Top 4 Italian Fashion Brands Founded After 2020
Italian fashion never really sleeps, right?
We all know names like Gucci and Prada, but what about the fresh blood—those newer brands that have popped up after 2020?
The ones still finding their voice, still taking risks, still shaking things up on runways and in streetwear scenes?
This isn't about the giants.
This is about the new wave.
Brands that started in 2021 or later, run by designers who've decided to carve their own path even when the market's already packed.
Some come with an avant-garde twist, others with that eco-conscious edge, and a few bring streetwear heat with a Euro flavor.
We've narrowed it down to six of the most interesting Italian fashion brands founded post-2020.
These are the ones to watch—and maybe even wear—if you like being ahead of the curve.
Table of Contents
- 1. Niccolò Pasqualetti
- 2. Ctrl+Z
- 3. Durazzi Milano
- 4. ID.EIGHT
- Sources & References
- Images Sources & Attributions
1. Niccolò Pasqualetti
This name sounds fancy because, well, it is.
Niccolò Pasqualetti kicked off his label in 2021, and it didn't take long for the fashion world to notice.
His debut was the Spring/Summer 2022 collection, and it was instantly clear—this guy isn't afraid to mess with the classics.
His style?
It's kind of genderless, sculptural, a bit dreamy.
You won't find basic cuts or trends here.
Think flowy lines, tailored oddities, asymmetry, and strong art school energy.
He's all about pushing Italian tailoring into new territory.
What makes Niccolò stand out is how he treats garments like little architectural pieces.
You see a shirt and go, "Is this supposed to be a shirt?" Yes.
Yes, it is.
But also, it's probably art.
That's kind of the vibe.
His collections are small and slow, which we're into.
He's not about dropping 50 pieces every season.
It's curated.
Intentional.
Every piece has some story behind it.
His background also helps: he studied at Central Saint Martins (yep, the place all the future legends go) and worked with JW Anderson and Loewe.
So, he's got credentials, but he's doing his own thing now.
Honestly, the more you look at his pieces, the more you feel like they're soft sculptures.
Not for everyone, but definitely for someone who wants fashion that starts conversations.
2. Ctrl+Z
You ever wish you could undo a boring outfit?
That's kind of what Ctrl+Z is doing—but for the whole fashion scene.
This collective came together in 2021, and they're based in Rome, which already sets them apart from the usual Milan crowd.
Four designers—Valentina Battaglia, Camilla de Santis, Beatrice Giaccaglia, and Irene Piccirilli—are behind this one.
Yep, four minds working as one.
Sounds chaotic?
Maybe.
But it works.
Their stuff is youthful, rebellious, a little chaotic (on purpose).
There's a strong DIY spirit, a kind of "we make what we want" vibe.
You'll find patchwork, layers, clashing textures, and playful weirdness in their designs.
They made their mark through Altaroma, Italy's more indie and experimental fashion week.
And they brought that raw, creative energy that bigger brands can't always pull off.
If you're bored with slick minimalism or monochrome basics, Ctrl+Z is like a breath of wild air.
They remind us that fashion can still be fun and unpredictable.
Here's a quick look at the team:
| Designer | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Valentina Battaglia | Co-Founder / Designer | Conceptual fashion |
| Camilla de Santis | Co-Founder / Designer | Visual arts |
| Beatrice Giaccaglia | Co-Founder / Designer | Print & textile |
| Irene Piccirilli | Co-Founder / Designer | Mixed media / styling |
What to expect:
Loud colors and clashing patterns
Upcycled materials
Weird silhouettes
Anti-fashion energy
They're not trying to be Instagram-perfect.
They're trying to be real.
3. Durazzi Milano
Durazzi Milano is one of those brands that kind of sneaks up on you.
Founded in late 2022 by Ilenia Durazzi, the label's got this clean, modern energy that still somehow feels super Italian.
The vibe is minimal—but not boring.
It's sharp, it's stylish, and it gives off "powerful woman walking through Milan" energy.
First collection dropped for Spring/Summer 2023, and it looked like she'd been in the game for years.
There's a real focus on cut and structure here.
Pieces look simple at first, but then you notice the details: a twist in the hem, a curved seam, an unexpected fabric combo.
It's kind of quiet luxury without being obnoxious about it.
You could actually wear these pieces.
They aren't museum pieces.
They're made for real people.
Office?
Check.
Dinner?
Check.
Gallery opening in a warehouse with bad lighting?
Check.
Durazzi's background in architecture shows in how she builds clothes.
Lines are clean, forms are sharp, but they still move naturally.
So while other new brands are all about shock value, Durazzi Milano is more like: "Let's just make something beautiful and functional and cool."
No gimmicks.
Just good design.
4. ID.EIGHT
Last but not least, we've got ID.EIGHT.
This one toes the line, because it launched in early 2020 via Kickstarter—but technically not after 2020.
Still, it's so new and forward-thinking that we're letting it slide in.
The founders, Jin Hong and Giuliana Borzillo, wanted to make sustainable sneakers that still looked cool—and they nailed it.
These kicks are made from apple peels, grape skins, and other food industry leftovers.
It sounds weird, but they look super clean and modern.
The design is pretty minimal, but in a good way.
They don't scream "eco." They just look like nice sneakers you'd wear every day.
They're also surprisingly comfy, which is always a win.
Let's look at how they stack up:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Apple & grape leather alternatives |
| Style | Unisex, minimalist |
| Origin | Made in Italy |
| Price range | Around €150-€200 |
Why people like them:
Vegan & recycled materials
No weird branding
Super wearable daily sneakers
Ethical production
They're quietly changing the game.
So yeah, Italian fashion's still got it—and it's not just the old-school houses anymore.
These six brands show there's room for new ideas, new cultures, and new voices, all wrapped in Italy's iconic design sense.
Some are loud, some are quiet.
Some are streetwear, others are runway-ready.
But they've all got that spark.
If you want to keep your wardrobe interesting (or just flex your knowledge at the next dinner party), keep an eye on these labels.
They're the next generation.
Sources & References
Brand social media & press releases
Images Sources & Attributions
Screenshots from these brands' official websites.
