DS: I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of 3D design technology. It has opened up new avenues for creativity and imagination. By blurring the boundary between the concrete and the intangible, 3D design has given us the ability to create immersive experiences that transcend traditional mediums. As a result, I am currently working on the new DO ™ 3D website that aims to take users on an unforgettable journey that fuses reality and the digital realm. With this project, I hope to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D design and showcase the limitless potential of this technology.
You also have a music component. Could you talk about that? I am confident with the links between fashion and music; especially nowadays, I think art in general has overcome the boundaries between different media, giving a more fluid and open perspective. Just think about Virgil Abloh and how he combined those two together.
NIIO: Music and fashion go hand in hand, the role of translating into sound what you see is crucial nowadays. My role in DO ™ is to approach, through dark tones and melodic harmonies, individuals close to the world of clubbing and give them a visual audio experience. I strongly believe that DO ™ concept reflects and shapes this vision and has an impact in my sound and in what comes from this synergy.
DO: I completely agree with NIIO, and looking back to the event in Vilnius, his soundtrack, produced exclusively for our show, has created a very unique atmosphere.
Let’s talk about your last collection. What has been the creative process around that?
DO: For our latest collection, the concept explores the idea of “Transition”, interpreted as a sort of journey, a stepwise transition through different stages or levels of experience and knowledge. The collection therefore includes garments that refer to different stages of this journey, with elements inspired by nature, trekking and climbing, combined with an Italian sartorial elegance. The first looks include more rustic and functional garments, such as heavy winter jackets, hiking boots, and durable pants. As we proceed throughout the collection, the garments become more sophisticated, with tailored cuts blended with technical fabrics and functional details. Essentially, we created garments that narrate the transition – from one place to another, from the nature to the street – of a community, that is our own, in order to highlight the current social and cultural issues.
Your clothes have essential materials that recur frequently in your designs, such as metal hardware, leather. What is the importance of tactility for you?
DO: Tactility is crucial because it enhances clothing beyond just a visual statement. It adds a sensory experience that allows the wearer to fully engage with the garment, creating a more intimate connection and improving the overall experience of wearing it. Additionally, incorporating quality materials that feel good to the touch ensures that my designs not only look great, but also feel comfortable to wear.
Times are changing and we are slowly (or maybe really fastly) leaning towards the importance of a digital presence as well. What do you think would be your direction towards the combination of digital and material fashion?
NIIO: Ensuring a combination between digital, visual and hearing experience is a key aspect. That’s one of the reasons why labels, like Afterlife, Circoloco and many more became also sort of brands and vice versa. An interactive digital world also allow people to remotely connect with your vision or project, guaranteeing an experience almost equal to reality.
Given the explosion of the Web 3.0, the metaverse with it’s game-changing technologies and the AI powered fashion models how do you imagine the future of fashion industry? And the future in general.
DS: As we move towards a world of web 3.0 and the metaverse, I think that the fashion industry is likely to see some major changes in the coming years. In the metaverse, we can expect to see a new level of creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. With the ability to create and manipulate digital clothing and accessories, designers can push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of design, material, and functionality. However, while the metaverse may bring about many exciting changes to the fashion industry, it also raises some important ethical questions around ownership, privacy, and representation. As the metaverse grows and becomes more integrated into our daily lives, I think that it will be crucial for the fashion industry to consider these issues and ensure that they are creating a safe and inclusive space for all users. As for AI-powered fashion models, while they may be a valuable tool in the fashion industry, I do not believe they will completely replace human creativity and talent. While AI may be able to create photorealistic models and simulate different clothing styles, it cannot replace the artistic vision and unique perspective that a human designer brings to the table. In general, the future is likely to be shaped by a combination of technological innovation and a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. As consumers become more aware of the impact of their purchasing choices, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on eco-friendly and socially responsible fashion. Additionally, as technology continues to advance, we may see new materials and manufacturing techniques that allow for even greater creativity and innovation in the fashion industry.
Dream collaborations?
DO: I have several collaborations in mind across different fields. I would love to collaborate with NM3 or Vincenzo de Cotiis for interior pieces, Marc and Antony Tudisco for 3D projects, and Hannah Levy or Miroslaw Balka for art installations. Sounds pretty exciting, doesn’t it?
Which celebrity would you like most to see wearing your pieces?
DO: Honestly, rather than celebrities, I would prefer to see our garments worn by individuals who strongly identifies with our brand’s values and feel a sense of belonging to our community. If I have to choose, I would actually mention Julia Fox, Peggy Gou, Arca1000000, Lewis Hamilton, Tyga and Wisdom Kaye.
Exciting upcoming projects on the pipeline?
DO: We still have so many things to show you, including drops, 3D artworks, and entire music tracks. June will be an important moment for us as we will be presenting our new collection in Florence. Stay tuned and please support us!