20 questions with online fashion retail magnate and co-founder of Vaunte Christian Leone
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Glamour and passion mixed with a lot of humour.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Always forgive, never forget”: My grandmother used this phrase often.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Where do I begin? Currently Anthony Weiner.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My youth. I had so much fun with my friends at Bungalow 8. It was a moment.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Health.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
I have never claimed to be an expert in the world of finance
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Anywho”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I think that it is our duty to give back. So many of us are blessed and therefore it is a responsibility. Without all of the philanthropy from our great forefathers we would not have the universities, libraries and cultural centers. I have always been a supporter of the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Currently my interests are in same sex equality. I can’t believe that it still such an issue today.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
I would go back 20 years ago to when there were no mobile devices. People are no longer present and always late. I am a true believer that you can get more done on a 5 minute call than in 2 days of email exchanges.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
I recently watched the Halston documentary and I loved how he would arrive with a bevy of women nicknamed the “Hastonettes”. So I would love to have the carriage filled with all of the women that we feature on Vaunte, the “Vauntettes”. They are all such glamorous, intelligent, fascinating and stylish women.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Le Bilbouquet – Cajun chicken.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Honestly, anytime.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
Neither. I would choose a good glass of Californian Cabernet.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
The Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland Ball in December in New York as it is so glamorous and festive.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My good friend, Marjorie Gubelmann (DJ Mad Marj), she has a ton of wit and can laugh at herself.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Tanning.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
My monogram “CDL” on my left side of my lower rib cage (where the monogram should be on a custom shirt from an Italian tailor) I do not have any tattoos but should that change that is what I would have as I love anything personalised.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Mercedes-Benz.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
That my dream was to be in a boy band at a young age.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
My New York apartment does not have a mantel; but in LA I do have one. It is very narrow and original in the deco style so only a pair of brass Tommy Parzinger candlesticks with black candles.
Christian Leone is the co-founder of Vaunte. He has previously worked for brands including Giorgio Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Moschino and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Follow him on Twitter @christiandleone
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