__ What is your creative process?

Giotto Calendoli__ My creative process certainly depends on my mood, the wine I have at home, the night and my playlist of music, and then just let my mind do the rest.

__Could you discuss your latest work? What was your intention behind it, and how do the materials work with this installation? 

Giotto Calendoli__ My latest work is about today’s society, the beginning of an inspection, an investigation of a generation, selfishness, fears, and prejudices. The work includes messages and artworks on canvas with installations that can make people interact with themselves, such as a telephone booth like the church or a confessional. The public should feel free to express themselves with strangers who have no faces, but only a voice of a woman who spurs you into the “to be better with all the mistakes” that each of us makes.

__ How do ethnic cultures influence your work?

Giotto Calendoli__ As far as art is concerned, I try to be influenced by myself. Fashion wise, I am influenced a lot by cultures in general. My travels greatly influence me in looking for cultural details such as fabrics, accessories, and making unique garments, like my latest summer collection that takes its cue from Turkish culture.

__ What are your future plans in terms of works and further exhibitions?

Giotto Calendoli__ At the moment, unfortunately, I have spent little time on art because of the new collection. In fact, I have tried to do more street art with messages around the world. Despite this, on February 13th, I had a feature in an art gallery in Milan (7ettanta6ei Art Galley), where my paintings from my archive were exhibited on a new canvas, so I am very happy to have the support of two galleries in the city that I live.

__ Does social media play a role in your life as an artist?

Giotto Calendoli__ Surely, social media play’s an important role not only in sharing what I do but also a lot of current research what people think, what they want, and what they don’t want.

__ What’s your motto?

Giotto Calendoli__ Be yourself and handle with freedom. 

__What is the biggest lesson you have learned since you started your fashion company?

Giotto Calendoli__ Be patient, don’t run. Be a leader, an example.

__What aroused your interest in fashion?

Giotto Calendoli__ My interest in fashion comes from my grandfather’s closet that I have never known but only inherited his clothes. A need not to follow trends, a need for simplicity, a need to find one’s personality by being oneself.

__ Are you self-taught, or have you studied fashion design?

Giotto Calendoli__ My school was traveling, I never studied fashion or art, but I always had a strong passion for it. I had to learn over time, but with precise training, this gave me more insight and knowledge.

__ How has your work evolved since you started managing your company, Handle with Freedom?

Giotto Calendoli__ I have evolved more than my job, therefore consequently, all the work that I am carrying out. Freedom was my key, the freedom to express yourself, the freedom to take risks, the freedom to make mistakes, the freedom to wake up stronger and more aware than yesterday, respecting your path that fate has reserved for you.

__ Are you superstitious or have rules by which you live?

Giotto Calendoli__ Well, I’m Neapolitan, and so are the superstitious. Surely, I am not sick of superstition, but I certainly do not walk under a ladder or across the road after a black cat has crossed!

__ What advice would you give to young designers trying to break into the industry?

Giotto Calendoli__ I know it’s hard, but don’t stop, never stop! Hard work, time, passion, humility, and heart will be excellent partners for achieving your dream!

__ And finally. What would you like to get before the end of the year? 

Giotto Calendoli__ Internal serenity and increasing awareness.