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Alessandro Squarzi and Alessia Giacobino: the creative duo behind Fortela. Craftsmanship and quality as hallmarks of timeless luxury.
Alessandro Squarzi and Alessia Giacobino represent the meeting of two worlds that merge into a new idea of luxury. Fortela is the result of a vision: that of Alessandro Squarzi, who founded the brand ten years ago. Today, Alessandro and Alessia are the soul of Fortela, the creative signatures of a brand that is a natural extension of their own way of being. The concept? To create garments that transcend time, based on the idea that true luxury is wearing something meant to last. The pieces are born from a vast archive of military clothing, workwear, and vintage tailoring, meticulously reinterpreted with artisanal care between Italy and Japan. The formula is a winning mix of visionary intuition and creative inspiration.
You two share some surprising similarities. Which ones?“ Even before we met,” Alessia replies,“ Alessandro and I shared a passion for vintage objects. I grew up surrounded by a family environment rich in culture and creative energy, and at fifteen, I started collecting vintage military-style clothing. Later, becoming an architect and running my own architecture studio, I specialised in customising vintage furniture and reclaiming materials from old buildings. The turning point was about twenty years ago when a high-profile client asked me for some very particular pieces. It was a huge success, which eventually led to the birth of the brand Jo No Fui. Then came Mr & Mrs Furs Italy – another project involving the customisation of military garments in the luxury world – through which my worlds of fashion and architecture intertwined via constantly cross-disciplinary research. Now I dedicate myself to creating Fortela products, along with other projects I am involved in.”“ I initially approached vintage more as an amateur,” Alessandro responds,“ but it quickly became a great passion. I started my career in fashion in the 1990s, first managing boutiques and then as an entrepreneur, culminating in the creation of successful brands. I have a deep passion for collecting vintage cars, motorcycles, watches, and jewellery. Alessia and I have travelled extensively, gradually building our vast archive of denim, leather, military articles, and vintage pieces. This is how the Fortela imagery was born.”
Today, Alessandro Squarzi is recognised worldwide as a style icon.“ Instagram gave me notoriety I hadn’ t initially planned. What mattered most to me was gaining
VINTAGE CONNECTIONS FOR A SIGNATURE LIAISON
credibility, thanks to the quality and refinement of the pieces. True identity isn’ t about chasing trends at any cost. The first person to teach me the concept of elegance was my father. To this, I added my great ability to dare and stay ahead of others: I’ ve had great teachers, but I also recognise my talent in seizing and making the most of the inputs I’ ve received.”
Then, in 2019, the women’ s collection was launched, directly overseen by Alessia. How does it relate to the men’ s pieces?“ The women’ s line actually started as an offshoot of the men’ s collection, so many pieces are unisex. However, over time, I’ ve introduced several features responding to women’ s specific needs. For example, the wonderful capsule collection of kaftans, which came from my personal collection, but also blouses and dresses with special embroidery.”
How do you divide responsibilities?“ Alessandro and I always work hand in hand,” says Alessia.“ However, I also oversee the store interiors as well as advertising campaigns and photoshoots. Alessandro, on the other hand, detests bureaucracy and strategy, and prefers the creative side, which is also his strength because he avoids being influenced and remains in an enviable aura of lightness. This way, he preserves truly enviable intuition and genius.”
What does creativity mean for Fortela?“ It means exploring cultures, travelling, blending experiences and imaginations. On one hand, there’ s the Italian craftsmanship, but there are also other influences, like those from the USA, Mexico, or Navajo culture... These are the many elements of an aesthetic shaped by our experiences and visionary ambitions. An attitude, as we said before, that fuses the real with the dreamed and has made us pioneers of several trends now riding our wave.”
Is style an individual matter?“ Yes, absolutely. It’ s a way of being, a reflection of your soul. Fortela doesn’ t follow fashion but creates pieces to be handed down, sought after, and designed for leisure,” Alessia explains. Alessandro would add:“ The importance of always nurturing a great hunger for knowledge. Over the years, I’ ve developed a different approach: once I had no patience, now I cultivate a slower approach, thanks to a new awareness of valuing time: from observing the landscapes during a train journey to touching the fabrics of our creations.”
The mission? Always the same: to capture emotions in the spirit of vintage …