The power of music for emerging creatives

That between artists and creatives belonging to different but, for this reason, interconnected fields is a relationship that is based on a constant and respectful interpretation of the other. We are talking about stylists, designers, and photographers who, in building their careers in the world of fashion, have chosen to become the image makers of contemporary artists divided between mood boards, styling, and photo shoots. We interviewed an independent designer, a stylist, and a photographer with collaborations with personalities like Irama, Chiello, and Sethu asking each of them to tell us the behind-the-scenes of the most significant works for their professional experience.

Francesco Mautone

“I learned to wait, not to run too much. And I understood that commitment and sacrifice ultimately pay off” startsFrancesco Mautone, stylist with a career punctuated by significant experiences with artists like Chiello Fsk, Bnkr44, and Sethu.  "It's not true that meritocracy doesn't exist, if you're worth it you find your way” he says, leaning Mautone. It is what his work experience with young talents from the contemporary music scene lets transpire. Choosing a significant experience in particular is difficult, but I can certainly mention the first time in Sanremo with Sethu” confesses the stylist. "I, Sethu, and Jiz, his twin brother and producer, speak the same language and share references and passions. We all have a predisposition for hard work and sacrifice” Mautone adds.

Hard work that, summed up with creative independence and a defined aesthetic project, has found in collaborations with emerging brands the fertile ground for the construction of a creative identity: "The beauty of working with emerging brands lies in the possibility of creating original and unique looks, varying looks and styling depending on the type of event, such as a live performance or a structured shoot.” To succeed in this type of work, you certainly need creativity and vision but "a good dose of initiative and perseverance, with a touch of boldness, is what can really make the difference” Mautone concludes.

Alessio Panichi

Specialized in capturing musical artists, Alessio Panichi shares insights into his work. "There is certainly a lot of research and listening involved. It's always necessary to merge two worlds (the artist's and mine) to accomplish a result." This fusion of perspectives is reflected in his shots, where he seeks to capture the authentic essence of each musician he has had the opportunity to work with, including Madame, Dardust, and Gue. True to his creative vision, listening and research are crucial to creating meaningful and unique collaborations according to Panichi. Speaking of the challenges of capturing a musician's essence through photography, Panichi acknowledges that managing expectations is crucial. "Perhaps the biggest challenge is finding maneuvering space in commissioned work. Leading the artist you're photographing into your vision is certainly the greatest challenge, but it's also the most exciting," he explains.

This balance between personal vision and respect for the artist's point of view requires delicacy and technical expertise, but it can lead to surprising results. In the world of artistic photography, capturing a musician's essence through a shot is not just a matter of technique, but of conveying emotions and stories through skillful use of color and light. "Every color chosen within my work has a meaning," explains Panichi. "They are there to leave a subtle message, along with the artist's subject or mood." This statement reveals the photographer's scrupulous attention to detail and his ability to use color as a tool to convey concepts and feelings. More than mere visual elements, color and light become vehicles for communicating the most intimate part of the portrayed artist. Panichi expresses a sort of "obsession" with these aspects, recognizing their potential in bringing visual narrative to life and enhancing the subject's expression.

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Leonardo Valentini

"I believe that the worlds of music and fashion can easily work together," says Leonardo Valentini, an emerging Italian designer emphasizing that "the best results are achieved through this collaboration." Valentini shares his approach to designing his collections, revealing that "I always design my collections drawing inspiration from music icons," a form of respect for music legends that becomes vital for the designer's mood boards. Valentini also highlights the pleasure in seeing his creations worn by artists and coming to life on stage, becoming one with the performer's artistic expression. "Inspiration always arises from necessity," explains Valentini, "then proposals are created where we discuss and decide on the solution for a better look." His attention to detail and his ability to understand the specific needs of each artist are reflected in his designs, which manage to combine elements of the past with a look towards the future.

Reflecting on his approach to fashion and music, Valentini emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with the artist's artistic past while seeking to innovate and experiment with new ideas. "Maintaining the roots, the artist's taste preferences," he specifies, "but making them new, creating something that maybe hasn't been done before in line with my artistic vision." This ability to balance tradition and innovation is what makes his garments so distinctive and appreciated in the worlds of music and ```html

Reflecting on his approach to fashion and music, Valentini emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with the artist's artistic past while seeking to innovate and experiment with new ideas. "Maintaining the roots, the artist's taste preferences," he specifies, "but making them new, creating something that maybe hasn't been done before in line with my artistic vision." This ability to balance tradition and innovation is what makes his garments so distinctive and appreciated in the worlds of music and fashion. Together, Francesco Mautone, Alessio Panichi, and Leonardo Valentini offer a comprehensive and engaging picture of the challenges and opportunities associated with the world of styling, photography, and design within the contemporary music scene. Their unique perspectives and field experiences provide valuable insights for aspiring creatives and industry professionals.

This article was carried out by the students of the second year of the IED Rome Triennale in Fashion Stylist, Editor address in collaboration with nss magazine.