Marco Rambaldi is an Italian designer known for his authentic, inclusive, and deeply political approach to fashion. He blends Italian craftsmanship with a contemporary vision, bringing themes like identity, freedom, and civil rights to the runway. His collections celebrate diversity and individuality, turning each piece into an act of love and resistance.
Do you remember how the inspiration for your collection was born?
The inspiration for this collection came almost spontaneously, during a photoshoot held at my great-grandfather’s country house. It’s a soulful place, where I spent much of my childhood and teenage years, and where deep memories are preserved. We wanted to set the project there, surrounded by loved ones: friends, collaborators, and members of our Bolognese community. From that moment, the red thread of the collection began to take shape, drawing on an intimate imagery connected to the past, to emotional memory, and to that country house which remains one of our dearest places.
What is the message you want to convey with your collection Gioia Radicale?
My message is Gioia Radicale, which is the title of the new SS26 collection but also embodies a desire for life and rebellion. It starts from a past tied to the beautiful things that make us feel good — from my grandmother’s crochet tablecloths to cherished details that today take on new meaning. While the past has much to be forgiven for, it also becomes a compass to guide us through the difficult times we are living in.
Within the collection, there is a dualism linked to childhood: that of a child approaching the complexities of adulthood and seeking refuge in fairy tales. This is why the collection includes a clear reference to Pippi Calzelunghe, who has become a symbol of battles and of feminism for the boys and girls of my generation.
The brand’s core motif this year is the doily, reinterpreted in the wedding dress: doilies and crochet details, drawn from the past, have become the structural and aesthetic foundation of the garments, transforming heritage into contemporary design
Which brands collaborated on the Gioia Radicale show and what did they create?
Thanks to the support of Lineapelle, we were able to organize the show: leather takes on a sophisticated, artisanal meaning, a symbol of quality and Made in Italy. A hand-crafted leather strap becomes a tank top, while dark brown nappa, cut and assembled using crochet techniques, transforms into a structural element of the garment. Bata provided the footwear for the show, customized with crochet details, and Rosantica created woven jewelry and bags, completing the vision of the Gioia Radicale collection.
Upcoming projects?
A dream of mine is to stage a show in Bologna, my hometown — it would be wonderful to do it under the porticoes.
Marco Rambaldi