This week’s style diary guest is the very talented Henry Picado. His brand, ESTE & CHLO, has become the go-to label of choice for countless celebrities, who choose his designs to shine the spotlight on their style. The creative director and fashion designer, originally from Costa Rica and now a New Yorker, has gained a very good reputation in the fashion industry. He recently donated beautiful gowns and organized a fashion show to benefit the Surgeons of Hope Foundation at their annual gala dinner, One Night for Hope, which was held at the Pierre Hotel. He is sharing with us his perspective on style in this week’s new style diary.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style?
Henry Picado: My own style is classic and contemporary, with the chic of the old glam of Hollywood. In terms of my designs, I design thinking of the woman of today and her changing environment, making sure that I can pass my vision on to each design. Fashion is an art and we must find our own masterpiece.
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Mr. Picado: I just asked few friends and it was funny to hear their responses. Here we go: Optimistic, relentless, dreamer. Caring, talented, loyal. Talented, eccentric, funny. Charismatic, talented, loyal. Creative, talented, passionate. How do I see myself? Fearless, friendly, and faithful.
Ms. Eschapasse: How did your style evolve since you were a teenager?
Mr. Picado: My style has evolved with the times and experiences that I have since child good, I am always looking for beyond my eyes can see and searching for that particular thing that can make me unique.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the wildest thing you ever wore?
Mr. Picado: The wildest thing I have done---it was to come to United States without anything and anybody to try to make it happen for me and my family.
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Mr. Picado: Well, since I am my own boss, I follow my own style or how I feel that day, I don’t have a specific look but I change from look to look. Sometimes, I feel like wearing a suit, another day jeans, leather, or even mix-and-match. The beauty of fashion is that you can be experimental without limitation. The secret is to be true to yourself and do not let anyone tell you or dictate your character or persona.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without, and what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Mr. Picado: Hmmm, good questions. We designers, have the tendency to be a bit of hoarders. We like to keep pretty much everything to make new looks with that, (whatever that is). But the three that I must have, it would be: my shoes, my belts, and my jewelry. I don’t think I have a specific item that can make me feel confident. But if I have one, that make me feel good, that would be my shoes.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences?
Mr. Picado: I have two: my grandma and Christian Dior!
Ms. Eschapasse: Who is your style icon?
Mr. Picado: Madonna because of her freedom of expression and self independence, as persona and in fashion.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Mr. Picado: Style is a manner, a way, a technique, a specific look or even an identity that differentiates us from everyone else. Style can also be the creation of a character that can be utilized to either represent our insides, or as a cover-up for self protection.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of?
Mr. Picado: My home.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel? Which designers can achieve that?
Mr. Picado: I want my outfit to make me feel desirable and complete and I want that for all my clients as well. Because that will give you a boost of confidence when you are in the spotlight. The designers that can make me feel like that are Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Armani.
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Mr. Picado: As I said before, it is about self-acceptance and self-love, because once you have that, you can have fun with fashion and create any character you may want to be. If you don’t love yourself, it doesn’t matter what you wear, because that will be like wearing a mask for a short period of time.
REFLECT WITH YOURSELF BEFORE YOU PROJECT TO OTHERS! That is my way of saying it better.
Henry’s Favorites
Favorite color: Royal Blue
Favorite perfume: Déclaration by Cartier and Terre by Hermès
Favorite restaurant in New York: Avra
Favorite drink: Water
Favorite movie: “Yentl“ starring Barbra Streisand
Favorite book: “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”
Favorite quote: “Fashion is an art and we must find our own masterpiece.”
Sibylle’s “Style Diary” is a column that explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is from Paris and now lives in Manhattan. She is a journalist and a contributing writer to various publications. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy a New York Dog Tale.” She may be reached at [email protected]
