An Interview with Dennis Basso: The Maestro of Luxury Fashion

Dennis Basso, the iconic American designer known for his glamorous fur and couture collections, has been a trailblazer in the fashion world for over 35 years. From his humble beginnings to dressing some of the world’s most famous celebrities, Basso’s commitment to elegance and luxury remains unwavering. His New York-based brand, famous for high-end fur pieces and ready-to-wear collections, is celebrated globally for its timeless style, impeccable craftsmanship, and commitment to high-quality materials. Today, Basso’s collections continue to captivate fashion lovers and inspire those who appreciate opulent fashion with a modern twist.

Q: Dennis, how did you first get involved in the world of fashion, and what inspired you to focus on luxury fur and couture?

It all started with my love for glamour. I’ve always been fascinated by the elegance of old Hollywood and the idea of dressing women in a way that makes them feel extraordinary. When I founded my brand over 35 years ago, the fur industry was my first step into luxury fashion because it represented the pinnacle of opulence and sophistication. Fur is timeless, and I wanted to create pieces that exude luxury while remaining wearable art.

Q: What motivated you to launch your own brand in New York City, and how has the brand evolved over the years?

Launching my brand in New York was a dream because it’s the fashion capital of the world, and I wanted to be where the action was. In the beginning, it was all about fur and outerwear, but as we grew, I began to introduce ready-to-wear collections. Today, our offerings include beautiful evening gowns, accessories, and home decor, while still maintaining our roots in luxury fur.

Q: What makes your brand stand out in today’s competitive fashion industry?

It’s all about quality and craftsmanship. Every piece that bears my name is meticulously crafted. We control everything in-house at our production facility in Long Island City, which is incredibly important to me. Our clients know that when they buy a Dennis Basso piece, they are getting something made with love, dedication, and attention to detail. My designs are meant to last and be cherished for years.

Q: How do you keep finding inspiration for your collections year after year?

For me, inspiration comes from everywhere—travel, art, people, and even architecture. I’m constantly surrounded by beauty, and I try to bring that into every collection. I also stay close to my clients. Listening to them, understanding what they want and what excites them keeps me grounded and inspires me to push boundaries.

Q: Do you have a favorite collection or piece that you’ve designed?

That’s a tough question because each collection feels like my baby. But I do have a soft spot for the custom pieces I’ve created for celebrities walking the red carpet. Seeing my designs on icons like Helen Mirren and Catherine Zeta-Jones has been a real highlight. It’s those moments that remind me why I do what I do.

Q: What’s something people may not know about you?

Well, I’m an entertainer at heart. When I’m not designing, I love to host friends and family at my home in Watermill. Whether it's winter or summer, I’m always throwing a fabulous party. People know me as a designer, but I’m also someone who loves to create experiences—whether that’s through fashion or entertaining.

Q: What do you think the future holds for fashion, especially with the rise of technology and AI?

I think the future is incredibly exciting! Technology is going to revolutionize how we create, market, and even wear fashion. AI is already helping us better understand what customers want and how to design for them. But at the end of the day, fashion is about emotion and storytelling, so while AI will enhance what we do, it will never replace the human touch that makes fashion truly special.

Q: Finally, what’s next for the Dennis Basso brand?

We just celebrated 35 years in the business, and I couldn’t be more excited for the future. We’ve recently expanded into accessories and are planning to grow our ready-to-wear lines. I’m always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to the brand's DNA of timeless luxury. There’s so much more to come!

For more about Dennis Basso and his collections, visit Dennis Basso’s official website.