by Giovanna Fusco
Behind the concept of “fashion” and the terms associated with it, as a “fashion designer”, there is a whole story, sometimes made of sacrifices, sacrifices, defeats and sometimes satisfactions.
Today I decided to give the floor to a girl who for me represents a path of winning growth thanks to a strong will and an enviable tenacity: Claudia Capriotti. 100% Roman, born in 1993, she graduated from Koefia, the international high fashion academy and, very young, with a suitcase full of hope, flies to London. Here he starts working at a clothing store, Juicy Couture, self-styling his own business as a fashion designer. To date, on the occasion of the Margutta, his first official debut. We know better this young designer, founder of the homonymous brand that takes its name: Claudia Capriotti Clothing.
Hello Claudia, thank you for agreeing to let you know. What was your path before launching the brand?
Hi Giovanna, thank you for the invitation. After completing my training at the Koefia Academy I did not have clear ideas or a precise project in mind, but I knew that I would have to create. I started to transform my father’s studio into a laboratory with machines, lots of lights and a large work table. I remember shopping around looking for extravagant fabrics, faux fur and too many ideas for the head. A few months later I decided to leave for England as an au pair to better understand what I wanted to do with my life. Whenever I had free time I took advantage of it to design and so, slowly, I made my first collection. All this happened more than a year ago!
What was the first piece you created and the one you are most attached to, why does it represent a particular moment in your life?
Since I was a child, I’ve always had a passion for wool, balls and boxes full of old buttons. Every time I went to visit my grandmother, we made clothes for dolls with crochet and knitting needles, while my mother was busy sewing them. At fourteen I decided to create, with the help of seamstresses, a dress to wear on New Year’s Eve and as a color I opted for a pearly violet: since then I have never freed myself! Where do you find inspiration for your collections?
I’m very instinctive: I start drawing a collection when I feel it’s the right time. I do not like to change the sketches by adding or removing details because then I always risk losing myself in creations that sooner or later I’ll get tired. My creative moment begins with the choice of fabrics: they must hit me immediately. In fact it is thanks to the quality of the chosen material that model my final garment.
What is the hallmark of your brand?
I do not follow trends but create for my personal taste, so as to give birth to something unique and spontaneous.
What do you think today must have a successful fashion designer to break into such a competitive environment?
Honestly I would like to know it too! I believe that personality helps a lot, so that one’s style is recognizable and the most original possible. It is not enough to have talent if then there is no work and dedication.
The work path, especially when you are so young, is often difficult. Is there anyone you would like to thank for the support received?
Until today I consider myself very lucky. My parents are helping me a lot; It is not easy for me to manage everything from England, especially when most of the production is concentrated in Italy. Many of my successes have undoubtedly arrived thanks to them and my sister, now the image of the brand. Sara was one of the most beautiful discoveries, without forgetting the whole team that is working with me so that Claudia Capriotti Clothing may one day have more luck.
Although you live in London you decided to bring your collection here in Rome, on the occasion of Margutta, an event that represented your official debut. Tell us about this experience and how you experienced it.
It was a surreal week: so many emotions almost impossible to contain them. A few days after the launch of the website I found myself exposing for the first time to “home”, surrounded by many people who have done everything to make me shine. Of this experience I still remember the heartbeat and satisfaction of making the garments sold.
There are many aspiring young designers who would like to emerge in the fashion world, where today there is strong competition. What would you recommend to those who, like you, are chasing this dream?
Believe it so much, this is my advice! One day all the sacrifices and hard work will be rewarded.
Collection: www.modadivasmagazine.com/en/2018/10/15/claudia-capriotti-autunno-inverno-2018-19
