John Travolta – The Cannes Mystery Solved
Recently, we saw the star of *Pulp Fiction*, *Grease*, and *Get Shorty*—the timeless John Travolta—receive the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his directorial debut, *Propeller One-Way Night Coach*, which had its world premiere at the prestigious event on the French Riviera. Always glamorous, always cool, but on that occasion, the famous Hollywood dancer surprised us with a decidedly innovative and “sweeping” style, unanimously hailed by major fashion magazines (GQ, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue) as the best-dressed on the Croisette. He was accompanied by his daughter Ella Bleu (who is beautiful, by the way), also a star of her father’s film, and together they were the undisputed stars of the red carpet. And while it’s true that they take center stage, it’s equally important to realize that behind every look of these global celebrities lies a meticulously crafted and carefully planned artistic endeavor. It’s the vast industry of costumes and fashion that often accompanies them around the world.
For Travolta, there’s an Italian who has been his exclusive stylist for years—yes, an Italian too, born in the province of Verona, but working for years in Los Angeles, New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore, as well as his beloved homeland. His name is Matteo Perin, a lifestyle designer highly regarded by Al Pacino and Will Smith, as well as Morgan Freeman, Marisol Nichols, Sofia Milos, Clive Davis, and dozens of Silicon Valley clients—in the worlds of venture capital and technology, as well as in various other sectors: the 49ers, the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers, and even Formula 1 team owners.
Travolta once said of him: “Men should have his clothes at home because Perin knows how to tailor them to one’s tastes—not by imposing his own style, but by collaborating with the client. He has a way of making you feel confident in any situation, whether casual or formal.”
How Did It All Begin for Matteo? When Did His “Connection” to the Fashion World Begin?
It all started with dreams I’ve had since I was a child. I watched TV and saw myself there alongside those characters; I didn’t yet know what role or situation I’d be in, but I knew I’d get there. I wasn’t particularly fashionable as a child; we didn’t have that opportunity, but I was always very observant and loved what’s called “people-watching”—seeing what people wear and how they wear it. Whether they make the clothes their own or the clothes take over and define the person. I believe that clothes shouldn’t overshadow the person.
Do You Have Any Anecdotes About John Travolta?
John and I are well-practiced by now; after so many years, we know each other so well that we can speak frankly. I remember the first flight on one of his planes—the chef prepared a fantastic dinner for me, and then I slept and drew a bit. We landed right at his house, and after parking the jet there—just like you would with a car—the only difference being that his house is designed like an airport. He asked me how it was. I replied that he had “ruined” my life since I take more than 100 flights a year, and the best part of the flight was definitely not having to arrive two hours early and go through airport security.
Or we could mention the time he called me while I was on my couch at home in Los Angeles, drawing, and asked if I wanted to go out for dinner. He wouldn’t tell me where we were going, and then I found myself having dinner with Al Pacino, Michael Keaton, and Tom Hanks. And there I was thinking, imagine that—from Verona to dinner with Tony Manero, Tony Montana, Batman, and Forrest Gump… quite surreal.
That Last Appearance at Cannes Certainly Didn’t Go Unnoticed. How Did You Come Up with This Incredible Lighting You Managed to Create for the Great Actor? Starting with the Hat That’s Already Becoming a Trend…
Well, let’s say I wanted to help create a sense of excitement and triumph for John since he was going to Cannes—but this time not as an actor; he had written the book, produced the film, and was the director. So, I wanted his appearance to be different and, most importantly, to go down in history. When researching past directors, one thing often connected them: they all wore a director’s cap, and since John wears glasses, we decided to keep them on to make the look more unique. Finding the right “beret” for all the looks wasn’t easy; I found myself having to hand-color some to get the right shade.
