Meet  Francesco Sourigues and David Vivirido - the team behind famed publication HERCULES. With their upcoming issue coming out in April (see below for a peak at their latest cover) - we got down to business and…well, I’ll let their answers speak for themselves. Two determined guys with a passion for entrepreneurship - check out what’s on their minds…after the jump.

Why did you decide to launch Hercules Magazine? What was the original mission in launching Hercules?

After both being based in London working for different publishers We felt that all the editorial proposals at the time carried a same message of darkness and unhealthiness we did´t agree with. Hercules was a way to explore a kind of menswear and lifestyle that at the time wasn´t so popular. In a way it was all about rescuing classic values of beauty, health and happiness… about a different point of view, about living in on the sunshine and about enjoying the mediterranean lifestyle.

How did the two or you meet? When did you realise that you wanted to launch an endeavour in magazines together?

We are both friends for over 12 years now, both agreed that a product Hercules was needed so we joined forces to put together this venture.

What’s in a name. Why did you decide to name your editorial Hercules?

Hercules (as the mythological figure) personifies somehow the ideal of the Mediterranean man that inspired us to create the magazine, with it´s strength, values and lifestyle.

What can we expect from Issue Number 8?

Each issue We put together tends to have a theme throughout, next issue takes us on a journey to Brazil….definitely one of the hottest and sexiest issues We have done until now.

After just returning from the Paris/Milan Menswear shows - what were some of your highlights? Any stand out collections? Any pieces that caught your eye?

This season, both Paris and Milan have seen a return to Savoir faire. For example Milan has seen many turnovers and return to roots, Gucci for example with it´s attention to detail and classic retro,  Prada showcasing a youthful retro-futuristic collection, Bottega-Veneta´s simplicity with a twist or Dolce´s anniversary that resumed a decade of work that changed our perception of menswear. Paris in the other hand has seen for few season´s a more Avant-guard scene, either by modernising old time brands like Lanvin or Givenchy or by introducing the fascinating collections of Raf Simons.

Take us through a day in each of your lives? David? Francesco?

David. On a usual day, when I´m either not shooting or working on consultancy for some of our clients, a 8.30 alarm takes me to a breakfast if possible in the terrace of a coffee shop opposite my apartment in Barcelona, followed by a Vespa ride to the office. After hundreds of emails, phone calls, meetings, etc. Not very different than someone else’s.

Francesco. Wake up around 8, shower, breakfast at home or coffee shop and head to the office! I´m lucky to have my place 5 minutes away from the office so sometimes I can get an extra sleeping time! Then work and work, we usually have lunch out(we love trying different restaurants and options for lunch) around 2. Then back to the office and more work till about 7, sometimes 9! This is when we are not away on trips or shoots.

Launched in October 2006 - how has Hercules changed since you launched up until now? What big changes have you seen?

Hercules breaths the same feeling as it did from issue one, obviously the baby has grown and now has more pages, more contributors, more advertisers and more readers. But the essence remains the same.

What sets Hercules apart from other editorials? What is the mission of your magazine?

Hercules carries a very different proposal to a reader. Timeless and exclusive contents, from stories to fashions,  no trends, no fuss, no rush. Hercules is about  enjoying the values of the mediterranean lifestyle even if you live in New York, London or Paris. Hercules is about feeling good, looking good and living in the present.

Based in Madrid - what is it about Madrid culture that has such an influence on your printed product?

We are actually based in Barcelona, a city that offers perfect setting. Sunshine, sea, art and design that serves as an influence on daily bases.

How would both of you define your personal style?

By going through the pages of the magazine you´ll probably get a feel of what we like, modern/classic timeless fashions, rich textures, suttle luxury,…etc Even though we have both have our personal touches.

Who would you say has had the biggest influence on who/where you are today?

Influence can come from so many different places… from Giorgio Armani, Aldo Falai, Calvin Klein, Bruce Webber to the 80´s editions of American GQ, Interview or Façade.

Who has caught your attention recently? What designers are on your radar?

Lately, we have seen some amazing new designers pop up in the fashion arena, Adam Kimmel for example with his amazing inspirations and use of fabrics and of course the return of Tom Ford for example and his impeccable tailoring and concept.

As far as magazines go, which ones do you read regularly? Any blogs?

Sometimes to make sure you get no influence from what the other publications around you do and don´t is best to avoid looking around, in any case you can´t help grabbing a copy of Vanity Fair or Vogue Paris when passing by a kiosk.

What do you see in store for the future of Hercules?

Eventually Hercules will have to get bigger and We know it but We really like the idea of keeping it´s small and tailor made feeling. At the same time we are looking into loads of different projects, from womenswear, to going digital… who knows.

Any parting words….?

About Men, Fashion and People. HERCULES 8, Out april 2010.