In one’s lifetime you meet someone that completely blows you away. For me, Donato Crowley is a mind blower, his designs are so unique and glamorized I felt like I should share them with all of you Monroe-land followers.
I recently caught up with him for a brief chat and to see what is new in that twisted mind of his. I wanted to ask him a couple simple questions that might give us more insight into this man’s incredible imagination.
J.M. Why the gas masks? What do they represent to you?
Hello to the studly Justin Monroe. First of all, I want to say I love your sexy and inspiring work, you are so incredibly talented!
Hmmmm…Why the gas masks? That is a funny story. I was shopping with my mom. Yes, I am a bit of a mama’s boy, but if you ever get a chance to meet her, you’ll be her boy too. Anyway, I saw a bunch of gas masks and I said to Mum, “Those are so cool! I’m gonna buy a few.” She looked at me both shocked and confused and slight scared. In that instant, I had to have them. This is exactly what I love about these iconic pieces; they elicit so many different feelings to different individuals. Some fear apocalyptic glimpses, for others it is protection and war, some are sexually aroused, and then there are those that it triggers them to smoke a bowl. I just saw an empty canvas and started to paint, sculpt and glam to death. From the first design of my Gas Mask collection, they have been very well received.
J.M. What are you currently working on and where can we see more?
Since the Gas Mask collection, I’ve created a couture top hat collection that is not for the faint of heart. An armored collection, including war crowns and Swarovski crystallized Knight’s helmet, soon to be featured by Katy Perry in L’Uomo Vogue, I am also designing custom pieces for Justin Monroe’s Photo Exhibit called “Pompous”. Little Wayne has recently been featured in my Hannibal Lecter Half Mask Collection. All of my art and designs are available at www.DonatoStyle.com.
J.M. What advise would you give to a new and struggling designer or artist?
The advice I would give to a new or struggling artist is to design for you. It is not a selfish thing. It is self-preserving.
Trust in the gifts that this very precise universe has given you. They are specially designed for you and only and you.
However, they are not meant for you to keep to yourself. It would be poison for you to not live up to that universal responsibility. Everyday you must create, look at something inspiring, surround yourselves with people living up to their potential, and make sure that you return the inspiration to those who seek. I believe that through our very own creations, we come to know ourselves deeply and profoundly.
Oh yeah…and don’t forget to have fun!
Thank you Justin! I hope you don’t mind that I also mention that one of those inspiring people I’ve recently surrounded myself with is YOU. I’m very excited for the project we recently worked on and the one were going to work on soon.
The Glam Monster
Donato Style
