Light techno rock

Ennio Capasa uses an X-ray lens to capture the C’N’C spirit

INTERVIEW. At four years old, Ennio Capasa’s secondary line, C’N’C, encapsulates young Milanese fashion in many ways with its sexy, rock ’n’ roll sensibility. In other ways, it’s still growing and establishing its place within the fashion world at large. Capasa, most known for his cool urban line Costume National, takes a few moments before his show to talk spring.

The economy seems to be casting a dark cloud over fashion at the moment. Has it affected the way you approach your work at all?
You know it’s funny because in 1973 when I was a very little boy, my parents were tailors and there was a big crash at the time. There was an oil crisis of some sort. But they still survived. And I think the only thing I can do is have a positive attitude and still be creative and innovative. It’s the only way to be.

What is the primary difference between the C’N’C and Costume National woman?
The C’N’C girl is younger and more rock ’n’ roll. She looks at fashion differently. The Costume National customer is a woman. She wants more seduction and sophistication.

You show Costume National in Paris. Why is Milan the right city for C’N’C?
C’N’C started here in Milan and it’s great for that younger voice to be here. For me, Paris is more about couture and the extraordinary.

Transparency has been a recurring theme this season. Why did you choose to work with it for spring?
I felt in the mood to do something a little techno-rock. I wanted to look at everything through X-ray lens. I wanted to be able to see through everything and for everyone to see the movement of the clothing. This felt right for spring. Because spring is very light.

The show also had strong menswear undertones.
I wanted to give the lightness structure. So you’ll see  skinny trousers at times and then you’ll see baggy pants at others. The menswear silhouettes give it a structure and framework.