Adnan Z. Manjal: A fashion editor you should know

This week The Absolute Man got up close and a bit personal with Adnan Z.Manjal, the editorial director of SQUA.RE, the digital luxury guide website that has fashion enthusiasts and luxe nuts obsessed.

Here we sat down with the man behind the brand and got a peek to what ticks on his clock.

The Absolute Man is aware of your interest in psychology, how does your undertaking of that subject help you understand the fashion industry?

This simply helps by recognizing fads from timeless styles. But I guess everyone can recognize this as soon as they step into the fashion industry and pay attention. The psychology of the current trends in trying reach the market is what is interesting to observe right now. To see how brands are competing with each other using the latest technology, online and social networks and also with fast clothing retailers, all for the sake of keeping and converting new admirers.

What was your overall impression of fashion week? Who had the best menswear collection in your opinion? How would you approach it?

PRADA can do no wrong. What you see on the runway is the vision of the designer, but what one should do is pick and choose, what looks good on you, and add you our own individuality to the look.

'Out of reach out of mind’, 'A lot of good options, A lot of good choices' which better describes your outlook on online shopping?

I would say that the possibility to purchase from brands that are not available where one lives is a great opportunity for the consumer and the brand. But personally, I am still sceptical about purchasing shirts, pants and blazers on-line. You know how every brand has It’s own “fit”!

Aims and aspirations, what would be your next dream project?

Developing SQUA.RE to a wider, global audience as is what is happening right now. Sending SQUA.RE on the right path to become the number one source online for everything luxury.

What is your morning routine?

My 10KM (minimum) run, breakfast while checking the news online, and then heading to the office. While music, Twitter, Biotherm and Jo Malone products accompany these activities. And always keep a book to read in the car or in your bag.

You have a very big presence in social media, how do you keep your online presence afloat?

By always posting what is interesting to me. And trying to keep in touch whenever possible, especially when attending exhibitions, conferences, art fairs...

When you go on one of your runs, what's on your athletic playlist?

I have 200+ tracks on my running playlist. From Jamiroquai to Madonna, from Scissor Sisters to Lady Gaga, and a lot of funky House Music courtesy of the Freemasons and Shapeshifters.

When it comes to Hotels where is your favorite place to stay?

Browns London, I usually stay in St martins hotel, but few times I stayed at browns. It's the perfect location,a beautiful place and extremely comfortable. I don’t really look for design, It doesn’t matter if it’s a classic or minimalistic hotel. I look for amenities, service, location, and how comfortable the hotel is.  I never look for style, as I respect and appreciate the distinctiveness in design of each hotel.

Favorite places to eat?

I like to try a bit of everything. If I can choose a restaurant my all time favourity st. germain l’atelier (London) west street soho, Le Trois Garcons.

How does your fashion impact your travels?

Where I go influences how I pack. Destinations and season definitely influences my wardrobe. Whatever is timeless, so a white shirt.

How do you see fashion in a general sense, and its evolution?

Thought of it as an exclusive industry before whereas now they have to keep up. If brands do not keep up with social media, then they will die. The other thing, it connects between the brand and people, consumers in the market can follow real time line opinion. In terms of fashion, D&G they ask their followers what they would like to see.

In terms of Womenswear?

Wang – I think brands don’t want people to wear things straight from the runway, you look cut off from a magazine. You should mix and match. Mohammed Ashi, Kris Van Ash, his own line is beautiful, Raf Simons, I like SMALTO, classic timeless feel. Givenchy for both men and women. Absolutely.

Give us a quick rundown of your favorite labels to wear

The Kooples, ACNE and Rag & Bone Maison Martin Margiela, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Top Man, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith, SMALTO, H&M and Jil Sander.

If you could live in a movie, what movie would it be and why?

Definitely NOT “The Devil Wears Prada”! (it was a horrendous film in comparison with the moral of the original book).