Italian designer Maurizio Mauro, based in New York, is known for his timeless, elegant, and high-quality designs. Born in a small town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, Mauro grew up as the youngest of four siblings, demonstrating a strong curiosity and keen interest in aesthetics, art, and fashion from a young age.
After studying fashion design and economics at Polimoda in Florence, Mauro built his career as a designer at renowned Italian fashion houses such as Ferragamo, Lamborghini, and Tod’s. He later worked as a creative director in Shanghai. After returning from Shanghai and moving to New York, Mauro established his eponymous brand, “The Mister MM by Maurizio Mauro.” Currently, Mauro splits his time between New York and Italy as a creative director, working on various projects.
“The Mister MM by Maurizio Mauro” features a collection that inherits traditional Italian craftsmanship while merging modern perspectives. The works are created in close collaboration with skilled Italian seamstresses and artisans, infusing Italian aesthetics and the brand’s identity into each piece.
In this article, OSF delves into Mauro’s design philosophy, the influences of his childhood, and his career experiences through his interview.
– First, could you tell us about your childhood in Southern Italy and what inspired you to become a designer?
I grew up in a small town in Southern Italy, where discussions about fashion were quite rare. However, even at that time, my interests were drawn to the fashion capitals like Milan and Florence. A significant turning point that led me to aspire to become a fashion designer was when my grandfather bought me a fashion magazine when I was 11 years old. That magazine featured the latest trends from Milan and Florence, and I became captivated with every page I turned.
On the other hand, my upbringing taught me the importance of staying grounded. Remaining humble and not losing sight of reality are values that continue to support me in my life and career. Additionally, the architecture, colors, natural scents, and regional customs of my hometown have provided me with immense inspiration for my designs.
At the same time, I felt the necessity to break free from that environment and express my creativity to the world. As a result, I established myself in New York and began to approach design from a global perspective.
– How do your experiences at Ferragamo, Lamborghini, and Tod’s influence your current career?
Working at renowned fashion houses was both a great honor and a significant responsibility. Immediately after graduating from Polimoda, I began working for major brands like Ferragamo, Lamborghini, and Tod’s at the age of 21. I believe that working at such large companies allowed me to learn about the close relationship between creativity and business. While they pursued artistic aspects, they also placed great importance on the practicality and functionality necessary for selling products. Understanding this balance became an essential experience for broadening my design perspective.
– Did you then move to Shanghai and work as a creative director?
Yes, that’s right. Moving from Italy to Shanghai and serving as a creative director was a significant challenge and an incredible opportunity for growth. Initially, I started by retraining a team that relied on copied products, and I built the process for generating original ideas from the ground up. It was an incredibly difficult job, but ultimately, everyone began to create their unique designs, and we achieved great success. This experience solidified my conviction that fashion is my true path.
– I see. You are sometimes regarded as a “perfectionist” in your designs. What do you think contributes to that perception?
I believe it’s because I always pay meticulous attention to every detail. When working on a project, I make sure not to overlook even the smallest elements, closely monitoring every step to ensure that the final product embodies true perfection. For me, design is not merely an act of creation; it is a stage where my commitment to detail is expressed.
Since childhood, I have had a personality that pursues perfection. The moment I made a mistake on paper, I would tear that page out and rewrite it without hesitation. This obsession with “precision” is the essence of my design and a belief that I hold dear. I believe that this pursuit adds a unique depth to my work and leaves a strong impression on those who see it.
– What efforts do you make to create high-quality products through collaboration with Italian craftsmen?
The products of The Mister MM are crafted by experienced Italian artisans, so I communicate with them for several hours every day, keeping a close eye on every process. Even with physical distance, we work closely together to ensure that every detail is perfected. This tight collaboration is the key to creating high-quality products on a global scale.
– Can you tell us about The Mister MM’s approach to sustainability and inclusive design?
Sustainability refers to a way of fashion that deeply considers environmental and social impacts. I focus not only on the use of organic materials but also on the lifespan of the products. At The Mister MM, we aim to reduce waste and achieve sustainable processes by creating high-quality products that can be loved and used for a long time.
Moreover, I place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, and my team comprises members from various backgrounds. The different perspectives and energies that these unique individuals bring infuse new life into our creative process. The fashion world is evolving, and we are now in an era where diverse beauty, transcending gender, age, and skin color, is appreciated. This is the vision for our future, and I believe that embracing diversity is the source of true innovation.
– Finally, could you tell us about any upcoming projects you have planned?
Actually, I recently launched my brand’s first wedding dress collection. Until now, I had primarily focused on evening gowns and dresses for galas, but the requests from friends and clients inspired me to take on the challenge of creating wedding dresses.
Additionally, I am currently showcasing the collection in several showrooms and planning trunk shows. I strive to offer personalized dresses through intimate communication with customers, and I want to continue taking on new challenges while based in New York, and collaborating with Italy.
Maurizio Mauro
Creative Director, The Mister MM by Maurizio Mauro
Born near the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy, Mauro grew up as the youngest of four siblings. After studying fashion design and economics at Polimoda in Florence, he gained experience at renowned Italian fashion houses such as Ferragamo, Lamborghini, and Tod’s. He later worked as a creative director in Shanghai. Currently, he is based in New York, where he merges traditional Italian craftsmanship with modern perspectives through his brand, “The Mister MM by Maurizio Mauro.”