Carlo Bonato
CM: How would you describe your identity as a designer in a few words?
As a designer, I feel the need to act spontaneously. I love bringing to life what I envision in my mind. I imagine the shapes of the future—those that people will enjoy wearing.
CM: What inspired you to become a designer and start creating fashion?
The close connection I’ve always had with the world of fashion inspired me. I’ve been deeply drawn to it from the beginning. I was also fortunate to have access to many Bonotto fabrics, which not only inspired me but also gave me the opportunity to experiment extensively—until I was finally able to create the pieces I had envisioned, but that didn’t yet exist.
CM: What concept or message drives your work?
The concept that drives my work is the desire to create new questions, garments that dame your mind travel. I aim to design pieces that transcend trends and generations, clothing that resonates across time and speaks to different ages with the same emotional depth.
CM: Where do you draw inspiration for your collections?
I draw inspiration from nature. The relationship between humans and the natural world is essential to me. The balance within that relationship deeply influences my work. I’m also inspired by what I live, what I experience, and the atmosphere around me…what I feel in the air.
CM: What is your approach to design? Do you start from an image, a fabric, a feeling…?
I look for shapes that inspire me in nature and in the elements I find meaningful in my daily life. Through material research, I begin to envision the silhouettes I want to develop for future wearers, dreaming pieces that connect imagination with purpose.
CM: How do you select the materials or techniques you work with?
I do extensive research on materials and strive to enhance their value. I look for textures that inspire me and create meaningful connections. I love experimenting with techniques and fabric manipulation that intrigue and engage people.
CM: Is there a particular piece or collection you feel especially connected to? Why?
I have a profound connection with some garments that I usually wear but I’m looking forward to creating new pieces that impress me and make me feel good.
CM: What are the core values that guide you as a designer (e.g., sustainability, craftsmanship, inclusivity)?
innovative and valuable designs, premium quality materials and craftsmanship at the highest level. These are the values that drives my creative process.
CM: How do you relate to the concept of ethical or sustainable fashion?
It’s important to know the provenience of the materials you are using, from the fiber to the fabric. I always look for high quality materials that age slowly and gracefully. High-end craftsmanship and usage of fabrics scraps are also important. To me a sustainable garment must last for generations. Mass production is a Mess.
CM: Who do you envision wearing your creations? What does your ideal community look like?
Every age, free people that feel the connection with nature and wants to attract positive energy by wearing organic shapes. These is the individuals I design for.
CM: What has been the biggest challenge in your journey as a designer so far?
My biggest challenge as a designer is to keep the design development coherent in every step of the creative process. The constant urge changes make it difficult to maintain the balance sometimes.
CM: What does it mean to you to be “emerging” in today’s fashion world?
Today more than ever the fashion world is full of new talents graduating from fashion school. There is a lot of competition. I just try to do my best and stay true to what I feel.
CM: What is your long-term dream or goal as a designer?
As a designer my dream is to have a tailored to measure brand that crafted everything in-house, inside the laboratory.
CM: Is there a mentor, figure, or brand that has deeply inspired you?
A designer that deeply inspired me is Martin Margiela. I admire his approach of decontextualizing objects and trasforming them into garments and accessories.
