Milano The School of Fashion

This is a story of fashion, shared passion, and a dream transformed into artistic vision. But above all, it’s about a meeting: between young designer Filippo Cascinelli, trained at Istituto Marangoni Milano, and dancer Giuseppe Giofrè - the acclaimed choreographer who has worked with Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, and Kylie Minogue.

«I met him during the Camera della Moda awards at La Scala in Milan. At first, I dressed him for his press tour for The Traitors. We stayed in touch, and I suggested we collaborate on a project» Filippo explains. That’s how In Motion was born: a capsule collection designed to move, breathe, and dance. The pieces were presented during Milan Fashion Week alongside Cascinelli’s main collection, One Year On, celebrating the brand’s first anniversary.

Here is how the two protagonists describe this compelling creative adventure.

How did you work on the In Motion capsule?

Filippo: The capsule grew out of my great passion for music and live performance. Between Los Angeles, where Giuseppe lives, and Milan, where I am based, we worked day and night through video calls and messages to bring it to life.

Giuseppe: Throughout the preparation, I was constantly in rehearsal studios, juggling training sessions and calls. Every day, I sent Filippo countless ideas, and he always made them tangible. Everything started with him, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity he gave me. I live for art, dance, and music, and I wanted all of that to be present in the creation, shaped by his signature style. I had always dreamed of creating my own collection, and thanks to Filippo, this became possible. It felt like a natural fit: this flower (his signature motif) blossomed in the most harmonious way.

What was the initial inspiration, and which materials did you work with?

Filippo: The collection combines the distinctive volumes that represent Giuseppe’s style with Cascinelli’s aesthetic and signature materials. We drew inspiration from the one-piece jumpsuits he often wears during training, and created garments in recycled nylon and cotton gabardine.

Giuseppe: I’ve always been a big fan of one-piece jumpsuits, so designing one of my own, with the right proportions and truly tailored to my body, was a special experience. The long belt that wraps around the body helped us achieve just the right balance of function and aesthetics. It’s an outfit that truly feels like mine.

How did you work on the volumes of In Motion to create harmony between the body and movement?

Filippo: Unlike the traditional volumes in my collections, with In Motion we introduced shapes designed around Giuseppe’s aesthetic, creating a more direct relationship between the garment, the body, and movement.

Giuseppe: Filippo immediately stepped into my world and understood me. Our garments are both boxy and sharply linear, designed to follow the body and movement without restricting them. 

If you had to describe the collection in three words?

Filippo and Giuseppe: Technical, dynamic, and sensual.

The journey of Filippo Cascinelli

Alongside In Motion, the designer celebrated his brand’s first anniversary with the collection One Year On: a wardrobe inspired by the volumes of technical mountain-wear, with an aesthetic that blends outerwear and romanticism in a fresh, sophisticated way.

In the press release, you speak of “Italian craftsmanship.” What does that mean exactly?

Cascinelli products are made entirely by hand by Italian artisans who specialise in traditional techniques, prioritising craftsmanship over industrial processes.

What led you to study fashion at Istituto Marangoni Milano?

Having been born and raised in Milan, I always knew that Istituto Marangoni Milano was the ideal place to study fashion.

What are the most important things you learned during your educational journey?

I learned the value of dedication, the importance of building something on your own, daily discipline, and the awareness that every detail matters.

What advice would you give to a young Istituto Marangoni designer entering the fashion world?

Don’t be discouraged by early setbacks—stay resilient, and keep believing in your goals with consistency and determination.

Why did you want to launch your own brand?

It has always been my dream since childhood, but I first wanted to gain experience at major brands like Prada, so I could fully master the craft and be prepared to launch my own label.

Was it difficult? What were the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Yes, it was difficult. When you start a business, you have to think like an entrepreneur first and a designer second. Early on, the biggest challenge was finding the right workshops; today, in a highly complex and competitive market, the greatest difficulty is making your brand stand out.

Milan, Paris, Florence… your wardrobe has travelled extensively. Which experience was the most impactful? Which city offers the most interesting stimuli in menswear today?

Florence holds a special place in my heart - it was where I presented my first collection. Paris was an exciting adventure, full of encounters with industry professionals. But Milan is my city and the true centre of my creative inspiration.

Is it important today to create in a sustainable way? Do you believe fashion is really moving in this direction, or is there still a long way to go?

Yes, sustainability is essential, and it is something the new generation cares deeply about. There is still a long way to go: we need to buy less, but better, prioritising quality and responsibility. 

Is there a designer you particularly admire or who has strongly influenced your work?

Yes, I look up to Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, who remain my main references to this day. Working with them taught me an enormous amount, both creatively and in understanding how to navigate the fashion industry.