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Hernan Ripiert: Redefining Global Fashion Through Vision and Passion
From Mendoza to Madrid, Xmag’s Fashion Director is redefining style.
Hernan Ripiert: The Visionary Behind Xmag and International Fashion Success
Born in Mendoza, Argentina, Hernan Ripiert’s journey into the fashion world is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with a childhood passion for sketching designs, he created his first dress at the age of 16. By 23, Ripiert had already ascended to the role of Fashion Director at Xmag, one of Spain’s most prominent fashion magazines. Over the past decade, Ripiert has solidified his position as a creative force in the fashion industry, blending aesthetics with storytelling to craft unforgettable looks for celebrities, red carpets, and editorial productions.
“My story is about perseverance and authenticity,” Ripiert shares, reflecting on his journey from a young designer in Mendoza to an international fashion icon.
T-shirt:Vintage
Pants:Vintage
Cap:AllSaints
Shoes:Kurt Geiger
Glasses:Ameos
Styling Celebrities and Shaping Stories
Ripiert’s work has graced the lives of numerous celebrities, including actors Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg, singer Belinda, and Argentine supermodel Valeria Mazza. Yet, his collaboration with Argentine singer Lali stands out as a defining moment.
“Working with Lali was both fun and challenging,” he admits. “She has a more alternative style, which pushed me out of my comfort zone of luxurious and classic designs. But I successfully fused our styles to create something that reflected her personality while maintaining elegance.”
Ripiert’s ability to adapt and innovate, even in challenging scenarios, is what makes him stand out. His collaborations with icons like Blanca Suárez and Pepe Barroso further illustrate his talent for blending style with narrative, creating looks that speak volumes beyond their aesthetic appeal.
Pants: vintage
Glasses: Adidas Originals
Shoes:Kurt Geiger
Xmag: A Dream Turned Reality
Together with Ignacio Ferreyra, Ripiert has spent the past four years building Xmag from the ground up. This venture has been a labor of love, perseverance, and creativity.
“Perseverance is key,” Ripiert emphasizes. “Without it, no dream can be built on solid ground.”
Under his creative direction, Xmag has grown into a powerhouse in the Spanish fashion industry, known for its striking covers and collaborations with entertainment icons. Despite the fashion world’s competitive and, at times, hostile nature, Ripiert and his team have earned respect by consistently producing impeccable work.
Looking Ahead: Dreams and Aspirations
Ripiert’s ambition doesn’t stop at Xmag. Currently working on a capsule collection under his namesake brand, he aims to merge luxury tailoring with ready-to-wear in innovative ways. His dream collaborations include working with designers like Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, MaxMara, and Ralph Lauren.
“I’ve admired Victoria Beckham since I was young,” Ripiert shares. “She’s managed to create an identity beyond fame, which is truly admirable.”
Despite his aspirations, Ripiert remains deeply connected to his work at Xmag. “I love my role as Fashion Director and hope to continue balancing both my personal brand and my contributions to the magazine.”
Trench coat: Rokh
Shoes: Cos
CREDITS:
Photography: Laura Chapman @laurachapmanc
Creative Direction: Hernán Ripiert
Stylist: Juanse Velasquez @itsjuansev
MUAH: Kari @kari_makeupartist
Exclusive Interview with Hernan Ripiert
Why should people read about you?
People should read about me because my innovative approach and unique vision have transformed how fashion is understood and experienced, not only in Argentina (my home country) and Spain, but also on an international scale. My work goes beyond my role as Fashion Director of Xmag, a prominent Spanish magazine, where I have had the privilege to collaborate with some of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. I’ve created striking looks for iconic covers, as well as for red carpets and international productions. My story reflects how the art of fashion can tell stories and connect cultures through style.
What story do you have to tell?
