[Un]Discovers: Costume National

I have followed Costume National collections for almost 13 years now and am always mesmerized by Ennio Capasa's exceptional craftsmanship. The silhouette for his men's collection is always so slim and the garments always have a certain futuristic approach with strong Italian tailoring traditions.

Promotion Campaign F/W07 (source:models)

For readers who have none or little knowledge of this brand, you are here for a treat because this speciL edition of [Un]Discovers is all about Ennio Capasa, the head designer of Costume National.

Promotion Campaign S/S10 (source:models)

Ennio Capasa is born in Lecce in the Apulia region of Italy and graduates from Milan's Belle Arti Academy in 1982. After that, he moves to Japan to work as Yohji Yamamoto's assistant for 3 years.
In 1986, Ennion returns from Japan and this is when he and his brother Carlo establishes the brand Costume National.

Promotion Campaign F/W08 (source:models)

In 1986, Ennio Capasa showcases his first women's collection in Milan and instantly wins the praise from leading press labels. They define his colleciton as "Edgy-chic" with his minimal, metropolitan and avant garde style. In 1991, the women's collection is showcased in Paris and this has secured Ennio's international position in the fashion industry.

Promotion Campaing S/S09 (source:models)

1993 is a remarkable year for Costume National because the first collection of the Homme line is launched. His men's line is "blurring the borders between the formal and the informal, develops a super slim silhouette for men. His style brings together a futuristic vision with the strong Italian tailoring tradition. " In 2004, he creates a sub-line for his label called C'N'C CoSTUME NATIONAL which is "the younger interpretation of his minimal, metropolitan and avant-grade style".

Promotion Campaign F/W09 (source:models)

Up to this moment, Ennio has won numerous awards throughout his fashion designer career. Some of the awards include Academy Awards of Italy Fashion for designer of the year  in Italy in 2003, designer of the year in the "Contemporary Chic" category for his Costume National and Costume National Homme FW 04/05 collections in Sanremo.

Promotion Campaign S/S10 (source:models)

Besides fashion, Ennio is also very active in the Arts world. In 1998, he is commissioned to design a public aquarium by the Municipality of Otranto and in the same year, he redesigns the interior of Milan's Contemporary Art Pavilion for "Rosso Vivo". In 2007, he wins the "Moving Fashion" award during the Rome Film Festival for the use of techniques that merge both the fashion and movie industry.

Promotion Campaign for C'N'C S/S10 (source:models)

After reading this mini biography, I hope you will have more knowledge on this brand than before. This brand has been on my radar for a long time now and I am hoping I will be able to meet Ennio one day in the future (would love to do a mini Q&A with him too). He is a truly amazing designer with lots of great impact on the arts industry.

Promotion Campaign for C'N'C F/W10 (source:models)

Thanks to the Costume National press team (thanks Margarida) for providing the information and I am excited to see the womenswear S/S collection soon! Stay tuned for my coverage on that show! Click here to visit the official website for the runway photos!