Our alumnus Alberto Caiola selected for ADI Design Index 2026
With DES CAIOLA, Domus Academy alumnus Alberto Caiola is among the candidates for the ADI Compasso d’Oro Award, presenting a project that combines innovation, freedom of movement, and Italian tailoring tradition.
Alberto Caiola, a 2025 graduate of Domus Academy’s Master in Business Design has been selected for the ADI Design Index 2026 with his project DES CAIOLA, becoming a candidate for the ADI Compasso d’Oro Award, one of the most prestigious international recognitions in the field of design.
With DES CAIOLA, Domus Academy alumnus Alberto Caiola is among the candidates for the ADI Compasso d’Oro Award, presenting a project that combines innovation, freedom of movement, and Italian tailoring tradition.
Alberto Caiola, a 2025 graduate of Domus Academy’s Master in Business Design has been selected for the ADI Design Index 2026 with his project DES CAIOLA, becoming a candidate for the ADI Compasso d’Oro Award, one of the most prestigious international recognitions in the field of design.
Rethinking Men’s Formalwear
At the heart of the project lies a challenge: reimagining men’s formalwear by overcoming the restrictions on movement traditionally associated with tailored suits. DES CAIOLA originated from an idea developed during Caiola’s university studies and evolved through a process of research, experimentation and patent development. The result is an innovative construction system that integrates technical inserts into garments, providing greater comfort and freedom of movement without compromising the elegance and quality of Italian tailoring.
From Design to Entrepreneurship
With a background in Industrial Design and a specialisation in fashion, Alberto Caiola has gained professional experience in the fashion and luxury industries, working with brands such as Massimo Dutti and Marni. His multidisciplinary approach combines design, product innovation and commercial strategy, bringing together creative thinking and entrepreneurial ambition.
The Domus Academy Experience
Caiola further developed his strategic and entrepreneurial skills at Domus Academy, where he attended the Master in Business Design with a DAxMI scholarship. The programme allowed him to explore how research and innovation can be translated into viable business models, strengthening his approach to design entrepreneurship. This perspective is reflected in the development of DES CAIOLA, a brand founded in Sicily that aims to celebrate Italian craftsmanship through a contemporary and international vision.
ADI Design Index 2026
The selection for ADI Design Index 2026 marks an important milestone in Caiola’s journey, recognising a project that brings together creativity, technological innovation and entrepreneurial vision. DES CAIOLA is on display at the ADI Design Museum in Milan from 1 to 15 October 2026, as part of the exhibition showcasing the projects selected for ADI Design Index.
