If you haven’t been saying to yourself “Wow, it’s f*cking cold outside!” within the last few weeks, you must be in a warm region—and I’m certainly jealous. For those of us who aren’t as lucky, we’ve come to understand and appreciate the reality that the time has *finally* come to pull out the warmest pieces we have in our wardrobe—so why not have a little knitwear remix this season?

Throughout any designer’s winter collection, a sweater, hat, or scarf is bound to find its way in the mix. But this time around, it’s safe to say that the knitwear game has certainly leveled up. Think intricate detailing, ultra luxe fabrics, not your grandfather’s type of pieces that you’ll wind up having in your closet for many years to come. Captured on Fernando Casablancas, VMAN caught up with the Brazilian-born rising model who now calls New York City home to discuss what’s keeping him warm this season.

VMAN: Having been born in Rio and now adapted to the brutal winters of our hometown of NYC, how have you managed to deal with the ups and downs of our infamous cold weather? Do you ever miss the heat of Brazil?

Fernando Casablancas: I’d be lying if I didn’t say I fantasize about sipping on coconut water on Ipanema Beach every time the sun sets at 4 pm. However, New York City is now my home, and I’ve loved her through every season in full glory. Now, let’s not say that I wouldn’t hop on the next direct flight to Rio, given the chance. Thankfully, I’ve settled into a life that is as warm as my days growing up by the beach, now filled with the love from my friends and chosen family who keep me cozy in this freezing cold. Needless to say, I’ll always miss Brazil. I urge everyone to look up the word saudade. 

VM: With the holidays fast approaching, what are some of your plans for the month of December?

FC: December seems to be coming up pretty fast, and soon we’ll be in 2024. For the end of this year, I’ll be spending most of my time preparing for a few, very special projects for the coming year. Getting my ducks in a row. As for the holidays, I will be visiting my mother in Portugal for Christmas. 

VM: This season, what’s on your holiday wish list? Do you prefer physical objects or more experience-driven gifts?

FC: I love giving gifts. And really, any trinket will do. The gift itself is of less importance, but it’s the thought that counts, to say “Hey, I thought of you.” My holiday wish list, at the moment, is less physical—unless you count the couple of books I have set aside to get for my Kindle. These include Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love and the novel Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran. Beyond that, spending time with someone you love is the biggest gift of all.

VM: With the theme of our shoot revolving around plush knitwear, could you describe some of your favorite pieces to keep you cozy during the winter season?

FC: We all know New York City winters can be freezing, so when it’s too cold to leave the house, I’m in my apartment wearing Calvin [Klein] briefs and some thick socks, draped in the coziest winter blanket I can find, with the heater on high. It’s the Brazilian in me that wants to be wearing the least amount of clothing at all times, even in the cold. If I have to throw something on and face the outside, I’ll wear my new SuperPuff [jacket], a recent Christmas gift from Aritzia. In times like these, I keep it simple with jeans and a hoodie underneath. 

VM: With the new year fast approaching, what are you looking forward to most in 2024? Any resolutions you have in mind?

FC: These past couple of years have been very formative for the direction that I want to take my career in. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing brands and have learned from many artists in different fields. I’ve been expanding my practice, and look forward to exploring new roles within my performance work. This spring, I plan to blossom both on and off stage. Now is the time to focus on the seedlings that present themselves for new projects that hold a lot of potential. It’s too soon to name names, but all I can say is that I’m very excited to throw myself into new adventures.

Photography Ben Lamberty

Fashion Xander Ang

Talent Fernando Casablancas (ELITE)

Retouching George Garfio