SANGI

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

Sangi

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

Hi fam! My name is Pietro but they often call me Sangi, just like my Footwear Observatory founded in 2018! My passion has become a profession through constant research, identifying the brightest and most significant stars in the footwear universe, focusing on design and innovation. The archive has become a point of reference for enthusiasts and insiders and has allowed me to work 360° around footwear by taking care of product development in every detail and communication up to market launch. The goal is to popularize the culture of footwear and make cutting-edge products. As a designer, I focus on real functionality and the resulting form through the use of materials, lacing systems, and techniques that blend traditional craftsmanship and industrial innovation.

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

I love my city, Milan! For me it represents belonging and evolution. The very name of my project is short for the name of my southwest neighborhood where I was born and raised, a place of daily inspiration. Sangi is a place, a gathering place that catalyzes energy with friends and those who would become my colleagues, even before it was my project. There you meet the center and the suburbs, the contrasts and the dual chaotic, ever-moving souls of the city drove me to redemption and the achievement of my goals.

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

It all starts with pencil and paper, which I always prefer at an early stage. The tools themselves influence the process! I then use my research to identify the most consistent lines for various projects, often experimenting with my hands. I experiment with soles, scrap pieces, accessories and fabric swatches to create sculptures that will then inspire the final project. Only at that point do I switch to digital to make the technicians and renders. Space, mountains, the world of work and the military, extreme conditions are my research habitats. My physical archive allows me to have dozens of different shoes from all over the world before my eyes, but I never stop looking at what people are actually wearing on the street. What surrounds me, the stimuli of friends and colleagues is my energy.

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

Milan has certainly had a strong influence on my personal and artistic growth. It’s a city where so much happens, and if you have the opportunity, you can make things happen, too! I first became interested in the fashion world here, as you can feel it in every corner. People often know what they want, and when you meet the right ones, something wonderful can come from it. I enjoy connecting and exchanging ideas with creatives who are either from Milan or find their way here, joining forces to create unique projects. Only after growing here was I able to expand my vision outward. After all, we’re in Italy—a place of culture and tradition where craftsmanship is ingrained in the places, businesses, and, above all, in the people.

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

I’m working hard to grow my community and enhance the user experience of the observatory by creating new ways to tell and communicate the story behind shoe-making! The most exciting project I want to share with you is a collaboration with a major shoe brand. I’m designing an entire line of products that fully represents my approach to design and is intended for everyone! I can’t wait to show it to you and bring you all to the launch event in early 2025.