- Date
- 05 FEBRUARY 2024
- Author
- LUCIA MARINELLI
- Image by
- LUCA PIRRI
- Categories
- Fashion
Beyond the Fabric: The Enchanted World of Luca Pirri
We are excited to introduce a new column that aims to capture the essence of the future in fashion, design, art, and other creative domains. In our inaugural edition, we have the pleasure of featuring Luca Pirri, a promising fashion stylist from Milan. Luca opens the doors to his creative universe, sharing his inspirations and giving us an exclusive look at his latest project, "Sidhe."
How did you first become interested in fashion styling?
I am deeply grateful for the chance to inaugurate this new section, and it's my hope that sharing my journey and the insights I've gathered about this project will inspire others who harbor the same aspirations. My fascination with styling emerged from a period of personal growth, during which I was exploring my desired path within the fashion industry. The only clarity I had was my profound love for clothing; I was determined not to let this passion merely simmer as a hobby but to weave it into the fabric of my daily life.
Hailing from a small town and carrying the zeal of youth, the concept of styling as a profession was a revelation to me. No one in my immediate surroundings had illuminated this path before, so my move to Milan marked a pivotal turning point. There, my choice to pursue styling evolved organically, propelled by the convergence of two essential elements of my being: a passion for clothing and an innate creativity. It was in Milan that I truly understood styling not just as a job, but as a calling, blending seamlessly with my personal and creative aspirations.
Can you share a bit about your journey and how you got started in the styling industry?
Absolutely, my entry into the world of fashion styling was primarily rooted in formal education. While some argue that academic studies aren't essential for a career in styling, my experience underscores the substantial benefits they offer. Education in fashion styling provided me with a solid foundation, equipping me with a diverse range of inspirations and a clear understanding of how to navigate the early stages of my career. This knowledge base was instrumental in ensuring I approached the industry with professionalism and avoided common pitfalls.
Having a mentor or a structured educational background can be invaluable in learning the intricacies of the profession. Beyond the technical skills, the essence of success in styling, as in any field, hinges on unwavering dedication and commitment. Contrary to the skepticism surrounding meritocracy in the fashion industry, I firmly believe in the power of passion and perseverance. The effort and love we invest in each project are pivotal; they embody our vision and ultimately lead to our achievements. Recognizing and seizing the right opportunities and connections when they arise is crucial. This approach has been the cornerstone of my journey in fashion styling, guiding me toward realizing my aspirations.
Where do you draw inspiration for your styling work? Are there specific designers or fashion eras that influence your style?
If i have to talk about my personal style surely several designers influenced my taste in a significant way: Rick Owens, Raf Simons, Demna Gvasalia, Helmut Lang, and i could make a list that would probably take up the space of 3 more questions, but i want to focus more on my general creative inspiration.
When I try to find inspiration for a work, usually fashion comes last. In my opinion this is the key thing to be able to succeed in making something that can truly be called unique and personal.
I also believe that inspiration can come from anything; in fact, all around us we have a world that every moment presents us different situations, different realities, different colors, and the thing i love about the creative universe is this: every element can be captured and declined by everyone in a different way thanks to their imagination.
Also, one of my main creative sources is music, not so much textually, but more in the sounds. I am convinced that finding your own and personal musical sound is a fundamental piece that can help to make your own way of working and approaching creativity even more unique.
Looking at your beautiful work, "Sidhe," we see fairylike creatures and fascinating figures that seem to come from a fantasy tale. What’s the story behind this project? And when did you come up with this idea?
Thank you so much for the kind words! It's immensely gratifying to receive such positive feedback, especially on a project as close to my heart as "Sidhe." This encouragement confirms that I've accomplished my goal of creating something truly unique. The concept of "Sidhe" is deeply rooted in its name, which is a Gaelic term meaning "Little population." This term broadly encompasses the myriad of creatures that inhabit the Earth's surface, serving as a nod to the rich tapestry of life that often goes unnoticed. Interestingly, the inspiration for this project sprouted from a simple, yet profound, experience. One afternoon, while lying in a park and indulging my love for nature, I found myself fascinated by the microcosm of life in the grass—spiders, flies, and various insects bustling about their day. It was in this moment of reflection I pondered, "Why not encapsulate the essence of these tiny beings through the medium of clothing?" As the vision for "Sidhe" began to crystallize, I sensed a need to infuse the project with elements that would elevate its uniqueness. Thus, I decided to integrate beings from myth and legend, a realm that has captivated me since childhood. By incorporating fairies, gnomes, and pixies into the narrative, I aimed to bridge the gap between the observed reality of nature's tiny inhabitants and the enchanting world of fairy tales. This blend of the natural with the mythical has shaped "Sidhe" into a work that invites viewers to explore a world where fantasy and reality intertwine.
What is your concept of beauty starting from Sidhe?
My concept of beauty starting with Sidhe ties in with the words I said earlier. The goal I wanted to achieve was to show how creatures that we often forget about or that are considered terrifying by many people can actually, if valued, become the protagonists of a scenario.
It is a symbolic way to show that beauty can be found anywhere; there isn’t anything ugly or beautiful, everything changes depending on the perspective from which we look at it, and the fact that I was able to represent it through clothes makes me even happier.
What was the most challenging fashion item you had to manage in this shooting?
Good question! I have to admit that I didn't exactly make my life easier through garments with simple construction, but I think the effort to figure out how to put them on the models' bodies absolutely paid off with the final result. Of all of them probably the most complicated to handle was Josefin's stunning purple dress due to its stiffness and to the fact that it was modeled on a body that wasn’t the one of the model which it was created for. It took the efforts of several people to get it on.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who along with me were involved in this project and helped me in making possible what before was only a thought in my imagination. Every single person on the set was essential, and without their help none of this would’ve been possible.
I would also like to thank the whole Red-Eye team for their availability and appreciation, and I hope that these words can be an inspiration to those who, like me, love this profession and love to let their creativity loose.
So take care and see you next!
Interview by @lluciamarinelli
Images courtesy of @luca_pirrjj
Credits
Photography: Elia Gabassi
Styling: Luca Pirri
Styling Assistant: Ludovica Camilla Manuzzi, Mattia Bonanno
MUA: Hejun Shi, Monica Crosta
Hair Stylist: Anna Verzeroli
Set Design: Cassandra Congré
Models: Francesca Anastasija Telia, Selma Severin Olsen, Chiméne Lansdorf, Angela Hu