John Travolta – 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 first directorial film “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” presented as a world premiere at the prestigious French Riviera event. 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 communication brands (GQ, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue) as the best-dressed on the Croisette. He was with his daughter Ella Bleu (beautiful, by the way), also a protagonist of her father’s movie, and they were the undisputed rulers of the red carpet. And while it’s true that they put their faces forward, it’s equally crucial to know that behind every look of these global celebrities hides a meticulously crafted and studied artistic work. It’s the great business of costumes and fashion that often accompanies them around the world.
For Travolta, there’s an Italian who has made him exclusive for years, yes, an Italian too, born in the province of Verona, but operating for years between Los Angeles, New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore, as well as his beloved homeland. It’s Matteo Perin, a lifestyle designer highly appreciated 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 world of Venture Capital and Technology as well as in various sectors: SF49rs, San Diego Padres, Dodgers, and even F1 team owners.
Travolta once said of him: “Men should have his clothes at home because Perin knows how to customize according to one’s tastes, without imposing, but creating together. He’s able to make you feel confident in any circumstance, both informal and official.”
How Did It All Begin for Matteo? When Did His ‘Association’ with the Fashion World Start?
Everything started from dreams I’ve had since I was a child. I watched TV and saw myself there with these characters, I wasn’t yet aware in what role or situation, but I was aware that I would get there. I wasn’t super fashionable as a child; we didn’t have that possibility, but I was always very attentive and loved doing what is called ‘people watching’ – seeing what people wear and how they wear it. Whether they dress the clothes or the clothes dress the person and take over. I believe that clothes should not overshadow the person.
Any Anecdotes Tying You to 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 directly at his house, and after parking the jet at home, just like one does with their 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 annually, and the best part of the flight was surely 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.
The Last Appearance at Cannes Certainly Didn’t Go Unnoticed. How Did You Come Up with This Incredible Light You’ve Managed to Give the Great Actor? Starting with the Hat That’s Already Becoming a Trend…
Well, let’s say I wanted to help create a great emotion and victory 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 this presence of his to be different and, most importantly, to remain in the annals. By researching past directors, one thing often connected them: they all had the director’s cap, and since John wears glasses, we decided to keep them to make the look more unique. Finding the ‘beret’ for all the looks wasn’t easy; I found myself having to hand-color some to get the necessary 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 given to me worldwide since many mistakenly translate Fashion Designer as Stylist – which obviously isn’t the same thing. And since I design not only some looks for many characters but create actual looks for their lives and events, this term has been attached to me which I would say is very correct. 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 particular pieces that sometimes, in my opinion, aren’t suitable for people. I’ve seen many 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. This, for me, is an altered importance. I dress the person, and so the goal is always to make the person the center.
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 only did clothing to introducing high-end jewelry (we make everything by hand) and also interior design. I consider myself very fortunate to have a team of highly competent people with extremely high-level know-how. We opened our Flagship boutique in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 3 years ago. Everyone (who doesn’t know) asks us why. Jackson Hole is the richest county in the USA. We’re at 2100 meters above sea level, right at the gates of Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Untouched nature, and for those who know, it’s a town full of very wealthy people who appreciate art and want to stay calm but have their luxuries.
What Is Your View on Luxury? Necessary and Inevitable at Certain Levels?
Luxury can be many things; for one person, it can be a way of life, for another, it’s having the most expensive clothing or accessory. Traveling a lot, between different cultures, I see a lot of difference in what people value or don’t. Obviously, for the high levels, I’d say luxury is subtle things, sometimes imperceptible, that make life more serene. Then, money doesn’t bring happiness, but if used well, it helps you enjoy some moments more peacefully. For what I try to give our clients, the luxury is knowing they have a team that will do everything to make their moments serene and unique, relieving any stress from the look perspective and thus allowing them to enjoy their moment as much as possible.
After Cannes Success with Travolta’s Team, Where Will We See You Next?
Cannes 2026 was months of work; for now, we’re organizing 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 for the summer. We have exclusive events organized for July and August.
And Now a Fundamental Theme for You. Italian Identity, Especially in Material Choice. Is It an Indispensable Choice for You? And Why?
Well, let’s say we’re super lucky to be Italian, especially in the world I’m in. Among fabrics, artisans, and know-how, in Italy, nobody beats us. Although I see that we would need much more help from our government to support small and medium enterprises, especially in the fashion world. If we think about how much they do for the world and aren’t helped like in other countries. I care a lot and have the dream of helping to bring our artisans back to a dignified life and helping to find new and young workers to grow.
What Does It Mean to Dress John Travolta?
Dressing John is dressing an icon of world cinema. When you’re so connected to a person’s life, you know things that people can’t know. I see many criticize him for some roles he’s done lately, but they have no idea why. And so I think we should all criticize a little less, especially without knowing what’s behind. I see the man as my friend and I see each other at the bar. Only, 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 in his 50-year career and will continue to do so. He’s played so many roles, from the good, the bad, the woman in Hairspray.
Dressing him is dressing a part of cinema history. He’s been dressed by the greatest designers there are, 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 refused them all, and the reason is that the care I put into what I do, others don’t. You’re a number, whereas for me and my team, you’re not a number, but you’re important, not for your name, but for the trust you’ve given us.
