Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swimwear 2011 kicked off yesterday in Miami, which means one thing: half-naked models — and lots of them. That, of course, is an unfair oversimplification of the season, which has more to offer than just hot chicks in swimsuits … like D.J.’s! Spinning music at fashion parties!
Michaelangelo L’Acqua is the global music director for W Hotels Worldwide and a veteran of the runway scene. In 1999, he was named music director of Gucci and Yves St. Laurent; since then, he has produced soundtracks for more than 150 fashion shows, including Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Michael Kors. Tomorrow night, L’Acqua will debut a mix he whipped up for a party honoring U.K. designer Melissa Odabash and W Vieques at W South Beach. To get inside the deckmaster’s head, we asked him to make us a playlist featuring the five songs he believes best encapsulate the spirits of his five favorite designers.
John Galliano: “Baby Baby Baby” by Make the Girl Dance
“I have always loved the way Galliano plays with fashion and makes it theatrical. He’s punk, glam, sex, rock and roll, and everything fabulous. ‘Baby Baby Baby’ offers a bit of this attitude.”
Diane Von Furstenberg: “That’s Alright” by Lady Linn and Her Magnificent Seven
“To many, [Von Furstenberg] is the Muse of Fashion: Playful, chic, feminine, and, most importantly, always a lady.”
Karl Lagerfeld: “Tiger” by Maximum Balloon and featuring Aku
“The heavyweight champion of fashion and a featherweight rock star, Karl offers so many expressions when he designs. ‘Tiger’ represents his edginess.”
Alexander McQueen: “Kiss the Sky” by Shawn Lee Ping Pong Orchestra and featuring Nino Moschella
“McQueen’s avant-garde couture designs influenced fashion and pop culture forever. Kiss the sky and all praise McQueen!”
Tom Ford: “Next Girl” by the Black Keys
“Tom’s design vision represents everything that is fashionably sexual. ‘Next Girl’ represents the underbelly of his sonic identity.”
