Vibrant - Daniele Davitti Interview

Flamboyant Findings
Daniele Davitti is a cultural enthusiast, exuberantly stylish and finds much value in what is unknown to him.

“If you’re giving something to the world, give something with meaning,” Mr. Daniele Davitti states ever so bluntly as he sips his espresso. As an artist, world traveler, and fashion aesthetics professor, this is a statement he connects with his own personal life and work. Be it fashion, art, or a perfect cup of coffee, everything has meaning, especially that of its origins. Mr. Davitti has lived and traveled all around the globe, but always chooses to appreciate the culture he is currently immersed in.

As I gaze around his apartment, I see ornate pieces neatly placed in each room, with the living room wall covered in his own paintings. Rossini plays eloquently in the background. Daniele lights a cigarette, then starts to tell me about the porcelain handmade jars from Thailand that are displayed on a nearby table. “They’re so splendid! You know?” he exclaims as he carefully walks them closer to our seating area. These are just one of many culturally-based items that he views as part of his life, using them both decoratively and practically (as an ash tray). He explains when he is driven by the beauty of something, that’s when he is drawn to it, but then becomes even more intrigued when he finds out story behind how it is made.

We continue to chat about how he goes about choosing his souvenirs from his travels, at which time he heavily emphasizes he does not want to purchase something he could buy just anywhere. “It’s like a kimono in Japan… when you see one, you tend to buy it!” Daniele laughs, as though it is quite the obvious statement. Mr. Davitti is painfully aware, however, not all parts of culture can become a prized possession. The fragility of culture comes in the form of Thai porcelain, dutifully preserved documents and or an aboriginal song. Despite the harsh reality of instability, he maintains a giddy smile while speaking of aboriginal culture, the beauty of song and the intangible heritage.

Daniele knows the only way we are going to be able to preserve culture and keep the importance of the past alive is by sharing with one another. Whether he is physically in a new part of the world experiencing that culture firsthand, or is sharing an ethnic meal with friends, the way culture is shared with him holds great value. While teaching at Polimoda in Florence, he was invited by a group of students to celebrate Indian festival of Holi. He lights his second cigarette, offers us more coffee and explains the beauty of the celebration. “We were people from all over the world there, and that was so beautiful, that this girl shared with us these things!” As to continue being well-rounded with celebration, the following week, Daniele attended an American Thanksgiving dinner hosted by a student from Texas. To him, it is about understanding the tradition behind it, even if it is not an exact replica.

In an era of political correctness, Daniele notices the decreased exposure to various cultures we are receiving. He explains how he was exposed to culture sharing while growing up, as his grandmother always collected lavish pieces from other lands, along with sharing the story behind them, sparking his curiosity for worldly aesthetics. He fears an impending neglect of sharing, especially with the accentuation of the cultural appropriation topic.

For his personal garment collection, the cultural beauty will never leave these items. Daniele does not simply wear an item he has acquired on his journeys; he has learned the story of it, understands the manufacturing process and feels a connection to the culture that has been shared with him. As he lays out—ever so delicately—a Japanese kimono, Turkish quilted coat, Cambodian silk robe embroidered in India, and various accessories, he shares the story behind each. He points to a handmade silk scarf from Cambodia and explains, “[It is] in the interest of the Cambodian people that we buy and carry on tradition.” It is clear, there is an art to handcrafting and visible levels of quality in every piece he touches.

“Fashion is about touching things, it’s about feeling things, they are sending a message,” Daniele passionately expresses. He stresses we have to try to understand the power of the things we put on our bodies, as it is, after all, a great power.