“Dressing up is a conversation starter”

In 2021 his Instagram @watchingnewyork of street fashion photographer Johnny Cirillo gained a huge following. No one spots and captures the optimistic post pandemic style better than the 41 year-old.

What is beauty to you?

I find beauty in almost everything in life. Sometimes it ́s not even the outfit, but the real confidence with which somebody is walking.

Did you start dressing differently since you went out watching people?

Yes, now a lot of people started taking selfies with me so now I try to wear something nice when I go out.

What would that be?

Hats are a unique way to add to your style. I love the beautiful hats of Goorin Bros!

What’s underneath the hat?

I ended up shaving my head because hair is very annoying to me.

But there is a lot of it on your face!

True! I’ve had a beard for a long time. This last summer I shaved it off and just left a mustache. But my wife made me grow it back. I liked the moustache though!

How do you take care of your beard?

Every single day in the shower I shampoo it, I wash it out and put conditioner in. First I blow dry it hot, then cold. As a last step I have different kind of oils that I massage in.

What does masculinity mean to you?

I think it is an outdated term. What does it mean? Having a beard, a leather jacket? You can find a biker very masculine, but it can be masculine when a man wears a dress that has flowers on it. Because it’s saying: I am strong, I can do this.

After the long lockdown New Yorkers were dressing up for no special reason.

Getting dressed up is a conversation starter. And after the long lockdown people needed to be seen.

This article was first published in the autumn spring edition of 30 Grad in 2022.