05 Apr Top 10 Young Italian Fashion Designers & Influencers Under 35 to Watch

Emerging Italian Fashion Icons Under 35 – Designers & Influencers Leading the New Wave

Italy’s fashion legacy isn’t just in the hands of heritage houses – a dynamic new wave of designers and digital trendsetters under 35 is infusing fresh energy into the scene. From Milan’s runways to Instagram’s style feeds, these young creatives are blending artisanal tradition with Gen-Z flair, winning awards and global followings in the process. Here, we present a curated list of the top 10 young Italian fashion designers and fashion influencers (all under 35) who are making headlines. Each of these style virtuosos brings a unique vision – be it revitalizing Y2K glam, championing sustainability and inclusivity, or turning personal style into a digital empire. Read on to discover their stories, notable achievements, signature aesthetics, and how they’re shaping the future of fashion in Italy and beyond.

Gilda Ambrosio – Co-founder of The Attico & Street-Style Maven

A true multi-hyphenate, Gilda Ambrosio is both a cutting-edge fashion designer and an Instagram-famous style star. Born in Naples and educated at Istituto Marangoni, she first made her mark as an “It girl” on the Milan fashion scene with an eclectic, bold personal style​. In 2016, Gilda co-founded the womenswear label The Attico with partner Giorgia Tordini, fusing vintage glamour with modern edge. The Attico’s iconic pieces – think feathered gowns and opulent loungewear – redefine feminine style by blending traditional craftsmanship with a daring twist​. Ambrosio’s designs quickly caught the eye of global superstars; celebrities like Rihanna, Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, and Margot Robbie have all donned Attico creations​. In just a few years, the brand achieved international acclaim, debuting on the official Milan Fashion Week calendar by 2023​. Beyond design, Gilda’s digital influence is formidable: Forbes named her to its 30 Under 30 Europe list in 2018, and she’s been featured in the BoF 500 index of fashion’s most influential since 2017​ Signature style: Bold maximalism with Italian flair – expect jewel tones, rich textures, and a fearless mix of streetwear and couture. Ambrosio’s creativity and trendsetting social media presence continue to blur the line between designer and influencer, embodying the new era of Italian glam.

Giuliano Calza – Founder of GCDS & Pop-Culture Innovator

Giuliano Calza is the creative force behind GCDS (Giuliano Calza Design Studio), the Milan-based label that has revolutionized Italian streetwear with irreverent pop culture flair. At just 35, Calza stands out as one of Italy’s youngest global fashion successes​.  After studying in Naples and Shanghai, he launched GCDS in 2015 starting with graphic hoodies and socks – which famously sold out almost instantly online.​ GCDS has since grown into a cult luxury brand known for its signature bubblegum-pink logo, cartoon motifs, and cheeky slogans, all made in Italy. Calza has “revolutionized the streetwear code” by choosing playful pink as a hallmark and blending it with high-end craftsmanship​. His multi-award-winning designs (often infused with irony and satire) have amassed an eclectic community of celebrity fans – everyone from Beyoncé to Sophia Loren has fallen for GCDS’s iconic pieces​. Pop stars Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner were early adopters, helping catapult the brand to international runways including New York Fashion Week​. Never one to shy away from innovation, Calza made headlines in 2020 by staging one of fashion’s first-ever metaverse runway shows, featuring virtual front-row guests like Dua Lipa and even Hello Kitty. ​This digital-first approach earned GCDS a Dazed magazine digital cover and cemented Calza’s reputation as a futurist. Signature style: A vibrant mix of street and luxury – think neon hues, tongue-in-cheek graphics, inclusive casting – all delivered with Italian-made quality. Calza’s fearless creativity and savvy grasp of youth culture have transformed GCDS from a niche streetwear upstart into a new-wave luxury icon with “collections that transcend pre-set definitions;”, speaking to Gen-Z with an ironic, free spirit.

