Diego Dolcini (Napoli, 21 March 1969) is an Italian fashion designer, creative director, and visionary. Discover his career and approach to creativity. If you are interested in the fashion industry, check out our Postgraduate Programmes.
After studying architecture, in 1989 Diego Dolcini won a scholarship for the Master in Fashion Design at Domus Academy, where he graduated with Gianfranco Ferré.
“I was looking for identity, as a creative, fascinated by Milan and I wanted to be part of that. I became a fashion addict. Milan was the capital of fashion especially for ‘made in Italy’.”
“Domus Academy was, and still is, the most important school for fashion design. I was ambitious and I wanted the best laboratories and hubs of experimentation, and that was Domus Academy for me. I met great people and big personalities of international design. I learned to work with a methodology and how to build a project. Domus Academy gave me tools and it was a unique experience.”
During that time, he worked for design studios, showing his sketches and ideas. These experiences helped him better understand who he was and he wanted to become.
“I met extraordinary people such as Romeo Gigli, Daniela Puppa, Gianfranco Ferré and Gianni Versace. It was a networking process to learn, to share ideas and live experiences”.
His passion for footwear design began early on in his career, with important collaborations, and in 1994 he founded his own brand, distributed in the best shops around the world.
Diego Dolcini worked in the luxury, fashion, footwear, and leather goods industry. He designed for Max Mara, Trussardi, Casadei, Emilio Pucci, Brunello Cucinelli, Bruno Magli, and with the best craftsmen of ‘Made in Italy’. From 2001 to 2004, he worked as Creative Director of Gucci footwear under the direction of Tom Ford.
His creations were chosen by movie and television stars such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna, Madonna, Beyonce, and Chiara Ferragni.
An important philosophy for him is that to be at one’s best, it is vital to understand the process behind the creation of the pieces, rather than just being a creative. One needs to understand all the aspects of the process to make your business successful.
“You have to be a manager for yourself, whilst also being both creative and talented”.
He currently works as creative director and visionary for a communication agency.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
In 2019 Diego Dolcini celebrated the 25th anniversary of his career with the publication of the book “From heart to toe” and the release of the short film of the same name.
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