Between exploring the city’s dynamic streets and soaking in its bold energy, we had a relaxed chit-chat about the inspirations behind their designs, the small obsessions that sneak into their collections, and how Dubai’s futuristic vibe stretches their creative language. From color choices to architectural musings, here’s an inside look at how these two visionaries think, travel, and design.
DUBAI OFTEN FEELS LIKE A CITY DESIGNED TO INSPIRE. WAS THERE A SPECIFIC SCENE, ATMOSPHERE, OR DETAIL DURING YOUR VISIT THAT IMMEDIATELY TRANSLATED INTO A SHOE IDEA FOR YOU?
Coco: The evenings in Dubai are magical, when the skyline lights up and the streets buzz with energy. People step out looking effortlessly glamorous, and I can instantly picture that glamour translated into a shoe.
Valerio: For me, it’s the city’s architecture. The bold, imaginative forms spark ideas constantly; I can see lines, curves, and shapes inspiring every element of a design.
WHEN CREATIVITY SLOWS DOWN, WHERE DO YOU BOTH TURN TO RESET AND RECHARGE? ARE THERE ANY BOOKS, FILMS, OR HABITS YOU’RE CURRENTLY LEANING INTO THAT ARE QUIETLY SHAPING YOUR THINKING?
Coco: I find that visiting a museum or catching a film always reignites my spark. Equally important is taking time to pause and reset, it gives work room to breathe. Right now, I’m reading Big Kiss, Bye Bye by Claire-Louise Bennett, which is quietly feeding my imagination.
Valerio: I love spending free time in galleries and museums, it always refreshes my perspective. Currently, I’m revisiting The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, and it’s making me nostalgic for Rome, a city I haven’t explored in a while.
YOUR DESIGNS WALK A FINE LINE BETWEEN STRUCTURE AND WHIMSY. HOW DOES TRAVELING TO A PLACE AS VISUALLY BOLD AND FORWARD-LOOKING AS DUBAI PUSH OR EVOLVE YOUR CREATIVE LANGUAGE?
Coco: Traveling stretches our design language in incredible ways. Experiencing how people live, work, and celebrate in different cultures constantly informs our aesthetic choices.
Valerio: I never get tired of traveling, it’s endlessly inspiring. Dubai, in particular, challenges and expands our design thinking while helping us understand our customers better.
EVERY COLLECTION HIDES ITS OBSESSIONS. WHAT SEEMINGLY SMALL DETAIL HAS BEEN DOMINATING YOUR DESIGN DISCUSSIONS LATELY MORE THAN IT PROBABLY SHOULD?
Coco: Color is everything. Even a subtle shift, darker, lighter, warmer, cooler, can completely change how a product feels. We spend a surprising amount of time perfecting it.
Valerio: Lately, it’s been the stitching thread. Such a small element, but it can dramatically influence the overall look and finish.
EMOTION IS INCREASINGLY AT THE HEART OF FASHION. WHAT FEELING ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN DESIGNING FOR RIGHT NOW, AND HOW DOES DUBAI’S ENERGY AMPLIFY OR CONTRAST WITH THAT?
Coco: Hope and wonder. Dubai’s confidence and ever-changing energy feed a sense of optimism, openness, and curiosity that feels essential today.
Valerio: I’ve been focused on togetherness and unity, bringing different perspectives and cultures into harmony. Dubai’s multicultural environment really embodies that idea.
CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS RELY ON RHYTHM AND TRUST. HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE CREATIVE TENSION TO KEEP THE WORK FRESH, AND HAS DISCOVERING DUBAI TOGETHER SHIFTED THAT DYNAMIC IN ANY WAY?
Coco: We’re always candid with each other, both personally and professionally. Listening, learning, and respecting differences keeps our collaboration strong. Experiencing Dubai together has been a wonderful way to explore something completely new as a team.
Valerio: We challenge one another through questions and reflection, which keeps the energy alive. Exploring Dubai has broadened our perspective, deepened our cultural understanding, and strengthened our connection to the UAE community.
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