Marco Rambaldi – Inclusive Designer Reimagining Tradition

Marco Rambaldi has quickly become the poster child for Italy’s independent fashion renaissance, celebrated for his radically inclusive and artistic approach. Bologna-born and only in his early 30s, Rambaldi launched his eponymous brand in 2017, channeling inspirations from 1970s Italian culture and postmodern counter-culture into contemporary designs.​ His collections put a modern, subversive spin on nostalgia: for instance, Rambaldi often incorporates handcrafted crochet and knitwork from vintage doilies – treasures inherited from his grandmother – assembling these antique pieces into modern silhouettes​. The result is fashion that feels like a love letter to Italian heritage, yet utterly fresh and liberating. Rambaldi’s commitment to inclusivity and kindness is at the heart of his brand ethos​ .On the runway he showcases a diverse cast of models of all genders, ages, and sizes, making a bold statement for equality and community. Industry accolades followed early: he won the National Chamber of Fashion’s Next Generation competition and was a finalist in Vogue Italia’s “Who Is On Next?” contest, securing a spot on Milan Fashion Week’s calendar by 2019. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Green Carpet Fashion Awards, reflecting his focus on sustainability and upcycling​. Signature style: Rambaldi’s designs marry vintage romance with progressive values. Expect pastel crochet dresses pieced from repurposed lace, vibrant intarsia knitwear, and slogans of love and unity. As collectible DRY magazine noted, Rambaldi’s work is “a manifesto of diversity and inclusion,” where upcycled antique fabrics and gender-fluid silhouettes create a “fashion ethos as a force for liberation”​. In short, Marco Rambaldi is turning grandmothers’ doilies into runway art – and in doing so, he’s liberating Italian fashion for the next generation.

Nicola Brognano – Y2K Revivalist & Blumarine’s Former Creative Director

Nicola Brognano made a name for himself by resurrecting the early-2000s glam of Blumarine and making it relevant for Gen-Z. Born in 1990 in Calabria, Brognano trained at Marangoni and cut his teeth under Giambattista Valli before launching his own label. In 2019, at just 29, he was appointed Creative Director of Blumarine – a storied Italian brand known for ultra-feminine designs​.Brognano’s vision was clear: bring back the unabashed sexiness and fun of Y2K fashion. His debut Blumarine runway (Spring 2021) set the tone with nostalgic nods to the icons of his youth – think Britney Spears-style newsboy caps, Paris Hilton-inspired miniskirts, and Lindsay Lohan-worthy low-rise jeans​. “I wanted to show a collection that talks about happiness, sexiness, freedom. Something that breaks the rules,” Brognano said of his approach​. Out went the demure pastels; in came butterfly crop tops, belly chains, bedazzled denim and faux-fur-trimmed cardigans straight from a 2000s pop star’s closet. “My Blumarine is more dirty, bitchy, sexier,” he quipped to Vogue​. The gamble paid off – the revamped Blumarine became one of fashion’s hottest tickets, transforming from a sleepy label into a viral sensation on TikTok​. By tapping into nostalgia with irony and glamour, Brognano reignited interest in the brand’s heritage (original founder Anna Molinari herself praised his work). During his tenure, Blumarine’s sexy butterfly tops and rhinestone belts became must-haves for a new generation of It-girls, and even inspired high-street imitations amid the Y2K revival craze​.  After four years, Brognano stepped down in 2023, choosing to launch an independent label backed by Envision. Still, his impact at Blumarine endures. Signature style: Hyper-feminine Y2K chic with a high-fashion twist. Brognano’s designs pair unapologetically sensual silhouettes (micro minis, halter tops, slinky dresses) with playful kitsch (butterfly motifs, flashy sequins) – always executed with Italian tailoring finesse. By marrying early aughts excess with modern sophistication, Nicola Brognano proved that “gaudy Y2K style” can roar back as cutting-edge luxury​, capturing the imaginations of both nostalgic Millennials and trend-savvy Zoomers.