Do You Consider Yourself More of a Lifestyle Designer Than a Fashion Designer? Explain the Differences…
Well, honestly, I am a fashion designer. The term “Lifestyle Designer” has been applied to me worldwide because many people mistakenly translate “Fashion Designer” as “Stylist”—which obviously isn’t the same thing. And since I don’t just design looks for various characters but create actual looks for their lives and events, this term has stuck with me—and I’d say it’s very fitting. Many consider me an architect of their lifestyle. I have great respect for various designers, but the truth is that they design for themselves and create specific pieces that, in my opinion, aren’t always suitable for people. I’ve seen many people on the red carpet wearing outfits that overwhelmed them; they thought they were on the red carpet, but it was really the dress, and the person, in this case, was just the mannequin wearing it. To me, this is a reversal of priorities. I dress the person, and so the goal is always to make the person the center of attention.
As an Entrepreneur, Which Markets Do You Target? And Why… What Is Your Core Business?
As an entrepreneur, let’s say we don’t have a single market. Over the years, we’ve expanded our client portfolio from those who focused solely on clothing to include high-end jewelry (we make everything by hand) and interior design. I consider myself very fortunate to have a team of highly competent people with extremely high-level expertise. We opened our flagship boutique in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, three years ago. Everyone (who isn’t in the know) asks us why. Jackson Hole is the wealthiest county in the U.S. We’re located at 2,100 meters above sea level, right at the gates of Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It’s a place of unspoiled nature, and for those in the know, it’s a town full of very wealthy people who appreciate art and want to live a peaceful life while still enjoying their luxuries.
What Is Your View on Luxury? Is It Necessary and Inevitable at Certain Levels?
Luxury can mean many things; for one person, it can be a way of life; for another, it’s owning the most expensive clothing or accessories. Traveling extensively and experiencing different cultures, I see significant differences in what people value—and what they don’t. Obviously, for those at the highest levels, I’d say luxury lies in subtle, sometimes imperceptible details that make life more serene. Money doesn’t bring happiness, but when used wisely, it helps you enjoy certain moments more peacefully. What I strive to offer our clients is the luxury of knowing they have a team that will do everything to make their moments serene and unique, relieving any stress related to their appearance and thus allowing them to enjoy their moment to the fullest.
After Your Success at Cannes with Travolta’s Team, Where Will We See You Next?
Cannes 2026 took months of work; for now, we’re making plans to spend a couple of months in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and at the Yellowstone Club in Montana (if you know, you know) with our friends and clients this summer. We have exclusive events planned for July and August.
And now, a fundamental theme for you: Italian identity, especially in terms of material choices. Is this an indispensable choice for you? And why?
Well, let’s just say we’re incredibly lucky to be Italian, especially in the industry I’m in. When it comes to fabrics, artisans, and expertise, no one in Italy can beat us. Although I do think we need much more support from our government to help small and medium-sized businesses, especially in the fashion industry. When you consider how much they contribute to the world, it’s surprising they aren’t supported as they are in other countries. This issue is very important to me, and I dream of helping our artisans regain a dignified life and of helping to attract new, young workers to help the industry grow.
What Does It Mean to Dress John Travolta?
Dressing John is like dressing an icon of world cinema. When you’re so closely connected to a person’s life, you know things that other people can’t know. I see many people criticizing him for some of the roles he’s taken on lately, but they have no idea why. And so I think we should all be a little less critical, especially without knowing the full story. I see him as a friend, and we run into each other at the bar. It’s just that when you go out with him, you remember you’re not just with an ordinary person at the bar, but with someone who has touched many hearts over his 50-year career and will continue to do so. He’s played so many roles—from the good, the bad, to the woman in *Hairspray*.
Dressing him is like dressing a piece of cinema history. He’s been dressed by the greatest designers out there, but since 2013, he’s chosen me, and that makes me very proud. For Cannes this year, many designers tried to dress him, but he turned them all down, and the reason is that the care I put into my work is something others don’t. You’re just a number to them, whereas to me and my team, you’re not just a number—you’re important, not because of your name, but because of the trust you’ve placed in us.
