What was your source of inspiration for creating a capsule collection of pocket squares with the theme of Baroque and Sicilian ceramics for Silvio Fiorello?
Taormina has always been a source of inspiration for many artists and poets from around the world. I remember my first time in this wonderful city. I was with Nancy Fiorello, who showed me the beauty of Taormina. I was struck by the colors everywhere, the beautiful sunset, and the stunning square with the checkerboard floor, which I incorporated into some of the designs for the Taormina collection.
How did you translate the elements of Baroque and Sicilian ceramics into the pocket squares of this collection?
Sicily, the happy island, full of millennia of history, is an integral part of Silvio Fiorello's collections. I sought to incorporate the typical decorations of Taormina, the architectural elements, the Sicilian carts, and of course, the colorful yet refined majolica.
Can you describe the creative process behind merging these two distinctive styles in your collection?
When creating a capsule collection, I always start with an idea, an element, or a detail that gradually develops. It’s as if the idea itself guides the different additions and refinements. Starting with a significant detail is crucial, as it alone can lead you through the wonderful journey of creation.
What message or story do you wish to convey through these pocket squares?
This collection aims not only for beauty but also for a message of preservation, passing down millennia-old traditions, and celebrating the uniqueness of Sicilian culture, the motherland of Magna Graecia, the early Christian martyrs, and the birth of Baroque.
How do you think men will integrate these pocket squares into their wardrobe and personal style?
I hope that people will be immersed in the happiness conveyed by the colors of Taormina. I tried not to limit myself to traditional fashion rules so as not to sacrifice the warmth and sense of good living and la dolce vita.
Is there a particular element of Sicilian ceramics that you found most fascinating to incorporate into the pocket squares?
The vibrant colors and intricate decorations of Sicilian ceramics were key. I wanted to capture that same energy and vibrancy to bring a piece of Sicily into every pocket square.
What do you hope people feel or experience when wearing one of these pocket squares?
In the past, nobles from all over Europe would embark on the Grand Tour of Italy, spending months in Taormina, competing in elegance with the most extravagant and refined handkerchiefs. I believe today’s dandies are no less stylish, and the pocket squares from the Taormina collection, are the perfect detail to make a difference.