At the heart of Ferrari Fashion School, students had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of film costume design with one of the industry’s masters: Massimo Cantini Parrini. Known for his academic dedication and numerous accolades — including five David di Donatello awards and an EFA for Best Costume Designer — Parrini brings with him an unparalleled wealth of experience.
Raised in Florence, Parrini’s fascination with costumes began at a young age, inspired by his grandmother, a seamstress, and his early interest in vintage garments. Over the course of his career, he has become not only a revered custodian of an archive containing over 4,000 exquisitely crafted pieces, but also a key figure for major international film productions and acclaimed directors such as Matteo Garrone and Joe Wright.
During his visit to Ferrari Fashion School, Parrini shared with students not only the techniques behind his most iconic costume creations, but also personal stories from his collaborations with iconic figures from film, theater, and haute couture. His lecture turned into an open dialogue about the art of storytelling through fabric, underlining the importance of humility and passion when pursuing a career in costume design.
Parrini’s advice to students wasn’t limited to practical tips; he emphasized the value of taking methodical steps, the importance of fashion culture, and continuous learning — all of which he considers essential for anyone aiming to excel in this dynamic and challenging field.
Massimo Cantini Parrini’s presence at Ferrari Fashion School stands as a testament to the inseparable connection between costume design and cinematic storytelling — a bond that continues to inspire and shape the next generation of creatives.
To continue the dialogue, Ferrari Fashion School conducted an interview with Parrini to delve deeper into his vision and offer valuable insight to our young talents.
What is the most valuable advice you would give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in costume design, especially in the context of cinema and theater — fields where you’ve achieved such great success and recognition?
The most valuable advice I can give is to study and do as much research as possible. As I always say, school gives you 50% of what you’ll eventually become — but then, at home in the evening, it’s essential to devote time to your passion.
If you’re passionate about costume and fashion, I suggest reading, studying, and visiting exhibitions. Studying the past is crucial — all that we’ve been, and all that fashion has been. After all, costume has been fashion, and fashion will become costume.
What skill do you consider essential for excelling in fashion and costume design? And how can students best prepare themselves for the challenges of this industry?
The most important skill is mastery of the subject. When you know your craft thoroughly — and in this school there are various training courses — that’s the best preparation for the professional world.
Today, everything moves much faster, so learning must be more up-to-date as well. But as I said before, knowledge of the past must always be the foundation.
Throughout your career, you’ve witnessed growing interest in sustainability in costume design. How do you integrate sustainable principles into your work?
I incorporate sustainability into my work a great deal, primarily by using vintage materials, which by itself helps eliminate textile waste.
I also work with entirely natural materials, because they offer better results — both on screen, in fashion, and in everyday life.
Who or what has most influenced your career? Are there historical or contemporary figures in fashion or cinema that you recommend students study to enrich their artistic vision?
I owe a lot to my three mentors: Cristina Giorgetti, Piero Tosi, and Gabriella Pescucci — all from the costume world.
In fashion, I believe each person has their own mentor — living or dead — to look up to and draw inspiration from.
My advice is not to limit yourself to one figure or one idea, but to explore the worlds of those who came before you, understand how they developed their vision, and how it’s shaped what we now see in the streets and in everyday life.