My story is about a young man from Mendoza, Argentina, who began his career at an early age. I created my first dress at 16, though I had already been sketching my own designs as a child. By 23, I became Fashion Director at Xmag. With passion, dedication, and creativity, I’ve managed to stand out in the highly competitive fashion industry. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to style and act as a creative director for celebrities such as actors Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg, singer Belinda, model and actor Pepe Barroso, Argentine supermodel Valeria Mazza, and Argentine singer Lali. Each project is a chance to blend style and storytelling in my creations, bringing together pieces that not only look stunning but also convey a deeper meaning.
What makes you stand out?
What makes me stand out is my ability to blend aesthetics with storytelling, creating memorable looks that not only enhance the personality of the wearer but also tell a story. My innovative approach and experience working with figures like Laura Whitmore and Blanca Suárez have allowed me to explore different facets of fashion and adapt to various cultures and styles. Additionally, my ongoing quest to express my personal and creative vision through my work has left a mark on the industry.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenges in my career have been the need to excel in such a competitive and dynamic industry, and overcoming the initial barriers of breaking into this field. My first major challenge was making a name for myself in a saturated environment, especially as someone from Mendoza, a city not directly linked to the global fashion center. I overcame this by focusing on my work, seizing opportunities to collaborate with prominent figures, and staying true to my style and creative vision, which ultimately led me to international projects. Another significant challenge has been styling celebrities and creating looks that are not only aesthetically impactful but also tell a story and suit each individual’s personality. This requires a deep understanding of style and adaptability, which I achieved by getting to know each person I work with, listening to their expectations, and translating these ideas into fashion in a way that represents both parties.
What wisdom would you like to share with others? What lessons can they learn from you?
The wisdom I’d like to share is the importance of perseverance and authenticity in any professional path, especially in the creative world. Fashion, like any other art, requires a clear vision but also the courage to challenge norms and stay true to your own style. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that there isn’t a single path to success; each experience, challenge, and collaboration contributes to your growth. I also believe it’s essential to surround yourself with people who inspire and push you to be better. Teamwork is key, and in my experience, the best ideas come when there’s an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.
Where do you see yourself or your brand in a few years? What are some of your dreams and aspirations?
I’m currently working on a capsule collection for my namesake brand, which I plan to launch next year. I’m passionate about luxury tailoring and ready-to-wear, so my intention is to fuse these two worlds in each piece of the collection. My dream is to collaborate with brands and designers I’ve admired since childhood, such as Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, MaxMara, and Ralph Lauren. However, I truly love my work as Fashion Director at Xmag, and I intend to do both as long as life allows.
What is your objective with this media exposure?
My goal is to gain recognition from a professional standpoint.
You’ve styled internationally recognized celebrities like Blanca Suárez, Pepe Barroso, and Lali. Who did you most enjoy styling? And conversely, who was the biggest challenge?
I enjoyed working with all of them; they’re very personable and down-to-earth. However, working with Lali was especially fun; she’s laid-back and friendly. She was also the biggest challenge because I had to explore a more alternative style, which is different from my usual luxurious and classic focus. Stepping out of my comfort zone was a challenge that I believe I successfully overcame. I was able to fuse both worlds to create something delicate that also reflected the singer’s personality.
Do you have a national or international celebrity you dream of styling?
It would be a dream to style Victoria Beckham. I’ve admired her since I was young, and she inspires me deeply as an entrepreneur. She’s managed to detach herself from a fame that defined her life and create her own identity, separate from Posh Spice, which is truly admirable. Very few people achieve that, and that’s why she’s my greatest inspiration.
Together with Ignacio Ferreyra, you’ve been building Xmag for four years, achieving incredible success. What do you consider most important when starting a magazine from scratch?
Perseverance is a key factor; without it, no dream can be built on solid ground and risks collapsing at any moment.
Do you find the fashion world complex, even somewhat hostile?
Absolutely—anyone who says otherwise isn’t being honest. In the fashion world, there’s an abundance of egos and competition. However, we didn’t shy away from confronting this and earning respect because it’s always essential to set boundaries, especially when you know your work is impeccable.
