NICO FREIJO: A JOURNEY OF CREATION, STYLE, AND PERSPECTIVE IN FASHION

Nico Freijo, editor, blogger, designer, and insider, has been both a witness and a key player in the evolution of fashion. Today, we talk about his beginnings and how his unique vision has shaped his career in the industry. :)

How did your interest in fashion begin?

For as long as I can remember, since I was a child, I have always felt a deep interest in fashion. I would go into my mother’s and grandmother’s wardrobes and put together looks. After coming home from school, I would think: "Alright, this week I’ll pair this with that." I was always a step ahead in how I envisioned people dressing on the streets, and how I dressed myself — the colors, the pieces, everything. It was something that has always been a part of me. Since my earliest memories, fashion has been an essential part of the way I think.

How did your beginnings in the fashion industry come about?

I started in this industry a long time ago. When I was in my final year of high school, I asked my dad for a loan to open a small store in my neighborhood, Hurlingham, where I was born. The store was in a tiny space inside the local shopping center, right next to the club I used to attend.

I would upcycle clothes from my mother's wardrobe and from a friend of my mother's who was a seamstress. I would tell her how I wanted the garments to be modified. I named the store La Belle Époque, and that's how it all began.

Later, I met a fashion stylist who let me use one of my looks for a celebrity appearance on television. Shortly after, I started working as an assistant to a top fashion producer at a major editorial company in Argentina. And from there, everything took off.

It all began when I was exactly 17 years old. At 17, I officially started my career in the fashion world.

How were your first Fashion Weeks, and what moments stand out the most to you?

Well, my first Fashion Weeks were at Buenos Aires Fashion Week when I was between 17 and 18 years old. After that, I attended São Paulo Fashion Week many times, which for us Argentinians, especially those from Buenos Aires, was always a major role model. Since São Paulo is relatively close, I was invited by the event organizers to attend all the shows.

I especially remember a very iconic moment: I was present at Gisele Bündchen's farewell from the runway. It was in São Paulo, and I was in the front row. There were about ten blocks of people waiting to get into that show, and I was able to enter first as part of the international press, since I’ve been working and collaborating for 16 years with the Argentine magazine Las Rosas. I went to cover it for them, and without a doubt, it was one of my best experiences.

I always say that my first Fashion Weeks were in Buenos Aires and then in São Paulo, but over time, I also started attending the major fashion capitals: Milan, Paris, London, Miami, and also New York Fashion Week. Those have been all my experiences so far, and I still attend many of them today.

Which celebrities have impressed you the most and why?

I think that, of all the celebrities I’ve met, the ones that moved me the most because of their stories, their human quality, and their professionalism at work were several. I especially highlight Adriana Lima, who has a wonderful warmth. The stories she told me about her career were very inspiring, and the photoshoot I did with her was simply amazing.

Another figure I always highlight, because for me she’s a saint of the fashion world, is Chiara Ferragni. I believe she has a unique gift to connect and communicate with people in a truly special way.

I also loved working with Diego Boneta. He’s a magical person. I interviewed him in Miami for Marie Claire, and it was an experience I really enjoyed. I truly loved it.

And I can’t forget to mention Anna Wintour. Meeting her and being able to talk a little bit about fashion with her was absolutely unforgettable for me.

How would you define your personal style?

I would say my style is 100% chameleon-like. I like cool, relaxed vibes when dressing, but I can also be very elegant or classic, always with a personal touch that makes it interesting. I love round glasses, I almost always wear them, and I really enjoy playing with black and white. I tend to combine colors well, and I find it fun.

I feel quite "trendy" when dressing, but not because I seek it, it just comes naturally. For me, clothes reflect how you feel. When I’m really inspired, I go for colors, mix prints, and try new things. And when I’m feeling more introspective, black is always my go-to. I dress according to how I feel, and I think that defines me: cool and chic.

What do you enjoy most about your work in the fashion industry?

What I enjoy the most is creating. Creating covers, campaigns, ideas alongside the people I connect with. I love that shared creative process. I also really enjoy the trips that fashion gives me, because I always return with my head full of inspiration to keep creating.

Which country do you enjoy working in the most and why?

Without a doubt, the place I enjoy working the most is Milan, Italy. I love Italy as a place. Italy has a power when it comes to fashion. For me, Italian fashion is the best in the world: it has essence, it has identity, the best quality, the best ideas. And, for me, the best brands and the best fashion industry are in Italy.

Can you share one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had at a fashion show?

I immediately think of that Prada show at Milan Fashion Week that I shared with Chiara Ferragni. She treated me like her best friend, told me "come, join me," and I ended up sitting next to her in the front row. We chatted, shared that moment, and I left with her and her sister Valentina. It was all so magical because she made me feel part of that fashionista universe.

At that show, there was also Anna Wintour, Olivia Palermo, Alexa Chung, Nicole Kidman, Anna Dello Russo, Nina Garcia... All those people gathered made that moment truly unforgettable. That Prada show was very special to me.

And I can't forget to mention the Dolce & Gabbana family. For over ten years, I've shared their shows, their events, and their press notes. Thanks to them, I’ve seen Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Valeria Mazza (who’s Argentine) walk in the front row. The best models and the best fashion parties, I believe I’ve experienced them with Dolce & Gabbana.

I’m also currently collaborating with an Italian brand called Elena Socoloschi. They just did a fashion show in an open studio format, where there was a photoshoot in which the public could participate and see everything behind the creation of a cover I did. It was a unique experience, an amazing adventure that shows how fashion can open doors and connect your work with people in a very special way.

What does Mexican fashion mean to you, and what experiences have you had working with Mexican brands?

Of course, Mexico is one of my favorite countries. I love Mexican fashion, I adore Frida Kahlo, María Félix, and I’m fascinated by everything that represents indigenous fashion. Mexico has a unique identity, fashion that feels authentic and powerful.

At every fashion event I attend, there’s always a Mexican presence. There are always magazines from Mexico, brands, and designers. I’ve worked with Mexican brands and even did a collaboration with a brand from Tulum, for which I created my own capsule collection. I love doing capsule collections, and that one was presented during the summer in Tulum. It was a dream.

The truth is, within the Americas, Mexico is the country that projects its fashion to the world the strongest. I always say that Mexico doesn’t just speak for itself, it represents all of Latin America. Mexico highlights Latin American fashion with a unique strength. I love Mexico. Viva México!

This interview highlights a figure whose influence in the fashion industry goes beyond the surface. Through his extensive career, from his early experiences at Buenos Aires Fashion Week to his collaborations with internationally renowned brands, his work demonstrates a consistent commitment to innovation and authenticity. Not only has he positioned himself as a reference, but he has also cultivated professional relationships that have allowed him to contribute to the growth and recognition of global fashion.

This journey invites us to reflect on how fashion, beyond being a matter of trends, is a powerful tool for cultural and personal expression. The way it connects with its surroundings, the stories it shares, and the moments it creates define his unique approach to the industry.

This is just the beginning of a path that continues to evolve, and it will be exciting to closely follow how his upcoming projects continue to set trends in the fashion world.