Mert Alas on RICCARDO TISCI for BURBERRY

Riccardo’s appointment to Burberr y is ver y interesting, for sure: I think Ricky’s sharp, def initive vision combined with the house’s heritage will make a great combination. It’s a really clever decision I think. We are always changing - fashion, generations, style - and this change with the introduction of Ricky comes at just the right time for Burberry. The brand is already at the top of its league, and it’s very aspirational of them to make this move, and everybody i s excited to see what will happen.

Riccardo has a very precise vision, he thinks about every detail. As an artist I really relate to him in this way. One of the things that is particular to him is that he wants to bring out soul into the foreground of the work. He is not just interested i n a pretty g irl i n a pretty dress. And I love t hat he can operate so broadly - across a couture level or a streetwear level - but all the while retain such a consistent, identif iable and bold vision. Even when he does a simple T-shirt or pair of shorts you somehow always know it i s Tisci.

Over the last ten years or so we have gone from being collaborators with Ricky to being very close friends as well. We often come with our own inspirations when working together, and through conversations can develop a new idea and concept that will convince and excite both of us. It is a very interesting process.

And there is so much diversity in his point of view. He is also very interested i n photography, so making pictures with him can feel l ike it goes beyond fashion. So yes, I’m very excited to see what’s to come during Ricky’s time at Burberry. There’s one thing I’m sure of, though: whatever he does will raise some eyebrows. And that’s what I admire the most about Riccardo Tisci!