DAVIDE DI LERNIA

In this interview, we delve into the world of DAVIDE DI LERNIA, who share his inspirations and unique perspectives.

Davide Di Lernia

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

Hello everyone, I am Davide Di Lernia, a 24 year old custom designer from Italy. I started my journey about 7 years ago, at the end of 2017 and what motivated me and still motivates me is basically the passion I have for what has become my job, and most of all wanting to achieve various goals I set myself along the way. My artistic vision is constantly evolving and growing, if I thought about what I would have said 7 years ago it would not correspond to what I am saying now.. I would tell you that for the last couple of years, however, I have been focusing a lot on the concept of ‘upcycling’ and ‘recycling’, i.e. giving a second life or importance to a product that you no longer use. For example in the case of custom trainers, I am recycling fabrics or jeans that people no longer use. What also sets me apart is the concept of sewing everything by hand directly onto the shoe, thus creating these seams that have become my trademark, if we can call it that.

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

I've been living in Milan for almost three years now, but before that I lived in Barletta, in Puglia... and it was a city that gave me a lot in terms of energy and above all the quality of life, but on an artistic level you can't indulge much, but it gave me a lot. While Milan is one of the cities that has introduced me to so many realities that were distant from me before, making me grow in so many ways and making new connections. My dream would be to live abroad for a few years to gain new experiences.

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

There are many factors that fuel a person's creativity. In my case, the ‘travelling’ factor is part of my creative process. Getting out of your ‘comfort zone’ and getting to know new cultures, comparing and taking the best with you. They then influence your creativity and help you improve.

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

I think that in the beginning living in a province helps you a lot to understand what you really want and where you want to go. By pure chance I developed my hand sewing skills in my hometown (Barletta) due to an unforeseen event that meant I couldn't get on with my commissions for a few months. (I won't go into too much detail now but I will talk about this later). Now instead I think it is good to travel, to see other realities and in an indirect way it is a stimulus for creativity.

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

I've just come back from a fantastic experience in Shanghai which taught me a lot, unexpectedly came this collaboration with Adidas which certainly made me more aware of what I'm doing and what I'm going to do. As far as future projects are concerned, I'm working a lot on drops that don't involve trainers but something else but always connected to the concept of recycling and giving a second life to objects or products, I can't wait to show you. Also I have made my first piece of clothing which I will soon publish, it will be a nice piece.

Davide Di Lernia

Davide Di Lernia

Davide Di Lernia

Davide Di Lernia

Davide Di Lernia

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Instagram: @davdilernia