In a digital age where image is currency and influence equals income, male tastemakers are stepping firmly into the spotlight. No longer just the plus-ones or background players, today’s fashion-forward men are style architects in their own right—building empires through street style, social media, and the increasingly public arena of luxury fashion. From the way they layer textures to the designers they champion, these influencers aren’t just setting trends—they’re moving product.
“The role of male tastemakers and fashion influencers has undergone a remarkable evolution—shifting from passive observers to powerful drivers of culture, commerce, and consumer behavior. Today’s modern male tastemaker blends personal style with strategic influence, shaping not just trends but the business of fashion itself.”
— Joseph DeAcetis, Editor at StyleLujo.com and Professor of Menswear at the Fashion Institute of Technology
According to a 2024 report from Statista, fashion influencers now drive more than $3.7 billion in annual retail sales globally. Men’s fashion, once considered a niche, is now a booming sector, expected to hit $576 billion in revenue by 2025. What’s more, data from Lyst’s 2024 Year in Fashion revealed that looks worn by male celebrities or fashion creators can lead to up to a 900% spike in searches for specific pieces or brands—within 48 hours. This growing influence has redefined the menswear industry—and it’s far from a new phenomenon.
The First Male Fashion Influencer?
Before Instagram and TikTok, before celebrity stylists and fashion TikToks, there was Beau Brummell, an Englishman often credited as the original male style icon. In the early 19th century, Brummell introduced refined tailoring, crisp white shirts, and understated elegance into men’s fashion, ultimately revolutionizing how men dressed—and how they were perceived. He wasn’t royalty, but his sense of style influenced kings. Fast forward to 2025, and we now see a new era of men leading the fashion dialogue—not just by what they wear, but by the worlds they build around it.
Enter Billy Folchetti: The Modern-Day Tastemaker Blending Style with Spectacle
With New York Fashion Week officially kicking off today, one name on the lips of industry insiders and elite event planners alike is Billy Folchetti. Known for his razor-sharp fashion sense and bold creative direction, Billy is a globally recognized tastemaker, event curator, and founder of Luxe x (by) Billy Folchetti—a luxury event label redefining the intersection of fashion, art, and experience.
Born in the U.S. and now splitting his time between New York and Lake Como, Billy embodies the effortless fusion of American energy with European elegance. But don’t let the passport stamps fool you—his journey to the top wasn’t handed to him. Billy built his reputation from the ground up by curating over 200 high-end events worldwide, ranging from exclusive fashion showcases to A-list weddings—including that of Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup in Mexico City. His just-announced role as Guest Creative Director of the 2025 Monaco Butterfly Ball (a charity gala benefiting Caudwell Children, with over $35 million raised to date) cements his status as a major force in luxury event production.
What sets Billy apart isn’t just his taste—it’s his vision. Whether he’s styling a palazzo trouser look in Milan or managing a landslide (literally) at a Lake Como wedding, Billy thrives on what he calls “the beautiful mess.” His bi-continental lifestyle doesn’t just inspire his wardrobe; it informs his worldview. A juxtaposition of vintage and modern, raw and refined, grit and glamour—he brings an authenticity that resonates with today’s more discerning luxury consumer.
“Opulence doesn’t have to mean expensive,” he says. “Discretion is the new luxury.”
At a time when fashion weeks around the world are becoming more immersive, more cinematic, and more emotionally charged, Billy Folchetti is at the forefront—curating moments that don’t just go viral, but stay etched in memory.
Billy Folchetti on High Fashion, Event Alchemy, and Creative Juxtaposition
As the global fashion circuit whirls from New York to Milan and onward to Paris, few creatives embody the intersection of luxury, logistics, and personal style quite like Billy Folchetti. Founder of the elite agency Luxe x (by) Billy Folchetti, his bi-continental life between Europe and the U.S. fuels a distinct perspective that merges opulence with authenticity. With over 200 global events under his belt—ranging from high-wattage fashion shows to private weddings on the cliffs of Lake Como—Folchetti has earned a reputation for transforming chaos into curated magic.
Now freshly appointed as Guest Creative Director of the prestigious 2025 Monaco Butterfly Ball, benefiting Caudwell Children (having raised over $35 million in 25 years), Billy is poised to redefine luxury event design yet again. In this exclusive conversation with StyleLujo.com’s Joseph DeAcetis, Billy gets candid about fashion week stamina, layering with intention, and the art of making people say “woah.”
Joseph DeAcetis: What’s your go-to look when dashing from one show to the next in New York City’s fashion frenzy?
Billy Folchetti:
I think you mean Fashion Month—haha! I actually left NYC just before NYFW and I’m currently wrapping things up in Milan before heading to Paris in a few days. My go-to look this past year has definitely been a palazzo-style wide-leg trouser (always high-waisted) paired with a great jacket—whether it’s a sharp blazer or a biker, I love the “draped on the shoulder” look. It feels effortless and chic. Plus, I think my tattoos tell part of my story and contribute to my style—so having them peek out under a shoulder-draped jacket makes the look feel personal, curated, and elevated.
