Leitmotiv: Two Men. Two Tastes.

Fabio Sasso with a flair for decorative Baroque. Juan Caro-an eye for Gothic themes. Born in Milan, Fabio studied Art at the University of Bologna; Juan grew up in Bogot�, transferring to Bologna to pursue studies in Visual Arts. In 2006, their imagination for the mythical and surreal detonated into a new brand: Leitmotiv.

How did you meet?

We met one another while looking for the same book in the library of Bologna.

What motivated you to launch a brand together?

We were both studying Art: Juan, Painting, and Fabio-the History of Art. This common interest was the first necessary element to give life to the brand. So we launched without much thought to realize what our aspiration was at that time. From there, this desire took shape, leading us to win several awards in Italy from the National Chamber of Fashion, Vogue Italia, Mango Fashion Awards....

Why the name Leitmotiv?

Leitmotiv means "guiding motif." Our guiding theme has always been the union of art and fashion.

And the logo?

In various mythological traditions, the deer has always played a significant role: The symbol of life's continuous renewal. For us it is the joy of living.

Juan, why did you choose to study in Italy?

I've always been fascinated by Italian culture, especially art. I think Italy is the most artistic country in the world.

What kind of guy wears Leitmotiv?

The Leitmotiv man can be defined as particularly sensitive to the uniqueness that a garment can transmit and quality in terms of materials and concepts.

Why the focus on emoticons for this summer collection?

Emoticons are the widely used digital images of the '80s that have revolutionized the way we communicate online in playful ways, replacing words with icons that convey a mood, a thought, an emotion.

How did the idea of Leitmoticons come about?

We started with this form of iconographic language, which is immediate, direct, friendly, and confidential. We transformed and reinterpreted the emoticons, creating subjects that are capable of transmitting positivity, joy of life, and love. From this operation a series of icons called Leitmoticons was born.

Why the touch of sportswear?

The fusion of sports and streetwear is an interesting topic because, in our opinion, it fully reflects the spirit of modern man.

Were there any components that don't readily meet the eye?

We focused particularly on the three-dimensional shape, conducting new research on the materials and presenting color palettes that have never been explored and a pictorial component.

How do you view menswear in Italy today?

As for men's fashion in Italy, there is a world of possibilities and innovations to be proposed. Italian men's fashion has always been recognized throughout the world for its excellence. At the same time, we believe it is necessary to look to the future, at new generations, to the voice of young people. We believe that man has an absolute desire and need for uniqueness and new elements that make him more lighthearted and fascinating.

How does Leitmotiv fit into this scene?

Leitmotiv wants to be a brand with a very precise and defined personality, which imparts a product rich in content and emotion to the man who wears it.