Tommaso Motti: The Rebel Tailor Bridging the Past and Future of Fashion

In a small Milanese studio, where bolts of fabric and broken sewing needles tell the story of relentless experimentation, Tommaso is crafting more than garments—he’s weaving a manifesto. The young designer, who moved to Milan six years ago with little more than ambition and a sewing machine, is on a mission to redefine Italian fashion. His work is striking: oversized puffer jackets stitched from dozens of pieces, alien-like silhouettes that challenge the human form, and intricate details that quietly suggest deeper narratives.

For Tommaso, fashion is a vessel for both preservation and provocation. “Italy has such an incredible tradition of craftsmanship,” he says, reflecting on his heritage. “But I worry that tradition risks becoming a form of gatekeeping.” He describes an industry dominated by legacy brands, their names synonymous with luxury and excellence. Yet, for Tommaso, these icons of the past can feel like barriers to innovation. “I want to honor our artisans by incorporating their expertise into something entirely new,” he explains. “Tradition should be a springboard, not a tether.”

Resilience in the Threadwork

If there is one word that defines Tommaso, it’s resilience. His journey to becoming a designer is stitched with late nights, failed experiments, and a refusal to quit. “I moved here with big dreams,” he recalls, “but the reality was grueling.” One of his signature pieces—a massive puffer jacket constructed from 30 unique sections—tells the story of his determination. “I sewed it on a regular machine, breaking hundreds of needles in the process. That jacket is my resilience in physical form.”

This resilience also shapes his worldview. In a society driven by speed and disposability, Tommaso pushes back. “Fashion reflects the zeitgeist,” he says, “but I feel rebellious towards today’s culture. We’ve lost touch with what truly matters—love, nature, and connection. My work is about rediscovering those values.”

The Alien Among Us

Tommaso’s designs often feel otherworldly—fitting for a creator who draws inspiration from the cosmos. “My past collections are clearly influenced by aliens,” he admits, smiling. Oversized hoods resemble elongated skulls, while his exaggerated volumes feel as if they belong to an ancient civilization from a distant galaxy. These extraterrestrial aesthetics aren’t just about visuals; they carry a story.

“If my designs were a storybook, the central characters would be ancient beings who come to a collapsing planet to teach love and mutual respect,” Tommaso says. This narrative infuses his work, from the names of his pieces to hidden symbols sewn into their padding. For Tommaso, these touches are more than decorative—they’re a way to connect the wearer with the garment on a deeper level.

Timelessness in an Age of Impermanence

Tommaso is the first to admit that timelessness feels elusive in today’s fast-paced world. “Even great ideas last only a day now,” he muses. Yet, he is undeterred. By focusing on craftsmanship and innovation, he hopes to create garments that linger in memory. “Timelessness comes from shocking innovation—something truly groundbreaking,” he says. His current obsession is padding, a recurring element in his work, which he uses to explore texture and form in new ways.

Tommaso’s fascination with permanence extends beyond fashion. Asked about his dream collaboration, he doesn’t hesitate: “A marble sculptor,” he says. The idea is audacious: a hand-carved marble puffer jacket that merges the precision of sculpture with the fluidity of fabric. “It’s about connecting the past with the future,” he explains, “blending traditional techniques with modern design.”

Soul in the Stitching

In an industry dominated by mass production and fast fashion, Tommaso’s process is deeply personal. “I make every piece myself,” he says. “There’s a part of me in every garment.” This connection is palpable. His designs often feature subtle, symbolic details—stitching patterns believed to evoke positive energy. “It’s a small gesture,” he says, “but it connects the garment to the wearer in a meaningful way.”

Looking Forward

For Tommaso, the future of fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about how we live. He envisions a world where garments tell stories, inspire reflection, and foster connections. “Beautiful clothing has lost its true value in this age of excess,” he laments. Yet, his work is a quiet rebellion against that excess, a reminder that creativity flourishes in restraint.

As our conversation winds down, Tommaso reflects on the lessons he’s learned from adversity. “Failure only happens when you give up,” he says. “Hard work is my greatest asset.” In his Milan studio, surrounded by fabric scraps and the echoes of broken needles, it’s clear that Tommaso Motti is just getting started.

Written by Oona Chanel

Designer Tommaso Motti

Fashion Editor Jessica Iorio

Photography by Serena Gallorini & Asia Michelazzo