GIOTTO CALENDOLI

Photography
RAFFAELE MARONE

Milan-based fashion designer Giotto Calendoli is taking his streetwear designs to the next level. Throughout his career, Giotto has risen to become an Italian style icon, redefining originality in menswear and what it means to be effortlessly cool. He approaches the world and all his endeavors with his own brand of authenticity and ease, hence the name of his fashion label, HANDLE WITH FREEDOM.

Vestal Mag __ What is your creative process?

Giotto Calendoli__ My creative process certainly depends on my mood, the wine I have at home, the night, and my music playlist. Then, I just let my mind do the rest.

VM __ Could you discuss your latest work? What was your intention behind it, and how do the materials work with this installation? 

GC__ My latest work is about today’s society, the beginning of an inspection, an investigation of a generation, selfishness, fears, and prejudices. The work includes messages and artworks on canvas with installations that can make people interact with themselves, such as a telephone booth like the church or a confessional. The public should feel free to express themselves with strangers with no faces, but only the voice of a woman who spurs you into the “to be better with all the mistakes” that each of us makes.

VM __ How do ethnic cultures influence your work?

GC__ As far as art is concerned, I try to be influenced by myself. Fashion-wise, I am influenced a lot by cultures in general. My travels greatly influenced me in looking for cultural details such as fabrics and accessories and making unique garments, like my latest summer collection, which takes its cue from Turkish culture.

VM __ What are your plans for works and further exhibitions?

GC__ Unfortunately, I have spent little time on art because of the new collection. In fact, I have tried to do more street art with messages around the world. Despite this, on February 13th, I had a feature in an art gallery in Milan (7ettanta6ei Art Galley), where my paintings from my archive were exhibited on a new canvas, so I am very happy to have the support of two galleries in the city where I live.

VM __ Does social media play a role in your life as an artist?

GC__ Surely, social media plays an important role not only in sharing what I do but also in a lot of current research about what people think, what they want, and what they don’t want.

VM __ What’s your motto?

GC__ Be yourself and handle with freedom. 

VM __ What is the biggest lesson you have learned since you started your fashion company?

GC__ Be patient, don’t run. Be a leader, an example.

VM __ What aroused your interest in fashion?

GC__ My interest in fashion comes from my grandfather’s closet, which I have never known but only inherited in his clothes. A need not to follow trends, a need for simplicity, a need to find one’s personality by being oneself.

VM __ Are you self-taught, or have you studied fashion design?

GC__ My school was traveling. I never studied fashion or art but always had a strong passion for it. I had to learn over time, but with precise training, this gave me more insight and knowledge.

VM __ How has your work evolved since you started managing your company, Handle with Freedom?

GC__ I have evolved more than my job, consequently, all the work I am doing. Freedom was my key: the freedom to express yourself, the freedom to take risks, the freedom to make mistakes, the freedom to wake up more robust and more aware than yesterday, respecting the path that fate has reserved for you.

VM __ Are you superstitious or have rules by which you live?

GC__ I’m Neapolitan, and so are the superstitious. Indeed, I am not sick of superstition, but I certainly do not walk under a ladder or across the road after a black cat has crossed!

VM __ What advice would you give young designers trying to break into the industry?

GC__ I know it’s hard, but don’t stop, never stop! Hard work, time, passion, humility, and heart will be excellent partners for achieving your dream!

VM __ And finally. What would you like to get before the end of the year? 

GC__ Internal serenity and increasing awareness.

Photography Raffaele Marone Make up & Hair Brivio Liuba /Francesca Zanini Production Renata Di Pace Talent Giotto Calendoli