Close Friends

CAMILLA CECCARDI

"Close Friends" with Camilla Ceccardi: Five questions exploring the artist's journey, influences, and creative process.

In this interview, we delve into the world of CAMILLA CECCARDI, who share her inspirations and unique perspectives.

Camilla Ceccardi Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

Hi, Casawi Community!
I'm Camilla, a Designer with a strong passion for Fashion and products design, currently based in NYC. What drives me the most is the endless potential of creativity in the Fashion industry, where people can really express themselves in any way, and my ability to blend different styles and influences, whether it's streetwear or high-fashion, modern or nostalgic. I thrive on crafting collections and projects that tell a story, often drawing from my diverse experiences and global perspective.

I believe fashion should be inclusive and celebratory of all kinds of beauty, which is a cornerstone of my vision toward the industry. This vision comes through in my design work, whether I'm experimenting with upcycled materials for a street style collection or developing a feminine, elegant range of products. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to move seamlessly between contrasting aesthetics while maintaining a cohesive narrative, I believe my work stands out as I infuse my personal journey into it—my past experiences, struggles, and triumphs—making each piece not just a product but a statement.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

My artistic journey has been mostly shaped by the cities I've lived and worked in—Milan, London, and now New York. Each one has deeply influenced my creative path, but I believe New York stands out as the city that has inspired me the most.

In Milan, fashion is an art form rooted in tradition and precision. Growing up and studying there, I absorbed the city's dedication to craftsmanship, learning the importance of quality materials and meticulous construction. Milan taught me the balance between innovation and classic elegance, and that sense of refinement is something I always carry in my designs.

London, on the other hand, unleashed my experimental side. The city's creative scene is fearless—whether it's streetwear, avant-garde fashion, or sustainable design, London fosters a culture of risk-taking. London gave me the freedom to play with form, texture, and the intersection of fashion and art.

Now in New York, I find myself immersed in a melting pot of cultures and ideas. This city has been a major source of inspiration, not just because of its high-energy pace, but because it truly represents the blending of global cultures and backgrounds. The creative community here is incredibly diverse—artists, designers, and creators from every corner of the world come together, bringing with them their own traditions, stories, and aesthetics. This fusion has influenced my design philosophy, pushing me to think about fashion as a universal language, where different perspectives come together to create something fresh and dynamic.

In New York, I've learned how to navigate the fast-paced fashion industry while staying true to my vision. The city's diverse neighborhoods—each with its own cultural identity—offer endless inspiration, whether it's the street style in Williamsburg or the high-fashion energy of SoHo.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

What fuels my creativity is a combination of curiosity, cultural immersion, and personal experiences. I don’t rely on a single ritual or muse; instead, I find inspiration in the everyday and the unexpected. A walk through the streets of New York, where cultures and styles collide, can spark new ideas, or even something as simple as a conversation with someone from a different background can open up new perspectives. Visiting museums and exhibitions is a crucial part of my creative process. I make a point of keeping up with upcoming shows, whether it’s contemporary art or historical retrospectives. There’s something about seeing the work that others have created that reminds me to push boundaries and never stop evolving. It challenges me to think differently and sparks new ideas for innovative designs.

For me, art and fashion are deeply intertwined. I often find parallels between a painting’s composition and how I construct a garment. Absorbing diverse forms of art helps me think outside the box and experiment with color, texture, and shape in ways I hadn’t previously considered.

Sketching is a key part of my process—whether digital or hand-drawn—it’s how I translate abstract ideas into tangible concepts. Often, moments of clarity come late at night, when I'm reflecting on everything I've seen and felt throughout the day. That’s when things start to come together, and I can visualize how different elements will blend into the final design.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

Living in different parts of the world has had a profound impact on my career and creative journey. Experiencing various cities has exposed me to diverse cultures, economies, and ways of working, all of which have shaped my approach to fashion and design. Each place I've lived has brought unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s adjusting to different markets, understanding customer needs, or navigating the nuances of each city's fashion industry.

This constant exposure to new environments has strengthened my adaptability and discipline. I’ve had to learn how to work within different economic realities, respond to distinct consumer behaviors, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. It’s pushed me to be more flexible in my approach while staying true to my vision, and it's given me the ability to approach design from a global perspective, blending multiple influences.

More importantly, this journey has helped me understand that fashion is not just about aesthetics—it’s about people, cultures, and the stories they bring. My work is richer and more layered because of these global experiences, and it has made me a stronger, more versatile designer.

I’m a strong advocate for young creatives taking the leap to live and work outside their home countries, if they have the chance. Moving to a new city on your own forces you to step out of your comfort zone and really get in touch with yourself. It’s in those moments of uncertainty and growth that you discover who you are, both personally and professionally. I believe that this personal development is essential to becoming a stronger creative force in your work. It’s not just about expanding your artistic influences—it’s about building the discipline, confidence, and self-awareness needed to thrive in the creative industry.

This journey of living and working in different places is the foundation of my growth as a designer, and I encourage others to embrace that same path of discovery.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

I’m really excited about my next project, called High Frequency, which I’m working on with some incredibly talented creatives and close friends in Milan. After years of focusing on projects for other brands and companies, I feel ready to pour more time and energy into something deeply personal that I truly enjoy doing. This project is particularly special because I’m surrounding myself with people I love and respect—individuals who inspire me and help guide me toward success. For me, it’s not just about the work—it’s about the people. I believe that when you surround yourself with the right people, you can achieve anything you want in life and in your career. The environment you're in defines your frequency and vibration, setting the stage for success.

High Frequency is a lifestyle project that reflects the experiences of our community. It serves as both a digital visual diary, capturing the moments and surroundings that inspire us, and a platform where we turn those experiences into products. We’re committed to supporting our local areas and our artisans and manufacturers in Italy, with all our products being made right here. We’re excited about a new drop which is coming out soon, and we can’t wait to see it come to life, I had so much fun working on it with my people and this is the most rewarding part to me.

I’m excited to see it evolve alongside the people who have helped shape it.

Camilla Ceccardi Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi
 Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi
 Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi
Camilla Ceccardi Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi
Camilla Ceccardi Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi
Camilla Ceccardi Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi
Camilla Ceccardi Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview
Camilla Ceccardi

Instagram: @camillaceccardi

Staff

Staff

Casawi Magazine: based in Milan, we celebrate youth culture, creativity, and community across fashion, sports, music, art, design & more.

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