Interview with Ennio Capasa of Costume National

It is said that you like blurring the boundaries between formal and informal in clothing. Do you agree? And why?

I agree because it's the most modern way to dress.

How would you describe your personal style? Does it affect the way you design the Costume National clothes or not?

Of course yes, radical chic.

Are you a different person than the one that is projected through your designs?

I don't think so.

Do you still envision the woman of the future to be romantic and martial at the same time? How come?

For sure romantic not martial but strong.

What are the basic differences between your first line and C'N'C? How did you come up with the concept of C'N'C?

First the price. C'N'C it's real street wear while Costume National it's street couture.

Which do you think is the most over rated attribute in fashion and in designers nowadays?

For the big brands just marketing, no passion, no creativity.

What is the best and the worst part of being a designer?

The best part is to work every day with beauty and the worst is too much work.

It has been noted that you often use metal fibers in your clothes. Why is that?

The intuition ten years ago was to give different face to the classic fabric.

What have been your biggest influences?

French classic couture and the 70's designers.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

People, books, and movies.

You developed a CD compilation quite some time ago. What motivated you? Will you develop a sequel?

I love music. Maybe.

How important is music and its artists when it comes to fashion? How important is it for you and your collections? Do you get inspiration from musicians and movements, trends?

Music and fashion: they work both for emotion and seduction.

What are the most common mistakes people make, fashion-wise?

I don't believe in mistakes in fashion.

What are your views on Italian fashion?

The best quality in the world.

How do you comment on the conception that Milan is the capital of commercial fashion whereas Paris is the capital of new ideas?

For the moment, maybe it will change.

Do you have any regrets? Personal or business-wise.

I hate regrets, I'm a positive person.

Could fashion be used to make political statements? Have you ever tried to do so? Why?

Fashion can change the mood, can change the style but fashion means also contradiction.

Is technology making the world better or worse?

Better. The men make the world worse.

What are your plans on the future of the company?

Be coherent and authentic.

What is the most common thing people ask you in interviews? And what is the question no one has ever asked you yet.

Every interview it's a different story.

Ennio Capasa's favourites list (and why)

• City: New York - it's a cosmopolitan city
• Smell: Intense by Costume National - It's a unique perfume
• Colour: Red - Represents the passion
• Motto: Don't give up - It gives you energy
• Book: Particelle Elementari, Houellebecq - It's a modern book
• Cd: Black mountain - It's powerful
• Film: Match Point - It's real
• Guilty habit: I Work too much - It's not healthy
• Item: I Pod - I love music
• Collection: The last one - It's beautiful
• Activity: Yoga - It's healthy