There is something rather inspiring when you are in the presence of Diesel and Gandan Lanziero. These two beautiful kids are the children of Donald and Katherine Lanziero, a couple who lives in East Harlem. Katherine is from Poland, Donald is from New York and together they run a catering and event planning company. Diesel, 8, and Gandan, 10, both go to school in Greenwich Village. When I asked Katherine when she first noticed how much her kids liked fashion, she replied, “As soon as they started to attend school.”
Of course, it is obvious that the parents play a big part on how these children dress, but most importantly is that their kids, indeed, love clothes. I have been to numerous events around New York, and every single time I encountered them, Diesel and Gandan are absolutely having a good time with how they are dressed, and they look amazing. The last time I saw the kids was at the private viewing of “Interface”, a gay art show exhibit at the Leslie Lohman Museum in SoHo, where Katherine was the hostess on opening night. Needless to say, these adorable children are exposed to the most creative people regardless of sexual orientation, race or financial background. And wherever they go, they become a sensation!
It is very inspirational to witness Donald and Katherine’s approach on how to raise children in a world filled with judgment; after all, love or hate can be taught at home. June is Pride Month, and because Diesel and Gandan’s fashionable style is so free and happy and combined with the fact that these two beautiful human beings are being raised in an environment embraced by love and acceptance of all, we at TheBlot Magazine chose them to be our June Style Master.
Gazelle Paulo: Please describe Diesel and Gandan’s style with your own words.
Donald & Katherine Lanziero: Effortless, easy and fun. A tribute to our lifestyle, inspired by their love of music, theater, creativity and art. Colors and patterns are used to express their playful natures and love of life.
Do they have any peculiar fashion habits?
Though they are not twins, they love to dress exactly the same, insisting only on individual hair color.
How important has fashion been to them?
They probably don’t completely understand it yet, but fashion and style open many doors for them and present many opportunities to broaden their life experiences. They’ve been involved in many art projects, inspiring New York artists and photographers like Walt Cessna, Joey Arias, Juano Diaz, Scooter LaForge, Krys Fox, Bobby Miller.
What has been the defining fashion moment for them so far?
Joining Joey Arias on stage and being introduced to the audience in a dread-locked art mullet and gold rubber pants. Another defining moment was working through the creative process with artist Juano Diaz and then seeing final images of themselves hanging on art gallery walls.
Besides Diesel and Gandan, who are the most stylish children today?
Without question, Jaden and Willow Smith are the future of fashion and style. The artistic freedom their parents give them allows them to develop their style, buck tradition and rearrange perception.
Fashionably speaking, if you could have a second chance to give Diesel and Gandan another first impression, when and why?
Their first impressions are always natural and effortless, so we don’t regret any of their experiences. Wherever they go, they meet with incredibly positive response. Plus, we work hard to install in them respect for people they meet regardless of culture or lifestyle.
What is your favorite store in New York City to shop for them?
We don’t shop in any particular store for any particular brands. It’s all based on visual attraction, color and cut. If it works, we grab it in both sizes. We source through eBay, vintage and thrift, mixing high-end designers with deconstructed vintage. Some of their favorite pieces are made especially for them by close friends.
What was the most spectacular party they attended?
Definitely their birthday parties. Held in an art space in Greenwich Village with live snakes, giant bugs, vintage photo booth, great food and music.
If you could style one famous child, who would be the lucky one?
There really isn’t one particular child we would like to style. What we would like to put out there is the idea that children should be allowed to express their feelings and personal creativity through style, without fear of judgment.
What is the perfect attire for playing in heaven?
At the end of the day, the most perfect attire for them is based on comfort, and the most comfortable is the skin they are in, running nude and spreading their wings. When fashion is given too much consideration and is taken too seriously, it dies.
Gazelle Paulo is a contributing journalist for TheBlot Magazine. Follow him on Twitter and FreakChic.
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