Valentina Ferragni – Millennial Influencer Turned Jewelry Entrepreneur

As the younger sister of Chiara Ferragni, Valentina Ferragni grew up in the orbit of Italy’s most famous digital fashion empire – but she’s firmly forged her own path as a style influencer and jewelry designer. Now 32, Valentina commands an Instagram audience in the millions and has become a fixture in Italian media for her vibrant style and approachable glamour. In 2020, she transformed her passion into a business by launching Valentina Ferragni Studio, an eponymous fine jewelry line​. The brand’s aesthetic reflects Valentina’s personal taste: “pop, extravagant, but also romantic and chic at the same time,” as she describes it​. Her debut piece – the Uali earring, a modular chunky hoop available in candy colors like lilac, fuchsia, and turquoise – became an instant hit, selling out among her followers shortly after its release​. Each piece is handmade in Italy with precious materials (925 silver plated in 24k gold, nickel-free) to ensure quality behind the playful design​. Valentina’s ability to tease new collections on social media created major buzz – a 2020 teaser campaign had “millions of followers curious and excited” for her launch​. Aside from her own brand, she has collaborated on capsule collections (such as a Swarovski crystal “Winter Capsule” for Italian jeweler Rue des Mille) and frequently works with fashion and beauty brands as an ambassador. Signature style: Feminine and vibrant with a trendy twist. You’ll often see Valentina in floaty dresses paired with edgy accessories, or casual-cool looks elevated by statement jewelry (including her own bold earrings). As an influencer-designer, she bridges digital influence and design, proving that a social media following can translate into a successful brand. Valentina Ferragni’s rise illustrates how Italy’s new fashion voices are equal parts creative and entrepreneurial – sharing a personal story through every sparkling accessory.

Giulia De Lellis – Reality TV Darling to Fashion & Beauty Influencer

Few Italian influencers have experienced a meteoric rise quite like Giulia De Lellis. At 29, De Lellis has worn many hats – reality TV star, bestselling author, beauty guru, and style influencer – all while cultivating a devoted fan base (over 5 million on Instagram). Hailing from Rome, Giulia first captured national attention in 2016 on the TV dating show Uomini e Donne, then on Grande Fratello VIP (Italy’s Celebrity Big Brother)​. Her relatable personality and trend-forward outfits quickly made her a household name among Italian millennials. By 2018, Giulia leveraged this fame into major brand partnerships: she became a face of Maybelline cosmetics and even fronted campaigns for fashion labels like Blumarine, bringing her girl-next-door charm to high-profile ads. In 2019, she co-authored the book “Le corna stanno bene su tutto. Ma io stavo meglio senza!” (“Cheating looks good on everything, but I was better off without it!”), a candid account of heartbreak that resonated widely – selling over 100,000 copies in a few months and becoming Italy’s top-selling book on Amazon that year​. This success cemented Giulia’s influence beyond just Instagram. In recent years, she’s hosted fashion and beauty reality shows (including the Italian edition of Love Island in 2021)​, and launched collaborative product lines – such as her own makeup capsule and a swimwear collection with Bikini Lovers. Signature style: Effortlessly glam and trend-aware. Giulia is known for her love of figure-hugging dresses, athleisure ensembles paired with luxury bags, and meticulously on-point makeup (often self-applied, as she shares in tutorials). Online, she masterfully balances high fashion looks from runway brands with accessible streetwear pieces that her fans can emulate. With her authentic voice and versatile career, Giulia De Lellis exemplifies the modern Italian fashion influencer – one who parlayed reality TV fame into a multifaceted brand anchored in style and authenticity​.

