I believe my connection to Italy actually began with my birth. For as long as I can remember, my family and I have gone there every year. These trips somehow left a lasting impression – the warmth, the light, the food, the people. It was never just a vacation; it was always a feeling.
For a while, we even had a house in Tuscany. That time shaped me in a completely different way. The morning quiet, the slow pace of life during the day, communal meals in the evening – everything a little more mindful, a little more authentic. These are precisely the moments I carry with me to this day.
In general, I love Europe and traveling. I'm particularly fond of the Mediterranean countries – Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece. But also the Alps or places like Bavaria, which radiate their own kind of peace, nature, and quality of life. Europe has so many different facets, yet they are connected by this certain way of life.
I'm a trained chef, and food has always been more to me than just something on a plate. Mediterranean cuisine, in particular, has influenced me – simple ingredients, honest flavors, no fuss. This kind of food also represents memories for me: a slice of pizza late at night, an espresso in the sun, fresh pasta by the sea.
That's why I wanted to incorporate this theme into my clothing. Not overtly, but as something one experiences – as a moment. For me, food is part of this lifestyle and belongs to CostaDolce just like sun, sea, and travel.
Eventually, the idea for CostaDolce came about. Quite organically, actually. I've always privately worn clothes that reflect this very feeling – vacation, sun, sea, lightness. And at some point, I thought to myself: Why not turn it into something of my own?
CostaDolce aims to convey exactly that. This Mediterranean way of life, the memories of travels, of food, of long evenings, of small moments. But not just the Mediterranean – also other places that embody this feeling for me: the Alps, Bavaria, Europe in general in all its facets.
Ultimately, it's not just about clothing. It's about a feeling you carry with you. A little bit of vacation in everyday life. A little bit of sunshine, even when there isn't any.
Benvenuti da Costa Dolce.
