July 9, 2019 |
What’s the meaning of the “Made in Italy” label today? Since 2004, the Who Is On Next? prize founded by Altaroma and Vogue Italia has been answering the question yearly with the help of a panel of international fashion experts. This year, our editrix Sophia Neophitou was on the panel who decided on Federico Cina to represent the future of Italian fashion.
The 25-year-old designer, who is rarely spotted without his tashe, beard and long hair, dipped his toe into the industry in 2014 as a men’s knitwear developer for a local Italian business. After a quick social media stalking session in true Ten style, we find out that Cina is a designer who has done it all. From interning, consulting, and even becoming a freelance denim designer for a year in his life… It comes with no surprise that someone with such experience has found himself joining the boasting list of alumni winners. Marco de Vincenzo, MSGM and Stella Jean are just some of the brands that took the opportunity at Who is On Next? to elevate their business.
The pieces, which were presented up to the judging panel, had a colour story of rustic browns striped alongside creams and a deep greens. Appearing in the form of netted vests and arm warmers, Cina seems to have found the answer to our cooler summer evening dilemmas without sacrificing style. Rich knits layered with oversized tailoring and some pretty stunning silhouettes – there was plenty to yearn for, with some subtle nods to the #OldCeline universe.
The fine collection has acquired Cina the Franca Sozzani prize which includes a cash prize of €20.000, as well as a year-long mentorship programme and a spot on the official schedule of next season’s Milan Fashion Week. And do not fret if you would also like to get your hands on a piece or even just be seen in one of Cina’s creations. His Facebook profile is used as a tool to hail models or bump into him on the streets of Rome where he street casts for his muses. What a great excuse for a weekend away, even though we’re hoping he’s still celebrating his triumph in style, arm warmers included.
