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Meet Stefano Cavalleri
Stefano Cavalleri, the creator and designer of QUIS QUIS is long-known for his timeless, ethereal style, creating dresses made for a princess whilst never bowing to the dictate of current fashion.
Hand dyeing his own shirts as a little boy and later acting as a fashion advisor to his mother’s friends, his destiny was clear early on. He went from small shop owner to a designer for the prestigious Max Mara. Later he created the childrenswear brand I Pinco Pallino, and now QUIS QUIS, a young brand for children that made an early splash when featured in the final Hunger Games movies.
Stefano with Filippo, his Co-designer
Stefano produces his garments in Italy, using luxurious fabrics and dreamlike silhouettes for girls aged 4 to 12.
Read on to hear more about Stefano’s story and inspiration.
"When I finally saw my creations come to life on the big screen it was one of the proudest moments of my life."
How would you describe the spirit of QUIS QUIS?
QUIS QUIS allows children to live the classic childhood dream of being a princess, it doesn’t try to make them into “young adults.” It’s romantic and playful. I want children to feel happy, to express what’s in their heart when they wear my dresses, and to remember that feeling even as they grow up.
What’s your personal mission behind QUIS QUIS?
On one hand you have adults wanting to recreate nostalgic memories of their own childhood by dressing kids in a certain way. On the other you have kids wanting to dress more grown-up. It’s somewhat of a juxtaposition. I think kids should be protected from public expectations of beauty—and from violence in the media—so they can enjoy their childhood.
Your dresses from QUIS QUIS were worn in The Hunger Games! How did that happen?
Three years ago, when QUIS QUIS was still very new, I received a phone call. The Hunger Games was searching for a princess dress. After sending them some samples, they ended up buying a whole range of styles and asking for special alterations. Of course I very happily changed everything to their needs. When I finally saw my creations come to life on the big screen it was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Me – my creations – in Hollywood!
Now I look forward to new Hollywood assignments…perhaps something a little bit more romantic next time like Marie Antoinette.
What did you wear as a child?
We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so every day I wore blue chinos, a white shirt and a blue jacket. I used to beg my grandmother to make me clothes in the colors and styles that were fashionable during that time. Once, I asked her to make me a pink and brown sweater, which she absolutely refused to do. Eventually, after begging her every day for weeks, she agreed on a compromise: Apricot!
So you knew you wanted to become a designer from a very young age?
Yes! I was creating my own clothes by age 10. I’d buy simple white shirts and die them to match the colors and patterns I loved in our bathtub – much to my father’s despair.
My father wanted me to study architecture, but I enrolled in art school. I was already my mother’s friends fashion advisor, so there was no denying my calling. After my studies I opened my own small shop for ladies’ fashion called “L’arcobaleno”. I would drive to large cities like Paris over night to find vintage clothing which I could re-design into my own styles.
Stefano, Filippo (his co-designer) and myself
How did you make the transition from a small shop owner to international designer?
One of my regular store customers turned out to be the owner of a large fashion company. As I only found out later, he would personally buy pieces at my shop and show them to designers in his company to use as inspiration. One day, when I was 23, he approached me directly and asked me to come design for him. So I started designing for famous brands like Max Mara.
How did you get into children’s fashion?
After leaving the large fashion company, I created and ran the luxury childrenswear brand, I Pinco Pallino, with my now ex-wife for 30 years. I took a break from designing, but it didn’t last long. I quickly felt the urge to create again. I wanted to build a brand I loved. A brand that exudes fashion, but wouldn’t be bound by international fashion rules. I created QUIS QUIS as a direct expression of my soul.
“QUIS QUIS is a direct expression of my soul.”