Rachel Leonard interviewed rising star designer Michael Fausto about his namesake collection.

How long have you been designing and where did you study?

As a child, I used to sit in my mother’s office at ABC News, sketching my way through reams of paper. With ABC being owned by Disney, I was surrounded by imagery of fantastical worlds and princesses who were bold, driven, and inspiring. These tales of fantasy and romanticism helped mold what my eye was drawn to.

While I have been an artist since I can remember, it wasn’t until I was around 14 that I realized the majority of my artwork revolved around women and the glamorous gowns they were wearing. I decided to find a local quilt shop to take classes at, so that I could begin to learn the basics of sewing. The next year I moved on to taking summer courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology. During my studies there, I met and befriended actress Sadie Friedman, daughter of Tony Award winner Joan Allen, who I began designing red carpet dresses for.

Upon choosing a college to attend, I declined scholarship offers from universities such as Cornell and NYU, and instead chose to attend F.I.T. I knew in my heart that the only future I saw for myself was in this industry, and that there was no better place to cultivate my dream.

Michael dressed award-winning actress Laverne Cox for L’Oreal’s 2020 Matrix Destination event.

Who did your train under?

I have been fortunate enough to train in the ateliers of the some of the most respected fashion houses in the world. Knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in the luxury market, I strategically positioned myself in different departments, so that I could have a strong understanding of the entire design process. At Marchesa, I worked with the embroidery team, creating fabric manipulations and designing beading artwork. With Oscar de la Renta, I trained in the atelier, surrounded by extraordinary sample makers, and studied the intricate inner construction behind their gowns. My senior internship was with Dennis Basso, where I was able to learn about the fur industry, and the fine craft behind creating some of the most gorgeous (and most expensive) pieces on the market.

One of the more profound experiences I had was working under the mentorship of Massimiliano Giornetti, the former Creative Director of Ferragamo. While studying in Florence I was paired with him to develop my thesis. Through his largesse, the most respected mills in Europe sponsored my thesis. Mantero Seta developed my hand painted artwork into a beautiful silk twill, and Mazzanti Piume helped accent my pieces with vibrantly dyed plumes.

Any wisdom you learned from them?

The totality of these experiences helped mold me into the designer I am today. However, the most significant wisdom I gained was from Mr. Giornetti. His guidance helped me advance the way I approach designing a collection, and refined my process of editing a piece. In designing my thesis under his mentorship, I learned and experimented with new techniques, and pushed myself to expand the way I think as a designer.

Being the Creative Director of such a renowned fashion house, he understood and encouraged my desire to meld creative ambition with the highest craftsmanship.

When did you launch your own company?

I launched Michael Fausto in the Fall of 2019. After designing evening and bridal collections for other houses, I decided to invest my vision into something of my own. After showing a preview of the pieces, the Baccarat Hotel offered to host the debut collection, which opened Bridal Fashion Week.

What does the merchandise consist of?

I offer a range of luxury fashion, which includes ready-to-wear, evening, and bridal. When sketching into the collection, I like to think about all of the possibilities I can design for. Whether my client is having lunch with friends at Le Bilboquet or heading to the Opening Night Met Gala, I take pride in being able to fill a woman’s entire wardrobe.

Michael dressed singer Raelynn for the Broadcast Music, Inc. awards.

What is the inspiration for this season?

I rewatched the film ‘Working Girl’ recently, and was reminded how inspiring the opening scene is; featuring the New York skyline, closing in on a ferry full of commuters ready to take on a new day, all highlighted by the anthemic sound of Carly Simon’s ‘Let the River Run’. I think re-earthing the idea of the American Dream, a woman’s armor on the corporate battlefield, and the fast-paced unapologetic glamour of the late 80’s, relates in more ways than one would assume to the society we are living in today.

How would you describe your vision?

My vision is to design for the modern heroine. Delivering a refined sensibility coupled with a flare for drama, this clothing is made to exalt women. Since the world began, women have worn the title of creator, mother, lover, and countless more; and it is our goal to celebrate every incarnation.

What fabrics do you like to work in?

My designs often have a flare of decadence, which is best highlighted with sumptuous fabrics such as duchess satin, silk velvets, and textured European jacquards.

What are the price points?

Our price point begins around $1200 for some of the ready-to-wear pieces, with the gowns ranging from $3500 to $8500.

Do you have a favorite muse?

I don’t have one specific woman who I can call my favorite muse; but I often find myself drawn to women who wield power and intelligence. Women like my mother who is a Peabody Award Winner, Nan Kempner, Hillary Clinton, the leading ladies of ‘Dynasty’, Fran Lebowitz, and Diana Vreeland all hold a place on my vision board. They carry an inherent ambition, confidence, and wit that cannot be taught, which is what I find most attractive. My goal is to dress women in clothing that mirrors this power within.