Courtesy of 1910 Borbonese.
It has been a sombre start to 2020 in the Italian fashion capital of Milan. At the centre of one of Europe’s regions worst hit by coronavirus, life in the Lombardian city is slowly returning to normal: people are out on the streets, enjoying life, albeit at a distance and wearing a face mask. Keeping inspired and creative during lockdown hasn’t been a problem though for design duo Dorian Tarantini and Matteo Mena of Milanese label 1910 Borbonese—the limited edition capsule collection from Italian fashion house and leather goods brand Borbonese—and they are looking ahead to the future, focusing on details and meaningful design. Their spring/summer 2020 line is ultra-glamorous with textured wide-leg trousers, sexy 90s-inspired bandeau tops, tiny handbags and shimmering palm prints—ideal for a summer spent outdoors. We caught up with Tarantini and Mena as life resumes to normality—although of a new kind—after lockdown.
Borbonese archive pictures selected by Dorian and Matteo. Left: Helmut Newton. Courtesy of Borbonese.
Can you describe what the pandemic situation is currently like in Milan?
The situation currently is certainly better after 2 months of strong lockdown—gladly we are doing well and are used to smart working and communicating digitally with the entire team of 1910 Borbonese and our own brand. This certainly helps in the current circumstances and allows us to continue working on our projects in a normal pattern.
How have you been staying creative during this unprecedented time? What advice, if any, would you offer to people struggling with their creative practice right now?
Finding many inspirations across art, music and culture, we don’t find it hard to stay creative but rather use this time at home to elaborate more in detail the inspirations that drive our creativity and get back to the routes of it. In comparison to the fast-paced environment we are used to living on on a daily basis, these circumstances allow us to dwell more on details and the foundations of our creative process. My suggestion is to work from the safety of your imagination that you already know.
How do you think the crisis will affect Milan’s fashion industry going forward? What positive changes, if any, do you think this pandemic might bring about?
I think fashion is a very receptive territory that it has already changed since day one of the pandemic. The positive changes are already noticeable in greater respect for human timing and rhythms. I believe that the great value of ‘Made in Italy’ has been better understood now.
In what ways might the pandemic influence how you got about designing your next collection?
It is even more important to focus on the brand’s DNA and be more precise and detailed on the product. Less stuff but more meaningful.
As life slowly returns to normal, what are you most looking forward to doing?
Travel around Italy and rediscover the beauty of nature.