Carlo Capasa took over from Mario Boselli as president of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (the Italian Chamber of Fashion) in April 2015, with the board confirming his position until 2020 in May 2018. Capasa is a longtime member of the non-profit group that promotes the development of Italian fashion in the national and global markets. In this new position, Capasa set out a 12-month plan that focused specifically on supporting emerging Italian design talent and encouraging the fashion industry’s engagement with Milan as a fashion capital.
Capasa looked to work with the Italian government to nurture the country’s emerging talent, through improved education and state funding. Capasa told The New York Times that innovation is his top priority, and that this means offering “real support, infrastructures, training and financial support” to young designers. He also intends to create a “hub” — a physical space where the designers can develop their businesses.
Capasa has harnessed the power of collaboration with the designers in the group, asking members of the chamber to cease squabbling and support each other with the common goal of elevating Milan fashion week in the fashion calendar. Capasa cites Giorgio Armani as an example of willingness in holding his show on the final day of Milan Fashion Week in order to use the brand’s following to keep people in Milan for the duration of its schedule.
He has instituted the “fashion train” from Pitti Uomo in Florence to Milan men’s week, facilitating the movement between major events. He has also added special events to the Milan’s fashion calendar, including organised tours of Expo Milano and the Prada and Armani museums.
Carlo Capasa was the chief executive and co-creator of Costume National, a brand he founded with his brother — and the company’s designer — Ennio Capasa until the brothers announced their resignation in March 2016.
