From a small village in Calabria to leading Ferrari’s creative direction, Rocco Iannone reveals how he incorporates Ferrari’s sports car heritage into fashion
In the world of fashion, few designers are as skilled at capturing the core of human emotion as Rocco Iannone, Ferrari’s Creative Director.
Having graduated from Istituto Marangoni Milano, Iannone returned to the school as an I’M Mentor to launch his mentorship programme “Future Heritage”, targeting students of the Master’s in Fashion Design and Fashion Design & Innovation. Here, Iannone shared his insights openly.
Rocco Iannone returned to Istituto Marangoni Milano as an I’M Mentor to launch his mentorship programme. Courtesy of the author
As the conversation unfolded, one word resonated deeply: “emotion”. This word serves as the bedrock of his work as a designer, intertwining his personal history, journey, and creative vision. Iannone emphasised how this intangible quality, above all else, forms a vital link between the customer and the brand.
The Roots of a Dream: Everything You Should Know About Ferrari’s Creative Director, Rocco Iannone
Before joining Ferrari, Rocco Iannone built his career in the luxury sector with some of the most prestigious names. Born in Stalettì, Calabria, he moved to Milan to attend Istituto Marangoni. He then worked at iconic fashion houses, including Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani, where he served as Head of Men’s Design. After that, he was appointed as Creative Director at Pal Zileri.
His talent for “always envisioning the future” has established him as one of the most promising contemporary creatives. Although he joined Pal Zileri with a clear vision, it was the call from Maranello and Ferrari—the brand epitomising speed, passion, and performance—that propelled Iannone into new frontiers.
“Whenever I begin working on a collection, I seek emotion” – Rocco Iannone, Ferrari Creative Director
“Fashion transcends aesthetics. It’s a connection, a heartbeat, a feeling sparked not just by the design but by the experience it creates,” the designer reflected.
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A Complex Translation: From Motors to Fashion
Iannone’s transition to Ferrari was not without its challenges, as he was tasked with transforming a brand known for Formula 1 and sports cars into a fashion house.
When he began in late 2019, Ferrari’s heritage didn't hold much weight in the fashion world. It was a long and delicate process—it took more than a year before his first collection debuted in 2021.
His journey at Ferrari began with discussions with the car designers. “They told me to incorporate sporty elements, but what mattered most to me was upholding Ferrari’s global values,” Iannone explained.
He sought to translate Ferrari’s imagery—from the seductive curves of its cars to the refinement of Italian craftsmanship—into a style that honoured the brand’s tradition while also presenting new opportunities for expression through fashion.
“Ferrari is pure energy, and in my work, I strive to capture that energy, bringing it to life through fabric and silhouettes” – Rocco Iannone
He then added, “Each collection is designed to evoke something in the wearer. A sense of luxury, power, control, eroticism, but also freedom.”
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Sustainable Innovation: The Story Behind the Q-CYCLE Circular Fabric
This emotion is also reflected in the materials Iannone selects for his collections. One standout example is the Q-CYCLE fabric, an innovation he is particularly proud of. Made from recycled yarns derived from tyre waste, it perfectly symbolises Ferrari’s embrace of sustainable innovation without losing sight of its heritage.
“Q-CYCLE is more than just a fabric, it’s a statement. It demonstrates that innovation goes beyond technology; it is also about environmental responsibility,” said Iannone.
“The idea that a garment can evoke the emotions of the future while respecting the environment, deeply fascinates me” – Rocco Iannone
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Emotions as the Creative Engine
Ultimately, for Rocco Iannone, luxury fashion is an art form that aligns perfectly with Ferrari’s world. Both tell stories of ambition and desire, where emotion is the true driving force.
The precision of a tailored cut combines with the thrill of speed, while cutting-edge materials point towards a more conscious and sophisticated future.
“In the end, it all comes down to emotion. It’s what makes us fall in love—with a garment, a car, or even an idea” – Rocco Iannone
Upon listening to his words, it becomes clear that emotion serves as the driving force behind his creativity. With a keen observer’s eye, Iannone demonstrates that fashion is more than mere aesthetics; it is an emotional journey that originates in the heart and resonates with the soul. This journey extends from the Ferrari factory and the Formula 1 paddock and circuits to the catwalks of Milan Fashion Week, the flagship stores, and all the events beyond.
@vogueitalia Da Maranello a Milano, la sfilata di @ferraristyle è una riflessione intima che parte dalle origini. La collezione primavera/estate 2025 di Rocco Iannone, presentata in questa #MilanoFashionWeek, è una sintesi del guardaroba Ferrari dove l’essenzialità prende forme diverse attraverso il filtro della libertà e dell'autenticità. #FerrariSS25 ♬ suono originale - vogueitalia
Agnese Pasquinelli
Alumna, Milano