THE JOURNAL

Introducing the man behind the world’s best runway shows.
Do you ever sit baffled as the latest Parisian runway extravaganza unfolds on Instagram and think, who actually makes all this stuff happen? The answer would be people such as Mr Keith Baptista. As founder of creative agency Prodject, Mr Baptista is behind many of the most outstanding events and shows from brands such as Balenciaga, Berluti, Ralph Lauren and Valentino, which he puts together in collaboration with Prodject’s sister company, the Paris- and London-based OBO. He’s also the man responsible for launching Made fashion week, a biannual showcase of emerging designers in New York, in 2009, and still acts as a creative consultant for the event via Prodject. In short, he’s very much what we in the style business would call an insider. Which, along with his considerable personal style – the man clearly is au fait with the understated power of a charcoal blazer – makes him a most welcome addition to the MR PORTER Style Council. Scroll down to learn a little more about Mr Baptista, or click through to the Style Council for his recommendations of where to eat, drink and sleep.
**What is your favourite city? **
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I love Tokyo. The energy and the vastness of the city are always exciting. I also feel completely lost, in a good way, when I am there.
What is your number-one travel tip?
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Keep it simple.
Who makes your suits?
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Traditionally, I wear made-to-measure suits from Gucci. With the arrival of Alessandro Michele, the options for the customisation of the suits have become a lot more interesting.
Shoes or sneakers?
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Both. My favourite shoes are from Hermès. Classic and well made. Sneakers from Puma and Adidas.
Any style advice?
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Know who you are and stick to it. I tend to have casual and more dressed-up uniforms that I know work for me.
What is your favourite film?
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Blade Runner. Great cast and visually stunning for its time.