride through those circles as some of the most stylish people themselves—well, there's simply no feeling quite like it.
The Urban Executive: Your style often blends classic and contemporary elements seamlessly. How do you strike a balance between timeless elegance and modernity?
Manolo Costa: Drawing from my own personal style, I founded MCNY with a vision to inspire men to appreciate the timeless appeal of pieces that blend classic elegance with modern flair. Our goal is to create garments that stand the test of time, effortlessly transitioning with our clients through every stage of life. Striving for a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modernity, we integrate classic silhouettes and traditional craftsmanship techniques while infusing our designs with innovative details, contemporary fabrics, and modern styling approaches. At the core of MCNY's philosophy is a commitment to honoring timeless design principles while tastefully embracing modern trends in a subtle and sophisticated manner.
The Urban Executive: How has the menswear industry evolved from when you started?
Manolo Costa: Having been in the industry for over two decades, I've seen a few different evolutions in style and just the industry overall. If I had to choose one significant change that stands out it would be the shift from the traditional office attire of suits and ties to the more relaxed "smart casual" style that's become commonplace. I distinctly recall the post-COVID period when clients began returning. Many would put on a collared shirt and then talk about how constricting it felt, as if they'd forgotten how to dress beyond t-shirts during their time at home. It was a moment of rediscovery for many, navigating the balance between comfort and professionalism in their daily attire, and that’s still something my clients come in asking for advice on.
The Urban Executive: What menswear trend do you see escalating in 2024?
Manolo Costa: I have a strong feeling that tailored clothing in casual settings is going to be big this year. Many people seem to be growing bored of the sweatpants-every-day routine. Don't get me wrong, I know not everyone feels that way, but for a lot of people, getting dressed up—even if it's just
for a quick coffee run or a Zoom call—has become more than just a habit. It's a form of self-expression, a little ritual to kickstart the day.
In the past few years, we've seen a big rise in the blending of casual and tailored pieces—think suits paired with t-shirts and sneakers, or sportcoats with jeans. I think this shift towards the pairing of tailored elements and casual wear will continue to showcase itself throughout the year.
The Urban Executive: What are some of your favorite menswear pieces or wardrobe staples that you believe every urban executive should have?
Manolo Costa: A timeless overcoat, a midnight blue three-piece suit, a pristine white t-shirt, and a classic pair of loafers.
The Urban Executive: For those looking to enhance their wardrobe, what key pieces or style tips would you recommend for creating a versatile and sophisticated collection?
Manolo Costa: When guiding clients through their first bespoke piece, I often advise starting with something classic and traditional. Then, as they become more comfortable, they can gradually explore bolder options by their third or fourth piece. Building a wardrobe is all about investing in staple pieces that offer versatility.
Take, for example, the items I mentioned earlier: an overcoat, a three-piece suit, a white t-shirt, and loafers. Each of these pieces can be styled in numerous ways, providing endless outfit possibilities. On the other hand, highly memorable pieces like boldly patterned sportcoats or uniquely colored suits can be trickier to incorporate into multiple looks without drawing attention to repeat wears. Plus, styling pieces like this often requires a lot more effort as they typically pair best with much fewer options.
The Urban Executive: In the dynamic world of urban executives, dress codes can vary. How do you navigate different dress codes while maintaining your personal style and professionalism?
Manolo Costa: Personally, you'll almost always find me in a suit— I'd say about 9 times out of 10. Whether at my daughter’s tennis matches, catching up with friends over Saturday brunch, or even just heading out to get a haircut, I'm dressed in a suit. But, regardless of the occasion's dress code, I really believe that how you present yourself leaves a lasting impression. So, even in casual settings, I would advocate for maintaining a polished and sophisticated appearance - suit or not.
The Urban Executive: Fashion is often seen as a form of self-expression. How do you use your style to convey your personality and professional identity?
Manolo Costa: I think a lot of my friends and family would label me as a pretty charismatic person. I thrive in social settings, love spending time with people, exploring new places through travel, and indulging in the city’s best restaurants and bars. While some might not immediately associate a suit with this type of lifestyle, those closest to me understand my genuine appreciation for the finer things in life—be it exquisite clothing, refined dining experiences - all the little luxuries that add a touch of refinement to everyday living.
The Urban Executive: With fashion trends evolving rapidly, how do you decide which trends to embrace and which to resist in favor of timeless style?
Manolo Costa: I tend to stick to my own style and don't really follow trends. I've definitely adapted to the more casual fashion landscape of today, but I've always remained pretty stubborn within my personal aesthetic.
The Urban Executive: How do you believe dressing well contributes to an executive's confidence and overall success in their professional endeavors?
Manolo Costa: For me, dressing well is all about feeling confident. When I look my best, I find that people take me more seriously, and I even take myself more seriously. But it's not just about appearances—it's also about how executives present themselves, shaping how they connect with others and grab opportunities in their career path. It's a power move, enhancing confidence, professionalism, and credibility, and making a strong impression as effective leaders.
The Urban Executive: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave in the realm of men's fashion, particularly in the context of New York's influential fashion landscape?
Manolo Costa: I'm thrilled about the future of Manolo Costa New York. We've got some really big plans ahead, and it feels like we're just getting started. My hope is that the legacy we build transcends generations, with our suits being worn by our clients' sons, grandsons, and beyond, still in style even 50 years down the line. I aspire for us to be remembered as influential style advisors in menswear, making a lasting mark on the world of fashion.
There's no excuse not to elevate your executive wardrobe this year. Visit at https://www.manolocosta.com/ to book an appointment. You are welcome! :)