Belgian Creative Étienne Russo Discusses Fashion Show Production and Career Journey

Étienne Russo, a Belgian creative director and founder of Villa Eugénie, has organized some of the most spectacular fashion presentations over the past three decades. His company, based in Brussels, Paris, New York, and Milan, specializes in producing high-profile events for luxury and fashion brands. Russo began his career in the 1970s as a model for Kansai Yamamoto in Japan before becoming creative director of a Berlin nightclub in the following decade. He founded his own venture, which he describes as an idea factory rather than a traditional business. In 1991, Russo produced his first fashion show for designer Dries Van Noten, a collaboration that continues to this day. He has also worked with notable figures including Alber Elbaz and Martin Margiela. Russo maintains a personal studio in Milan's historic Palazzo Durini, filled with art and design pieces from creators like Jean Prouvé, Monica Bonvicini, and Do-Ho Suh. He mentors emerging designers such as Robert Wun and has expanded into hospitality with ventures like the annual Bolliti dinner in Milan and HeavenSake, a Japanese-French inspired sake produced with Benjamin Eymere and Carl Hirschmann. Russo emphasizes the importance of sharing experience with younger generations and continues to explore new projects focused on youth culture.