Alberto Figari is an “atypical” designer—as he describes himself—due to the steps that have marked his career. His studies in mechatronics, which provided him with technical, analytical, and design-oriented skills, were integrated with a strong passion for the world of fashion, which led the Piacenza-born designer to continuously and independently develop, delving into subjects related to design, materials, aesthetic research, and product culture. It was an uphill but exciting journey, in which his mother played a key role. “I owe her a lot,” Alberto explains, “because from an early age, she instilled in me the importance of paying attention to materials and product purchasing, issues that weren’t so common at the time.”
Does your passion for knitwear always stem from a maternal influence?
In reality, this love was born almost by chance, like a flash of inspiration. About seven years ago, I first entered the knitwear industry, which remains my point of reference today, and I was struck by the potential that knitted products could have. Yarns allow you to play with infinite combinations of materials and different stitches.
Was that when your project Without Stupid Label began?
The project actually began in 2017 as a fashion page on Instagram under the name @anotherstupidesigner. In that space, I discussed curiosities related to the most well-known brands, and to do so, I worked hard to closely observe their dynamics, strengths, and limitations, developing a critical eye on the sector.
The shift in direction came during the pandemic…
We could say yes. With the arrival of Covid, I noticed that more and more people were looking for a type of product that wasn’t yet widespread: high-quality, minimal garments. So I began to increasingly orient my content around this concept. Over time, I realized that the public was increasingly interested in what I was communicating about my project and my vision, rather than in the analyses of other companies I had always talked about. At that moment, I realized there could be room to transform that idea into something concrete and useful for people.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I’ve always looked closely at the great Italian luxury brands, companies that, starting from scratch, have managed to build extraordinary projects and make Made in Italy recognized and appreciated worldwide. Following their example, I sought to create what I myself wanted to wear: timeless, essential, and easily combinable pieces. Being the first to choose and use this type of clothing daily, over time I’ve learned to understand its value and the benefits it can offer in everyday life.
What are the cornerstones of your brand?
The quality/price ratio has always been one of the brand’s cornerstones. The goal is to bring the typical quality of luxury products to a more accessible price, through an organizational structure designed to minimize costs so as to focus investment on the product.
Even the choice to offer minimal and timeless pieces contributes to this vision: customers know that a piece purchased from us will remain current for years. These aren’t products tied to passing trends, but rather garments designed to last a lifetime, without the need to constantly replace them to keep up with fashion.
This past season, the brand “met” Tollegno 1900…
It’s true! This past season, we worked on three launches featuring Harmony 4.0 by Tollegno 1900. What drove me to invest in it was the ever-increasing demand for high-quality, highly functional products that require little care. Harmony 4.0 answered that call!
What’s your opinion of this yarn?
I believe interest in this type of high-quality yarn is growing: the more people learn about it, the more they’ll be unable to do without it. I can only thank the owner of my knitwear shop, who has always used Tollegno 1900 yarns, for introducing me to it.
Let’s look to the future: can we take stock of how your project is progressing?
I’m satisfied, but I’m aware that there’s a long way to go, despite my brand experiencing positive growth in recent months. The goal for the future is to further improve the quality and fit of the garments, paying attention to every single detail. I’m convinced that the product makes 80% of the difference and the work: once this goal is achieved, the rest will follow naturally over time.
