Blog by M

Strong, confident and enigmatic are the words former Max Azria runway designer-turned-independent creative director Michail Sykianakis attributes to the women he visualizes while draping clothes directly on the body, taking a couture approach to ready-to-wear that’s clean, flattering and bordering on futuristic. The son of a Greek dressmaker, Sykianakis started sketching women at only 5 years old and never stopped. His devoted clientele, including Hollywood types, appreciates his eye for balance. “Above all else, it’s knowing when to stop—this is key,” he says. (His innate sense of “sexy” without showing too much skin is especially admirable in LA.) Sykianakis makes his own pieces in his workshop, when possible, and alternately dons a Zegna suit, Dsquared2 jeans or Jil Sander and Bottega Veneta pieces. “I don’t like to be the center of attention, but I do quite enjoy being remembered,” he says, echoing his perennial goal for the women for whom he designs.