Hello Brooklyn #13 - Daniel McSweeney

Daniel McSweeney was a name I’d heard on the pursed lips of mutual friends. A face that had walked by me at Rochambeau. A bartender, model, and all-around good guy. His reputation preceded him. Currently in Milan, this season there’s a good chance this native New Yorker might just make a cameo in your fashion week (month) calendar too.      

#1 Describe your first go-see experience. What was it like?

I got lucky at one of my first go-sees. I was 18 and clueless. I wore what I pretty much wore every day— a black tee, jeans, running shoes and keys on my belt. The client ended up really liking me and gave me a nice write-up on a fashion blog that got a good amount of exposure. I still have those photos! They're hilarious. 

#2 With your current residency in Milan and as a lifelong New Yorker, how would you compare the street styles of both cities? Which do you prefer? 

I would say the street style in Milan is definitely more refined and classic. It's very safe compared to the street style of NYC. We all know New Yorkers are not afraid to be loud, and I think this applies to the city's street style as well. NYC style can be much edgier and involves more risk, for better or worse!

#3 What’s your business in Milan? Fashion Week/Month go-see's I'm assuming?

I met with Independent Model Management back in September when they were visiting my agency in New York. They expressed interest soon after, and wanted me to come to Milan for a couple months to meet with clients, and test the market. The timing worked out because of fashion week, which may or may not be the tail end of my stay here. I've walked in a lot of shows. It's been my biggest body of work. In Paris, I've been exclusive to Louis Vuitton. I was also their fit model. I’ve walked for Hermès and Givenchy the past three seasons. In New York, I've walked for Y-3, John Varvatos, Duckie Brown, Richard Chai, Todd Snyder, Joseph Abboud, John Elliott, Rochambeau, VFiles, Asaf Ganot, and Carlos Campos… This season I hope to walk for one of the main houses in Milan: Versace, Prada, or Giorgio Armani, but we'll see!

#4 New York Fashion Week: Men's is still in its infancy and does not hold the same prestige as its brothers, London, Paris, Milan, and the shows at Pitti Uomo. Nevertheless, it's a huge step for American menswear…

I think what New York Men’s Fashion Week lacks in prestige it makes up for in flavor. A big part of New York Men’s Fashion Week is streetwear, which makes for a very different atmosphere. NY Fashion Week is much more down to earth and approachable for the common man interested in fashion. To me, New York is more about style than fashion in the overall menswear landscape.

#5 Manhattan gets all the hype, but you live in Brooklyn now. In your opinion what makes this borough a serious cultural contender?

Honestly, I think Brooklyn has more culture these days. Don't get me wrong, I'll always love Manhattan. It's my birthplace and my parents and grandparents grew up there. However, Manhattan has gotten stifled by itself. There is very little room for growth or change there, without building some monstrosity at the cost of a beautiful historic building. Brooklyn is up and coming. There are fresh ideas and projects being implemented everywhere. People are taking risks in Brooklyn because they can.