As humans, we often wonder what lies at the core of our identity. What shapes our perspectives and what drives us? Is it our experiences, our DNA, or something deeper like the spirit within us? Our roots and reasons begin with our family and the culture we grew up in. For me, it all started with my father’s Sicilian heritage. I feel an affinity to their struggles, style and their deep sense of family and tradition.
My grandfather, Luigi Patermo, was born in Delia, Sicily, in 1893. He and his brother immigrated to New Jersey, USA, in 1910. My grandmother, Marianna, followed shortly from Naso through Naples to NJ. It is there where my grandparents met, fell in love, and started the roots of my existence. Pursuing the American dream, they started barber shops, bakeries, and construction.
Growing up in NJ had its moments, and even though it was more dictatorial than inspirational at times, it was not far off the mark. I had images of Frank Sinatra and grown Italian men in stylish zoot suits. I believe this contributed to my current stylistic perspective, which encompasses Lapo Elkan, Tom Ford, Gucci, and Thom Brown.
In the late bicentennial period, I discovered the British invasion and was blown away. Listening to Elvis Costello’s Armed Forces for the first time was the moment. After hearing Accident Will Happen from Live at Hollywood High, I was hooked and eager to know more. The Style Council, Boy George, Aztec Camera, Squeeze, and The Clash began shaping my personality and style. Joe Strummer and John Lydon’s edginess was something I could taste, and the suits, boots, and hair became part of what I wanted.
Stylistically, it was a mix of Style Council dandy and Bruce Springsteen with a splash of western bolo tie and Elvis’ Almost Blue. Over time, the Manchester scene, with the Gallaghers in their parkas and bomber jackets, along with The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft and Stone Roses Ian Brown, contributed to creating my current look.
To sum it up, our roots and reasons exist within our families and the cultures we grew up in. It defines who we are, what we believe in, and how we present ourselves to the world.
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This my journey ….welcome……to the world of Brands & People