Chiara Biasi – OG Fashion Blogger & Lifestyle Trendsetter

A pioneer of Italy’s influencer scene, Chiara Biasi transformed blogging from a hobby into a high-powered career and became a style icon for the social media generation. Now 35, Biasi started her fashion blog in her late teens and was part of the original crew of bloggers alongside Chiara Ferragni in the early 2010s​. Her Instagram – currently over 4 million followers strong – offers a glossy window into her life of wanderlust, designer outfits, and collaborations with top brands​. Chiara’s rise from small-town girl to fashion fixture has been marked by entrepreneurial ventures: she launched successful swimwear collaborations, first designing for the label Bikini Lovers and later creating her own capsule collection called Poisson d’Amour with Pin-Up Stars​. These beachwear lines, infused with Biasi’s signature sexy-boho style, were hugely popular and solidified her credibility as a designer. She has also worked as a brand ambassador and model for campaigns, leveraging her social media clout. In interviews, Biasi proudly identifies first and foremost as an “influencer”, noting that this role opened doors for her to act as a designer and ambassador for labels she loves.​Her personal style is often described as edgy yet chic – one day she might be in ripped jeans, a leather biker jacket and combat boots, and the next in a slinky evening gown – reflecting a chameleon-like fashion sense. Signature style: Urban glam with a jet-set twist. Chiara effortlessly mixes Italian luxury (Gucci bags, Le Silla heels) with streetwear elements, and she isn’t afraid of statement pieces like bold animal prints or sparkly mini dresses. Despite her fame, she remains relatable to her followers, sharing unfiltered moments and style tips. As one of Chiara Ferragni’s best friends and earliest collaborators, Biasi helped blaze the trail for influencer marketing in Italy​. A decade later, she’s still at the top of her game – proof that authenticity and evolution are key to sustained digital influence.

Mariano Di Vaio – Menswear Influencer & Digital Entrepreneur

On the men’s side of Italian fashion influence, Mariano Di Vaio stands tall (both literally and figuratively). At 35, Di Vaio is often dubbed Italy’s original male fashion influencer – a blogger-turned-entrepreneur who has built a veritable style empire. Hailing from Assisi, Mariano moved to London and New York in his late teens to pursue modeling and acting.​ By his early 20s, he launched MDV Style, a lifestyle blog showcasing dapper outfits and fitness tips, which quickly gained international attention. Di Vaio’s suave, Mediterranean gentleman aesthetic – think tailored suits one day, casual luxury streetwear the next – struck a chord, and brands took notice. He became a brand ambassador for Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, and Calvin Klein among others​, bringing Italian charm to global campaigns. Not content with just promoting others’ products, Mariano turned into a designer himself: he released a bestselling book “My Dream Job” in 2016 sharing his journey, and launched multiple product lines including MDV Jewels (jewelry), MDV Shoes, and MDV Eyewear.​

Viola & Vera Arrivabene – Aristocratic Sisters Reviving Venetian Heritage

Viola and Vera Arrivabene are the sister act enchanting the fashion world with their unique blend of old-world Venetian elegance and contemporary design. Aged 33 and 31​,

these aristocratic sisters (yes, they are literally princesses of the House of Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga) grew up in Venice and in 2015 channeled their heritage into founding ViBi Venezia, a boutique shoe brand. Their specialty? Reimagining the traditional “furlane” – velvet Venetian slippers originally worn by gondoliers and locals – for today’s style set​.vogue.com

Handcrafted by Italian artisans using methods passed down through generations, ViBi Venezia’s slippers marry comfort with luxury: each pair features lush fabrics, vibrant colors or prints, and durable rubber soles (a nod to the old bicycle tires used historically)​. Viola and Vera have softened and modernized the classic design to make it an everyday fashion item, without losing its soul​. The brand quickly garnered fai da te street cred and high-fashion admiration alike. Early fans included the late Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani and influencer Camille Charrière, and soon A-list devotees like Katie Holmes and Kate Moss were spotted in ViBi’s signature slippers​. In 2021, Vogue even credited ViBi Venezia with inspiring style editors to “get dressed up again” post-pandemic. ​With a flagship boutique in Milan’s Brera district and collaborations such as an embroidered capsule with fashion label Saloni, the sisters have successfully turned a piece of Venetian culture into an international It item. Signature style: Understated elegance with a touch of whimsy. Whether paired with jeans, a sundress, or evening wear, ViBi Venezia slippers add a sly hint of Venetian aristocracy to any outfit. The Arrivabene sisters themselves embody their brand’s ethos – often seen at events wearing their plush flats with tailored suits or floaty dresses, effortlessly blending comfort and chic. By championing local craft and storytelling (each shoe style is named after Venetian locales), Viola and Vera prove that sometimes the most modern idea is preserving tradition. In doing so, they’ve become influential voices in Italian fashion, representing a new generation that respects the past while innovating for the future.

