ne of the people I’ve enjoyed getting to know better recently is Giovanni Lo Faro, CEO International at MODO Eyewear .
Giovanni joined the company in 2005 and helped build its international business from the ground up.
Over the years, that expansion included opening an office in Milan and a creative studio in Stockholm, creating what Giovanni describes as a multicultural environment spanning New York, Milan and Stockholm.
Under his leadership, the MODO and ECO brands expanded across international markets and built a broad retail presence.
He also helped launch ECO, the company’s sustainability-focused eyewear brand, and has been involved in the MODO and SEVA “Buy a Frame – Help a Child See” initiative, supporting access to eyewear for children in India.
What originally drew you to the fashion industry?
The challenge of blending creativity and structure always enthused me. Method and madness can love each other.
What is one shift or challenge shaping the fashion industry right now that leaders should pay attention to?
Style is each day less about what you own, encompassing experiences, values and life choices. A brand must convey the full perspective.
Where do you see the most interesting opportunities for technology or AI in fashion?
The speed at which we can play with a breadth of content, make more informed decisions, have a tidy button room is game-changing. However we want strategy, design and identity to remain in our hands. AI is the car, we remain the driver.
What advice would you give founders today?
Make sure your product and identity drive a clear and compelling edge. It’s a saturated and hyper-competitive market. Once conceived, implement giving your very maximum, then add 10%.
One book, one leader, one quote
Quote: Slowly force reality to resemble the dream. (Sebastien Tellier)
Book: The Master and Margarita – Bulgakov – true creation outlives any tyranny
Leader: too many to quote one.
