Interview by Valentina Mazzotta from HW team, with Nicole Valenti
HW: What did you want to be when you grew up?
NV: Since when I was a child, fashion has always fascinated me, I used to design clothes and “modify” the ones in my wardrobe with a lot of imagination. I always dreamed about having my own brand and see my creations worn by all my icons.
HW: How would you describe your job/work?
NV: I am the creative director and founder of VALENTI. If I had to describe my job in two words they would certainly be: Frenetic but fulfilling! I’m happy to see my efforts paid off and glad that people recognize and appreciate my work.
HW: Can you introduce us to valenti__official
NV: Valenti is an irreverent and straightforward brand, whose main aim is to talk about the Italian middle-class who are never mentioned; it is opulent but also minimal. Valenti’s plus is sartorialism!
HW: Talk to us a little bit about how you got started…
NV: I wanted to create something 100% mine, to express my aesthetics limitlessly, that’s how Valenti was born.
HW: Could you tell us something more about your made in Italy, customizable handmade creations, and what is your point of view and your approach to sustainable fashion?
NV: Valenti is a 100% made in Italy brand since all the material is produced in Italy. We use high-quality fabrics such as linen, cotton, silk, wool, vinyl, and faux fur, and also the accessories zips, straps, linings, buttons, etc. are made in Italy. Valenti can be defined as a slow couture brand: our garments are made on request to avoid large-scale production, which allows us to give value to the details and craftsmanship. in a world characterized by fast fashion, the producing in small quantities makes it easier to customize each product and gives the garments a personality, making them unique. Who wears Valenti thus becomes the protagonist of a production process that allows him to support craftsmanship as well as to express his own personality.
HW: Where do you get your inspiration from?
NV: As I said before, I like the idea to narrate about that part of Italy no-one ever talks about, the middle-class customers who like to visit art exhibitions but, at the same time, go to parties with the most eccentric and never obvious looks. I get most of my inspiration from my family, old photos and videos, as well as Italian movies and cinema and music celebrities, inspired my creative process.
HW: What is your favorite part of being a designer?
NV: I would definitely say the creative process, it is one of the most fascinating parts! From the research to the design and finally to the actual production of the garment, it is really immensely rewarding.
HW: Which designer/artists/brand are you a fan of?
NV: Hussein Chalayan is a true artist! Seeing his shows is like taking part in an experience that keeps you glued to the screen. Paco Rabanne, Margiela, Courrèges, Schiapparelli and Prada are history. David Hockney, Ron Hicks, and Henri Gervex are three of my favorite painters.
HW: What are you obsessed with right now?
NV: I love Paco Rabanne and his metallic knits. recently I was obsessed with a Paco Rabanne skirt and I finally got it!
HW: What do you think your biggest professional success has been so far?
NV: Expressing yourself 100% and making sure that your art, your imagery is understood, creating a “trademark” makes you recognizable.
HW: What do you think is the future of the luxury business?
NV: This is a particular historical period, also luxury brands have been suffering. Everything is getting digitalized so inevitably it will become even more modern. I hope to be back soon to watch the shows live.
HW: How can fashion stimulate humanity?
NV: Campaigns, videos, and shows stimulate everyone who looks at them by arousing their emotions. People can see themselves in stories or feel close to that vision; maybe if they are not interested in the looks they will be captivated by the setting or the music.
www.valentiofficial.com
