Carpe Diem – A Pioneering Force in Avant Garde Fashion

The History of Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem was founded by Maurizio Altieri in 1996 in Perugia, Italy, and revolutionized fashion with its emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship and experimental designs, achieving its reputation as a pioneering force in Avant Garde fashion. The brand’s innovative use of high-quality materials and unique construction techniques set it apart. Despite closing in 2006, Carpe Diem’s influence endures through the individual brands of its original designers, Maurizio Altieri’s m_moria, Maurizio Amadei’s m.a+, Simone Cecchetto’s A1923, and Luca Laurini’s Label under Construction. These designers continue to explore and expand on the groundbreaking work they began at Carpe Diem.

The name “Carpe Diem,” which translates to “seize the day,” reflects the brand’s ethos of living in the moment and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Altieri’s designs were known for their meticulous craftsmanship, innovative construction techniques, and unconventional aesthetics. He focused on creating garments that were not just clothing but pieces of art that challenged conventional fashion norms.

The label was characterized by its use of high-quality, often rare materials, and a monochromatic color palette, predominantly featuring shades of black, gray, and white. This minimalist approach allowed the intricate details and textures of the garments to stand out.

One of the hallmarks of Carpe Diem was its commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. Altieri and his team paid extraordinary attention to the construction of each piece, often employing techniques that were labor-intensive and time-consuming. The label was known for using leather in innovative ways, treating and manipulating it to create unique textures and forms.

Initially exclusively focusing on leatherwork using the finest materials such as horsehide, cowhide and anaconda, the brand expanded and diversified their offering with the following three collections: L’Maltieri (knitwear), Sartoria (made-to-measure) and Linea (jackets, trousers and T-shirts).

The brand also embraced a philosophy of wabi-sabi, a Japanese concept that finds beauty in imperfection and transience. This was evident in the garments’ asymmetrical designs, raw edges, and the way they aged over time, becoming more unique and personalized with wear.

Carpe Diem quickly gained a cult following among fashion aficionados and industry insiders who appreciated its boundary-pushing designs and uncompromising quality. It was a movement that encouraged both designers and consumers to think differently about clothing. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the label had a significant impact on the fashion industry. It influenced many contemporary designers and brands, particularly in the realm of avant-garde and artisanal fashion.

Maurizio Altieri’s work with Carpe Diem also paved the way for his subsequent ventures, including the acclaimed label m_moria, which continues his legacy of innovative design and craftsmanship.

Carpe Diem Original Designers

Carpe Diem was a collaborative project that brought together several talented Avant Garde Mode Designer and artisans from Italy under the visionary leadership of Maurizio Altieri. These individuals played crucial roles in shaping the brand’s identity and pushing the boundaries of fashion design.

The collaborative spirit at Carpe Diem fostered a unique environment where each designer’s skills and vision could flourish. This synergy resulted in groundbreaking designs that challenged conventional fashion norms and set new standards for innovation and quality.

Luca Laurini (Label under Construction)

Luca Laurini, who later founded Label under Construction, worked closely with Maurizio Altieri with his focus on clothing, in particular crafting artisanal knitwear. He was resposible for the L’Maltieri and Linea line, which expanded Carpe Diem’s focus from artisanal leatherwear crafting to destructed experimental ready-to-wear fashion pieces.

Simone Cecchetto (A Diciannoveventitre / A1923)

Simone Cecchetto, who later founded the label A1923, also known as A Diciannoveventitre) was a key collaborator who brought his expertise in artisanal leather craft to Carpe Diem. His innovative techniques in treating and manipulating leather were central to the brand’s signature aesthetic. Cecchetto’s work added a unique texture and depth to the garments, contributing to their distinctive look and feel. Cecchetto worked alongside Altieri to optimize their products. His passion for molding leather allowed him to take over Carpe Diem’s footwear, despite not having formal education as a cobbler.

Maurizio Amadei (m.a+)

Maurizio Amadei, who later founded the label m.a+, was involved in the creative process at Carpe Diem. Amadei’s approach to design, which emphasized minimalism and precision, complemented Altieri’s vision. Amadei was mainly responsible for Carpe Diem’s leatherwear and designing a variety of accessories for the brand.

Maurizio Altieri (m_moria)

Maurizio Altieri, founder of Carpe Diem, continues to produce high-end artisanal fashion pieces under his brand m_moria.