The leitmotif of the collection.

Emanuele Fabi: – The leitmotif of the collection is definitely the idea of practicality that still leaves room for elegance and versatility, an idea that runs through the entire autumn/winter 2012/13 Fabi collection for men. Colour plays a key role, but our main focus was the concept of comfort. In footwear, the classics are still moccasins with a tubular construction, especially the California and Viareggio constructions: our classics. In the clothing, we tried to pay close attention to the choice of materials, which must allow freedom of movement and make dressing up a pleasure.

Is it hard to reinvent menswear every season?

Gianni Scarafiocca: – No, what’s hard is reinventing yourself, that is, updating and developing your style, without losing your identity.

Name a garment that’s seductive.

Emanuele Fabi: – A slightly loosened bowtie or necktie, the sign of an evening winding down, of tension easing up, of charisma and charm that are still going strong, but in a less rigid and structured way.

Is this a man who dresses to please, or to please himself?

Emanuele Fabi: – Both. We’re not targeting overly narcissistic men, but men who are practical, who care about their image but in a measured, balanced way. The Fabi man chooses the right garment for the circumstances, without foregoing the pleasure of pleasing himself as well.

What’s the “evergreen” of your collections, that classic you’ll never grow tired of?

Gianni Scarafiocca: – For the footwear and small leather items, we are happily loyal to soft, extremely comfortable kidskin; as for clothing, the jacket, in all its shapes and variations, be it elegant or more casual.

What can you take risks with?

Emanuele Fabi: Taking risks is necessary to come up with new ideas, there’s no reason to repress creative self-expression. Of course, this has to be translated into pure Fabi style.

How have you evolved along with your collections?

Emanuele Fabi: – Our collections are increasingly well-structured and complex. This type of evolution is actually both necessary and voluntary.

Necessary because of the markets we deal with, which over time have demanded greater diversification; voluntary, because we ourselves felt the need to create a head-to-toe look, capable of fully expressing our vision of contemporary style.

What would you never wear?    

Gianni Scarafiocca: – Anything that wouldn’t be identified with “good taste”.

It’s wrong to wear something just to stand out and be different, unless that really reflects the personality of the person wearing it.

What value can still be found in a “made in Italy” label?

Emanuele Fabi: – Over time, the “made in Italy” label has been reassessed, taken as a model, sought after as a byword for high-quality craftsmanship and design.

Today it’s worth even more and becomes an added value, something looked for by the most demanding customers.

What does luxury mean to you?

Gianni Scarafiocca: – A balance of design, quality, and the pleasure of wearing a garment, even years later