Joseph DeAcetis: You’ve curated over 200 events globally. What’s one unforgettable moment that perfectly captures the magic and madness of high-end event production?
Billy Folchetti:
Honestly, the magic is in the madness. Just a few days ago, I wrapped a micro-wedding on Lake Como. The weather had been horrendous leading up to the event, and halfway through, a landslide—yes, an actual landslide—happened right next to the venue due to the rainfall. But the couple still told me I made their Como dream a reality. That’s the magic: ensuring guests feel the fantasy while you’re working behind the scenes to spin chaos into a seamless experience. That’s when the real art happens.
Joseph DeAcetis: From Lake Como to Manhattan—how does your bi-continental lifestyle influence your creative direction and personal style?
Billy Folchetti:
Living between Italy, France, and the U.S. has completely transformed my creative palette. In Europe, items like antiques or vintage fashion pieces—things considered “rare” in the U.S.—are just part of everyday life. I’ve developed an obsession with mixing modern elements with vintage textures. My favorite word is juxtaposition. There’s nothing like seeing a baroque piece styled next to a 70s MCM chair. In fashion, that might look like a vintage silk scarf paired with a piece straight from the runway. It’s about curating a look that feels globally informed and timeless.
Joseph DeAcetis: Texture play is having a major moment. What are your top tips for layering textures without looking overdone?
Billy Folchetti:
Ironically, I think “overdone” usually stems from over-matching. My advice is to keep textures diverse but colors cohesive. For example, if you’re wearing winter white, mix fabrics—think cashmere, leather, and silk. When you stick to similar tones and play with texture, you create visual intrigue without overwhelming the eye. It’s like a puzzle that makes people look twice.
Joseph DeAcetis: You were just named Guest Creative Director of the 2025 Monaco Butterfly Ball. What vision are you bringing to this iconic philanthropic event?
Billy Folchetti:
First off, I’m honored. The Butterfly Ball, benefiting Caudwell Children, has raised over $35 million across 25 years—this anniversary is special. My vision is to surprise people. Most guests have attended high-caliber events before, so I want to subvert expectations. When I walk into a space, I want to say “woah.” That sensory rush is what makes experiences unforgettable. When you evoke all five senses, you trigger a dopamine response—that’s what makes the night linger in memory.
Joseph DeAcetis: Let’s talk stamina. What’s your secret to staying energized and inspired during the whirlwind of Fashion Week?
Billy Folchetti:
Espresso. Morning, noon, and night—preferably a double over ice in a rocks glass. But beyond caffeine, it’s the energy that fuels me. The adrenaline of watching a collection come to life on the runway, the creative tension in the air—that’s my fuel. Fashion is my first love, and Fashion Week is its most electrifying expression.
Joseph DeAcetis: Luxe x (by) Billy Folchetti is synonymous with opulence. How do you balance extravagance with authenticity in your event designs?
Billy Folchetti:
Thank you—that means a lot. I truly believe that opulence doesn’t have to mean expensive. I’m thrifty, and I work hard to stretch my clients’ budgets. The real secret? Precision and attention to detail. True luxury lies in discretion. A well-placed velvet napkin or perfectly dimmed lighting can feel more luxe than an over-the-top chandelier. It’s about creating an emotional experience, not just a visual one.
Joseph DeAcetis: What’s one behind-the-scenes truth about Fashion Week that most people would be surprised to learn?
Billy Folchetti:
Like weddings or any live event, there are no re-dos. There’s so much pressure because everything unfolds in real time. If something goes wrong, it’s happening in front of influencers, media, video crews, and Instagram stories. The glamor you see online is backed by an army of creatives working through pure chaos. The stress level is intense—but that’s also what makes it exhilarating.
Joseph DeAcetis: Transitional dressing is key this season. What are your must-have pieces that move effortlessly from day to night?
Billy Folchetti:
Layers, layers, layers. A silk top with a structured blazer is perfect for the office. After-hours? Drape the blazer over your shoulders or ditch it entirely. I always suggest tucking a clutch into your work bag—just transfer your wallet and lip balm and you’re ready for a night out. And shoes? Game changers. Swap matte leather for patent or add spikes for some evening edge. Personally, I’ll wear spikes to breakfast.
Joseph DeAcetis: Finally, what advice would you give to emerging creatives who dream of producing runway moments that leave a lasting impression?
Billy Folchetti:
Surround yourself with collaborators who get your vision. Your team is everything. You can create the perfect look or concept, but if the team can’t help translate and execute it, it won’t land. Also—don’t aim to be the smartest person in the room. Invite feedback. What makes sense in your head might be confusing to others, so outside perspectives are key to shaping something impactful. It’s all about crafting an experience that resonates on multiple levels.
