Sicilian Liborio Capizzi was the head designer for Gianfranco Ferré for sixteen years managing the brand’s prêt-à-porter for women while evolving his couturier sensitivity. When Ferré passed away, he left to go travelling all around the world to find his own way – until he settled in Milan, in a loft near Porta Nuova which is his home, atelier, ‘refugium pensatorum’, source of inspiration and ‘cabinet de curiosités’. On the occasion of the event Notte Italian hosted by Mercedes-Benz Zurich Fashion Days NoéMie met the designer behind the brand Di Liborio to exchange a few words.
How long did you spend travelling? I can totally see you with a long beard and a backpack.
Not quite like that but almost. I’m travelling until I find something. It was three years just to my purpose. Now this is my third own collection I’m presenting here. I usually show in my studio in Milan only. But when Mercedes-Benz invited me here I thought, why not.
You’ve trodden many different paths before arriving at your own understanding of customised couture.
You know, this is my history. It’s not completely couture because I was the head designer for a prêt-à-porter line, which is almost couture, giving me that background. But I also like rock so I’m mixing rock ‘n’ roll with elegance.
What is it about fashion that fascinates you?
My fascination has nothing to do with what other people are doing, but with what I find in the street, the club and in people. Not what’s hanging in shops because that’s not interesting anymore. Of course I have to go and see what other people are doing, but I like to find my inspiration in different things. I can find my inspiration now, in my memory, my dreams or nightmares.
So where did you find your inspiration for this Spring / Summer 2015 collection?
This one has been inspired by travelling – travelling through my memory, the iconography of rock, iconography of couture and different kinds of important points in my life.
Thank you for your time.
NoéMie Schwaller
