The screen test, a short film featuring a person sitting in front of the camera, was a staple of Warhol’s Factory studio and served as a way for him to capture his subjects’ personalities and quirks. Warhol’s vision was to create some kind of “portrait in motion,” allowing him to capture the subject’s movements and facial expressions in ways that still photographs could not. They were typically shot in black and white and lasted about four minutes, during which time the subject was instructed to remain still and silent while the camera recorded them. Known for their simplicity and intimacy, Warhol’s screen tests have been described as “a window into the soul”.
Massimo Alba latest short film, which serves as a showcase for the Fall Winter 23 Collection, is a nod to Warhol’s iconic format, and captures the personalities and style of each of the thirteen unique subjects involved. It was shot by portrait photographer Mattia Zoppellaro. These faces exude authenticity and realism as they all come from different backgrounds and are marked by their strong and eclectic presence.
“Despite their obvious differences, I believe these men embody our clothes in a very personal way. What I enjoy most about my job is designing clothes that make people feel at ease, which is exactly what I see in Mattia’s images. Here at Massimo Alba, we are constantly referring to a very specific idea of style, one that can easily adapt depending on who is wearing the clothes.”
This diverse cast of people questions traditional aesthetics of masculinity while emphasizing the value of individuality and personal style. Zoppellaro’s moving portraits are a testament to authenticity, a love letter to our ever-changing, growing community, in which each of whom shares a sentimental approach to dressing.
“It all comes down to sharing. This collection revolves around the notion that our clothes truly belong to everyone. There is no such thing as a tribe or a specific demographic to which we aspire to speak. It is the inverse of exclusivity. We oppose the concept of a niche. I’ve always designed with real people in mind, like the ones I see every day on my way to work or with whom I spend my evenings before a glass of wine.” Massimo alba wanted to bring tailoring back to the forefront this season, with a focus on exploring how it can be interpreted in new ways within today’s modern landscape. In a wider range of naturally sourced fabrics, our classic Sloop Suit takes center stage. The Fall Winter 23 Sloops feature a color palette that is mostly neutral, pinstripe, and prince of Wales, with one notable exception: a deep red corduroy that makes a statement within the collection. We worked to express the classic suit’s continued relevance and versatility as a wardrobe staple for the modern man by referencing the same crafty and laidback attitude that has always distinguished our brand’s style over the years.
Outerwear comes in a variety of styles, including double-breasted and single-breasted designs, all made in Italy with meticulous attention to detail. These pieces feature a variety of neutrals as well as warmer tones such as creamier off-white, deep navy, and maroon. This time, we chose to style many of the coats over suits rather than over more casual attire.
Today, Massimo alba knitwear is a study in contrast, with two distinct factions. On one side Alba has the brightly colored, eye-catching knits that are meant to be worn beneath our Sloop Suit. Turtlenecks, half-zips, and crewnecks are among the styles available here, all made from a luxurious light-yet-warm cashmere. The weight and fabric of these knits are ideal for wearing underneath heavier blazers, adding a playful twist to the classic suit and blazer combo. On the other hand, thicker knits with deeper tones and softer volumes are available. Alba concentrated on creating textured, one-of-a-kind pieces that will become memorable staples in more subtle, yet always colorful shades. Mohair, wool, and alpaca are among the materials used.
This season, pastel tones and subtle prints are prominent in the shirt selection. For an understated elegance, has been used an almost imperceptible print technique that imparts a subtle and poetic quality to shirts. Stripes and small checks are featured in whispered, pastel shades such as pale blues, soft greens, and subdued pinks. In addition to the shirts, we included a small number of over-shirts in bolder colors made from thicker cotton with a rugged and sturdy texture.
When it comes to trousers, the collection features a range of styles, including straight leg and tapered fits, all designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. Colors in this collection include rich, warm tones like burgundy and deep greens, which naturally complement the collection’s neutral shades. The trousers are made from various fabrics such as corduroy, cotton, and velvet, giving the collection a distinct texture and feel.
