Rob Zangardi is a true fashion icon. As a highly sought-after stylist to the stars, he’s dressed some of the most high-profile celebrities—including Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, and Kerry Washington. Zangardi, known for his mastery of glamour and versatility, effortlessly adapts to each client’s unique style with his incredibly chic taste. So naturally, when I heard he was launching his own brand, Auter, I was eager to learn more.
Auteur is an outerwear label on a mission to create the final layer—the piece that is the outfit—not an afterthought. For Zangardi, that means perfecting the best version of every coat. The idea for the brand stemmed from his own struggle to find outerwear that he actually wanted to wear, which looked like “a coat that’s as comfortable as it is refined,” Zangardi tells Who What Wear. “Something you could wear all day, walk into dinner in, and never feel the need to take off. The goal was a coat that feels luxurious yet effortless, with the quality of a designer piece at a more grounded price.”
Bringing his expertise in tailoring, fabric, and proportion to a men’s and women’s collection, the range includes animal-free fur coats—elegant pieces that resemble vintage treasures from your grandmother’s closet—utilitarian-inspired leather trench coats, modernized puffers, technical bomber jackets, and funnel-neck peacoats. Wool baseball caps, inspired by Zangardi’s personal style, are designed to complement each outerwear style.
Although the label has just launched, it has quickly gained the style set’s attention, with celebrities like J.Lo already wearing The Fox Jacket while preparing to film Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.
Below, we caught up with Zangardi to learn more about what inspired Auter and how he has perfected the science of designing sophisticated, well-made, and comfortable outerwear. Then, keep scrolling to shop the collection before it inevitably sells out.
(Image credit: Auter)
You’ve styled some of the world’s most photographed people. How did that experience shape your idea of what the perfect coat should feel and look like?
After years of fitting and tailoring clothes for every body type, I learned that proportion and construction are everything. A great coat has to shape the body without restricting it. I wanted Auter to bring that same precision to outerwear, where tailoring meets comfort in a way that works for everyone.
The brand emphasizes structure, comfort, and quiet confidence. How do you balance those elements in a single piece?
I start with fabric. The fabric sets the tone for how a coat will move and feel. Every detail has a reason. A gathering pleat for the right shape, a knife pleat for movement, and an adjustable button for flexibility. Even a small construction choice, like the way a collar sits, can change how you carry yourself.
(Image credit: Auter)
What role do accessories play in telling the Auter story?
When someone tries on the coat with the matching hat, they understand the idea completely. It completes the silhouette in a way that feels both intentional and effortless. It’s not an accessory—it’s part of the composition.
The brand’s mantra is, “It’s what’s on the outside that counts.” Could you please share what that means to you?
It’s about intention. The outer layer is what people see first, but it’s also what carries your mood, your energy, your confidence. You can throw on a coat and instantly feel composed and protected. That’s the power of what’s on the outside.
How has launching Auter changed how you get dressed?
It reminded me that the coat makes the outfit. I can wear the same coat over sweats or over a suit and still feel completely put together. It’s what’s on the outside that counts.
(Image credit: Auter)
You’ve helped so many clients express their identities through fashion. How does Auter reflect yours?
Everything I wear has to feel good. I love a drop shoulder, a soft fabric, a coat that drapes naturally. I’ve always been a coat person; it’s the layer that says the most with the least. For me, the matching hat became a natural extension of that idea, both stylistically and functionally.
Lastly, what do you hope someone feels the moment they put on their Auter coat?
Like they never want to take it off.
Shop Auter
Auter
Italian Wool Peacoat
Auter
Italian Leather Trench
Auter
Long Italian Wool Peacoat
Auter
Mohair Wool Topcoat
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