People of Style — Fabrizio Capriata

With bold colours and daring patterns, Fabrizio Capriata’s head-turning gowns have taken the fashion circuit by storm. Recognized for his signature balance between class and flair, Capriata is a force to be reckoned with.

Using the ‘20s and ‘30s as a source of inspiration, every seam of a Fabrizio Capriata piece boasts elegance. His line offers luxury prêt à porter couture, and promises cuts, styles and materials of the highest quality. “My design is a perfect mixture between a ready-to-wear and dream,” he explains. “You can definitely sense my Italian origin.”

Look for his newest collection this summer. A line that celebrates his love of colour, Capriata describes it as ‘metropolitan ethnic.’ “It is dedicated to all the women in the world who love beauty, luxury and delicacy, but most of all to the women who are autodidact, who succeeded in life by being free, independent and determined … A bit like me,” he reveals.

Capriata’s big break came only four years ago, when he met his associate Yann Pichot, with whom he launched his collection. But four years have been enough for the Fabrizio Capriata brand to make its mark in the prestigious, envied field of luxury women’s fashion.

The increasing success of his first collection prompted Capriata to launch a range of bags and a second collection concentrating on daywear and cocktail attire. Now present in 30 countries, Fabrizio Capriata is distributed from New York to Paris, Monaco to Singapore, and London to Dubai. And, we can soon expect to find his designs in Canada. “I hope to have my designs in Holt Renfrew very soon,” he says.

With dreams of becoming a designer since he was a young boy, Capriata was determined to make a name for himself. So, after winning a competition for young creators when he was only 16, he joined La Perla. Then, his work with Milan’s haute couture market led the Italian native to France, where he began designing for some big names.

Driven by a love of creation, Capriata says that the key to his success is hard work. “In this business, success means recognition. To become known and have your name reach the top is a daily challenge,” he says.

The future holds some promising developments for the Fabrizio Capriata brand. The designer will be launching a new line of accessories, and the opening of his first boutique in Cannes in
mid-May 2008. What’s more, his team is working on opening press showrooms in Beijing, Paris, Moscow and Qatar.

When asked to describe a person of style, Capriata cleverly says, “A person who wears Fabrizio Capriata.” And he makes a great point: his designs have been spotted on some of the most famous and influential people around the world, including actresses Eva Herzigova and Kerry Washington, models Inna Zobova and Bianca di Sofia, and Canadian producer Denise Robert.

An uncomplicated man, Capriata’s dolce vita is as simple as “a martini in a tiny café in Roma at the Piazza di Spagna,” he says.

Dolce: What’s your favourite city?
Capriata: Tokyo

Dolce: Who is your favourite designer?
Capriata: Armani

Dolce: What are three things you can’t live without?
Capriata: Pencil, inspiration, and sunglasses

Dolce: What car do you drive?
Capriata: No license, so I have my own driver.

Dolce: What is your next travel destination?
Capriata: I don’t know, but I imagine a quiet destination, a lagoon and white sand.

Dolce: What is your favourite meal?
Capriata: Sushi

www.capriata.fr