The Soul of Rock and couture fashion come together in the collection of handbags De Couture, a young Roman brand focusing on expert craftsmanship and skillful handwork.

The 2013 collection progresses by proposing new techniques of handcrafted workmanship which bring together manual ability and creativity. The use of leather and chains woven together makes these bags truly unique and recognizable. Massimo Mariotti, designer and founder of the brand, has a background in punk and various experiences in fashion. He decided to create his own fashion line in 2005 as a means of expressing his personal history and style. Hence the idea of utilizing metal chains as the common thread of the collection, declined in various ways and colors. The 2013 Spring / Summer collection is characterized by contrasts: light and shadow, smooth and rough surfaces. The leathers, chosen meticulously among the best Italian producers decline differently surfaces and brightness: opaque, natural calves; waxed and iced lambs; presses python motives on baby calf skins. The strong and bright tones of the collection evoke the freshness of impressionist still lives: Broom yellow, Rose, Myosotis, Passion Flower. Massimo Mariotti lives and works in San Lorenzo, a historical district of Rome frequented by intellectuals and artists. It is here in Pastificio San Lorenzo that the beautiful Carolina Gawronsky showcased the creations of De Couture.

Why do you decide to live and work in Rome?

“I was born and grew up in Rome. When I started with fashion I moved to Milano where I lived for almost 15 years. Suddenly, a deep nostalgia obliged me to return to my roots. It was seven years ago.”

How did your career in fashion start?

“Actually I didn’t plan it, it just happened. I was playing in a Punk band and was… nowadays we could say… the stylist of the band. Then someone saw my accessories and asked me to start designing for them.”

Your bags are rock and artisanal, where do you get your inspiration from?

“My deeper vibes come from contemporary music as well as the social and costume movement they created.”

What kind of woman fascinates you? Do you have a fashion icon?

“I like creative and passionate women. Probably I’m still impressed by some icons like Siouxsie Sioux.”

How do you describe your collection?

“Skilled , modern without being obviously and loudly modern. It is rooted in memory but finds its place in today’s world.”

The motif of chains woven with leather characterizes your bags. How was this born?

“From the idea of mixing traditional craftsmanship with Rock elements such as chains.”

What does”craftsmanship” mean to you?

“An attitude allowing mankind to be creative and demanding in regards to beauty.”

Who are your favorite fashion designers?

“The dream brand in the accessories field is Hermes.”

Which is your next project?

“The urban unisex collection that I named de/co. The name plays with decouture but stays for de/constructed.”

Photos by Paolina Sturni

Model: Carolina Gawronski

Location: Pastificio San Lorenzo