We’re putting the spotlight on the freshest, boldest, and most unapologetic creatives shaking things up. From rising musicians and visionary designers to digital disruptors and underground artists, this series is your front-row pass to the next big thing. Think cool, think boundary-pushing, think why aren’t they famous yet?!
Photos / Sam San Roman
In conversation with Phil Gomez
John Mangru is an Irish fashion designer and artist based in NYC. Renowned for his intricate corsetry and designs inspired by the grandeur of the 17th and 18th centuries. A graduate of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, his work blends historical opulence with modern innovation, challenging fashion norms with a bold, gender-fluid approach. In 2024, he gained international recognition for his work with Zaldy, who designed for the Victoria’s Secret show, most recently John debuted his FW 25 collection solidifying his status as a rising star in the fashion scene. Whether crafting elaborate pieces or modeling his own creations, John continues to push boundaries, redefining contemporary fashion with his theatrical yet whimsically detailed aesthetic. .
Phil: If you could have any historical figure wear one of your designs, who would it be?
John: Marie Antoinette, of course!
Phil: Why?
John: I definitely feel like she could be a John Mangru girl. We both have a fondness for glamour, beautiful clothes, and parties. It would be a match made in Baroque heaven.
Phil: Your work is heavily inspired by 17th and 18th-century fashion—what’s one outdated fashion trend from that era you’d love to bring back?
John: I want to see people getting dressed up to the NINES for any occasion! No matter if you’re just going to breakfast, I want to see you in a corset and a petticoat.
Phil: If you had to describe your design aesthetic using only three words, what would they be?
John: LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.
Phil: Like the wooden signs your aunt has in her living room?
John: Literally.
Phil: Hilarious! What’s a fashion rule you think is completely outdated and needs to be broken?
John: The mass production of fashion is definitely outdated and needs to be broken. It’s so boring seeing big design houses bring out collections of hundreds of mediocre looks. Give me a well thought out, stunning 10/15 looks! That would be far more exciting to me. We also don’t need any more clothes. We are drowning in them as it is anyway.
Phil: If your wardrobe was magically limited to only three outfits for the rest of your life, what would they be?
John: Oh my god! That’s hard. Probably my 1990 Vivienne Westwood Boucher Portrait corset would have to be in there. Ever since I became interested in fashion, that particular piece was on my list of items to collect. And somehow last year I found one listed on Depop for a fraction of what it’s worth, so I had to swipe it up. Next would have to be my gold silk pajama set. They are just the perfect thing to lounge around the house in and act like an old rich lady. And finally, it would have to be a piece I’ve created. I made this velvet emerald green corset recently. It was actually an upcycle project from two dresses I thrifted, and it’s just my favorite thing I’ve ever made. I would happily wear that every day for the rest of my life.
Phil: If you could swap closets with any celebrity or designer (past or present), who would it be?
John: Pete Burns for sure! He was just an icon through and through, and that was certainly reflected in his wardrobe.
Phil: Which of Pete Burns’ looks inspires you the most?
John: The gorilla coat!!! When he was kicked off the house (Big Brother UK) they confiscated it, that was very iconic.
Phil: You give me Pete Burns energy…
John: That’s the biggest compliment you could give me. He’s the blueprint.
Phil: Imagine you’re hosting a dream dinner party—what three fashion icons, living or dead, are invited?
John: Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, and Ariana Grande. I feel like that would be quite the kiki.
Phil: If your brand had a theme song, what would it be?
John: It would have to be Malcolm McLaren’s “I Like You in Velvet.” It’s just perfect to me—the mixture of classic and contemporary music. And the lyrics are just so sexy!
Phil: Whats your favorite lyric from that song?
John: “ but darling, you’re simply delightful. With nothing on it all .“
Phil: You’ve worked with Zaldy, who designed for the Victoria’s Secret show—what’s next? Any unexpected collaborations or dream projects?
John: Oh, absolutely! I’ve always got something cooking in the background. For example, I’m working on a piece right now that’s going to be shown in a museum exhibition later this year, which is beyond exciting. Oh, also, I just got off a shoot with the one and only Amanda Lepore yesterday … so stay tuned. Getting to work with the incredible Zaldy and the Victoria’s Secret team was definitely a highlight of my career so far! What an experience. I do try and live life day by day, so who knows where the next couple of months will bring me.
Phil: What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re not designing?
John: Oh, there’s a lot! At the moment, I’m into the Real Housewives of New York … I’m ADDICTED!