Federico Cina – Emerging Designer Fusing Heritage and Avant-Garde

Rounding out our list is Federico Cina, a rising fashion designer who, despite being one of the youngest here (29), has already earned serious industry accolades. Born in 1994 in Italy’s Romagna region, Cina draws deep inspiration from his roots – and it shows in his work. He launched his namesake label in 2019 with a debut collection titled “Romagna Mia,”an homage to his homeland’s romantic landscapes and traditions​. This collection, presented at Rome’s AltaRoma fashion showcase, struck gold: it won Cina the prestigious Who’s On Next competition and even the Franca Sozzani Award in 2019​. Building on that success, Cina went on to become a 2021 finalist for the LVMH Prize, marking him as one of the world’s most promising young designers​. So what makes his designs special? Federico Cina’s aesthetic marries heritage craftsmanship with contemporary storytelling. He often incorporates traditional motifs from Romagna – for example, a recurring “grape” pattern inspired by ancient local prints – reinvented in luxurious textiles and modern cuts​. Sustainability and locality are also core values: Cina works with family-run workshops and even collaborated with a 17th-century printmaking studio in Romagna to revive old techniques in a fresh context​. His Fall/Winter collections have featured tailored coats lined with folkloric patterns, knitwear referencing rural life, and fluid unisex silhouettes that feel very now. Yet amidst the avant-garde presentation, there’s a warmth and authenticity that nods to home. International fashion press laud Cina’s work for its emotional depth and craftsmanship; Wallpapermagazine praised his “second-skin” designs that combine mobility and sensuality. Signature style: Poetic minimalism with a cultural twist. Federico favors a muted palette (think earth tones, wine reds – perhaps a wink to Romagna’s vineyards) punctuated by artisanal details like hand-painted prints or raw-edged finishes. His pieces often balance structure and drape, reflecting both Italian tailoring and youthful freedom. By infusing intimate storytelling into each garment, Federico Cina stands out as an emerging Italian talent with both creative and soulful vision. Keep an eye on him – as his early achievements show, he’s on a fast track to joining the ranks of Italy’s design greats.

The New Renaissance of Italian Fashion

From the runways of Milan to the feeds of millions, these 10 young Italians are redefining what it means to be a fashion leader in the digital age. They honor Italy’s famed craftsmanship – be it through hand-stitched slippers, upcycled crochet, or impeccably cut silhouettes – yet they aren’t afraid to break rules and start new conversations. Collaborations with pop stars and luxury houses, viral trends born on social media, and businesses built from Instagram outward are all part of their playbook. What unites this diverse group of designers and influencers is a bold creative spirit and a savvy understanding of contemporary culture. They are fluent in both the language of heritage and the dialect of TikTok, seamlessly mixing archive inspiration with algorithmic know-how.

In a country where fashion is woven into the national identity, this new generation carries the torch with a fresh twist. They prove that Italian style is not stuck in the past – it’s alive, evolving, and more inclusive than ever. Whether it’s Gilda Ambrosio reinventing evening glamour for the street, or Federico Cina bringing Romagna’s soul to Paris Fashion Week, these talents balance authenticity with innovation. And as entrepreneurs, many are building brands that engage directly with a global audience, leveraging the power of community and personal connection in unprecedented ways.

The influence of these under-35 creatives extends far beyond Italy’s borders. They’re dressing Hollywood celebrities and international influencers, collaborating across continents, and setting trends that reverberate from New York to Shanghai. Yet, they also remain ambassadors of Italian excellence – often emphasizing local production, family traditions, or cultural stories in their work. This blend of local and global, tradition and tech-savvy, is the hallmark of today’s Italian fashion vanguard.

In conclusion, the future of Italian fashion looks bright – and it wears the bold, creative, and digitally-charged imprint of these young designers and influencers. They are Italy’s new fashion royalty, in step with the times yet carrying forward a legacy of la dolce vita in every stitch, post, and runway show.

Written and curated by Ozzie Small.​

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