Federico Cina

Going through all these experiences, within a short period of time, was difficult to manage, especially in conjunction with the birth of the brand. On the other hand, however, achieving results of a certain calibre motivated me to pursue this path. Above all, the LVMH PRIZE of 2021, during which we were still in the midst of the pandemic, gave me the right drive to pursue my dream.

The brand’s aesthetics is certainly romantic and nostalgic, but at the same time aims at a modern and decisive design. Thanks to a continuous dialogue between past and present generations, Romagna’s history and culture make the brand’s aesthetics eclectic. Even the colour palette recalls Romagna, its natural landscapes or, as in the latest collection, the places of my childhood.

For us, being included in the men’s fashion calendar is very important because it represents an opportunity to meet journalists, buyers, influencers and our target. The show allows us to involve the viewer in the world of FEDERICO CINA, reinforcing the message we want to convey through our history, background and aesthetics, which was more than evident during the show of our latest collection “Appartamento”. (Read the show review here)

It is called ‘Apartment’ because it was born from a childhood memory of spending days at my grandparents’ house and playing at making huts out of chairs and blankets. This is how I used to create my refuge. Home, however, is not necessarily the place where you were born; it can also be the place where you feel comfortable.

When I used to travel a lot, my home was people. I used to refuge in the human part of people. Just before Christmas, however, I found my dream home in Cesena, and so the ‘Apartment’ collection was born, also perhaps to find my stability. I returned to Cesena and started working on my brand, but I was never stable because I was renting, but I needed my own shelter.

Shelter for me is solitude.

Thinking about it, I guess the aspect I most appreciate about being back in Cesena is the pace at which I experience everyday life. You can make real and lasting relationships. Although I value my independence, the closeness of my family, who are always ready to support me in times of need, also makes me happy.

Every time I think back to these places, I believe that each one has left something in me. Change cities frequently allowed me to get to know new cultures and habits. In Florence I lived perhaps the best years ever: I was an out-of-town student, the beginning of attending Polimoda, the sleepless nights spent finishing projects, and having met friends who are still very dear to me. My first real experience abroad was in Japan, a country completely opposite to what I had experienced up until then; and finally New York, which allowed me to put into practice the knowledge I had acquired, working in a dynamic and melting pot environment.

To create a new collection I always let myself be inspired by my surroundings or my experience. The whole creative process develops very naturally.

Federico wants to speak to all those people who are looking for a story behind a garment. Within my collections I always try to give a meaning to each piece, everything can be traced back to the initial source of inspiration. The technicality and craftsmanship of the products is another very important aspect both for me and for my consumers.

For me, being an emerging designer in Italy means being very determined and constantly finding new resources to pursue my goals, innovating from collection to collection. Clearly, with the great historical maisons we have as an example in Italy, it is normal to feel a lot more responsibility and weight on your shoulders.

In my opinion, the current Italian fashion system works just fine. The only thing perhaps, I would unify men’s fashion week with women’s fashion week. In 2023, I find the choice of gender division in clothing anachronistic.

In the future of fashion, I would definitely like to see more emerging designers involved. As Italy is a nation with a very broad cultural heritage related to fashion and a history centred on luxury brands, I would like to see more collaborations between these two worlds.