ROMAN SIPE

MENAGERIÉ INTIMATES is a luxury brand that specializes in designing underwear, nightwear, and swimwear exclusively tailored to the masculine form. As a pioneering force within the industry, MENAGERIÉ is committed to dispelling societal myths and stereotypes surrounding men’s lingerie – Interview with the creator, Roman Sipe.

Could we start with some background information about you? Where you grew up, where you based, how did you get interested in fashion?

My name is Roman Sipe, and I am originally from York, Pennsylvania, USA. Throughout my life, I have explored different cities such as New York City and Los Angeles. Currently, I am based in Italy, dividing my time between a small town called Fabriano, where our brand is produced, and Rome, where I have my design studio. That’s right… Roman in Rome. My interest in fashion developed over time as I discovered the power of clothing to express oneself and create unique experiences.

How would you describe Menagerie Intimates in a few sentences?

MENS LINGERIE. It could be as simple as this if we reference the relationship between women and their lingerie. But to expand, MENAGERIE INTIMATES, is a luxury experience for men created to encourage sensuality and body positivity.

What were the pitfalls of creating a brand?

One of the main challenges we encountered while creating the brand was building awareness for such a niche market. Introducing the concept of luxury men’s lingerie and educating the audience about its benefits and appeal required a strategic approach to marketing and communication. Additionally, breaking down societal norms and stereotypes associated with men’s fashion was another hurdle we had to overcome.

What/who inspires you?

As the founder of Menagerie Intimates, I am primarily inspired by my own creative vision and desire to bring a new level of luxury and self-expression to men’s fashion. However, I also find inspiration in the resilience and individuality of our customers. Witnessing the transformative power of our products on their confidence and personal journeys constantly motivates me to push boundaries and innovate.

What’s the biggest challenge of standing your ground in a world where the market is full?

In our case, the biggest challenge lies in creating and understanding the market space and our customer base. While the fashion market as a whole may seem crowded, the men’s lingerie market, especially the luxury segment, is relatively untapped. Therefore, our challenge is not to stand our ground within a saturated market, but rather to pave the way and establish ourselves as pioneers in this evolving industry.

What is your opinion on the future of fashion?

I am incredibly hopeful and optimistic about the future of fashion. The industry is experiencing a paradigm shift, driven by increased diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Customers are demanding more unique and personalized experiences, and fashion brands are adapting to meet these needs. With advancements in technology, a focus on ethical practices, and the rise of individual expression, the future of fashion holds immense potential for innovation and positive change.

What was it like working with Michael Oliver Love on the material presented here?

Working with Michael Oliver Love was an incredible experience. His artistic vision and talent perfectly complemented the ethos of MENAGERIE INTIMATES. The way he showcases an alternative masculinity, celebrating the male form with a gentle, soft, and vulnerable approach, aligns directly with our brand’s vision. Collaborating with him brought our ideas to life in ways we had always envisioned, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

How much time do you spend putting together your outfit for the day?

To be honest, I’m quite efficient when it comes to selecting my daily outfits. It usually takes me less than 5 minutes. I have a wardrobe filled with different variations of my signature style, which I like to call my “cartoon character closet.” It consists mainly of blazers, tees or tanks, denim or dress slacks, and heeled boots. However, when it comes to dressing up for an event, it might take me around 30 minutes to an hour, but I still manage to keep it relatively quick and straightforward.

How do you imagine a Roman/or the brand living 5 years from now?

In 5 years, I envision MENAGERIÉ INTIMATES firmly establishing its presence as a premier luxury underwear brand. As the founder, I see myself splitting my time between two vibrant cities: New York City and Rome. Both locations hold immense cultural significance and offer unique opportunities for our brand to thrive. I also plan to have small destination boutiques in both cities, providing a personalized and intimate shopping experience for our customers. Our presence will not only be felt in the fashion world but also in the hearts of our loyal customers who appreciate our unique approach to men’s intimates and wellness.

I know you’ll come up with something new very soon. What can we know about the new collection?

I am excited to announce the launch of our latest series of intimates, a collaboration with the Florence leather brand, SIRAINER. This new collection focuses on introducing their leather craftsmanship into our designs, adding a erotic touch of edginess and excitement to our offerings. We believe that collaboration is key to expansion and staying at the forefront of the industry. We are constantly seeking education and inspiration from different aspects of the underwear industry to showcase our commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries.

What’s something you wish you had more time to do?

One thing I wish I had more time to do is pursue my ,not so secret, desire to become a male burlesque dancer. Dancing has always been an interest of mine, and being able to express myself through this art form would be a dream come true. Currently, finding the time to dedicate to training is a challenge. However, I’m optimistic that in the future, I’ll be able to carve out more time to pursue this passion and explore the world of male burlesque.

Please finish the sentences:
Surprise me with:Red Roses and White Wine
I won’t go out without: wearing something from MENAGERIE.. and my heels.
This turns me on: watching someone talk passionately about work or aspirations. I love to be inspired.