Welcome to our exclusive interview with Goto, a groundbreaking fashion label, co-founded by Chiara Ceccon Perin + Filippo Aldegheri, that redefines self-expression through a lens of divine innocence and free-spirited creativity. Goto is a movement that celebrates individuality and the power of personal interpretation in fashion, born from a deep appreciation for black poetry and an acute sense of awareness, Goto invites everyone to embrace their unique identity, proving that anyone can wear their designs—even if they are edgier than most.
The essence of Goto lies in its commitment to crafting unconventional pieces that seamlessly mold to the wearer like a second skin. Each item serves not only as clothing but as a canvas for self-expression, encouraging individuals to infuse their personal style into every look. Goto‘s alternative approach to fashion is introspective and understated, yet tremendously powerful, offering a refreshing contrast to the often loud and fleeting trends of the fashion world. At the heart of Goto is a fusion of cutting-edge, avant-garde design with traditional Italian tailoring techniques. Each piece is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled local artisans in Italy, ensuring an unparalleled quality that stands the test of time. This dedication to craftsmanship transforms each garment into a work of art, inviting the wearer to explore a deeper connection to what they wear.
Moreover, Goto takes its responsibility to the planet seriously. Every decision made by the brand is rooted in a profound respect for the environment—from the choice of materials to the ethical treatment of artisans. Goto is proud to use only the finest and completely natural materials, reflecting their commitment to sustainability. In a world where fast fashion thrives on obsolescence, Goto challenges this notion by producing collections that are seasonless and trend-proof. Each item is crafted exclusively upon customer request, drastically minimizing waste and reducing the brand’s environmental footprint.
Let’s explore together the inspirations behind Goto‘s striking collections, the philosophy that drives their design process, and their vision for a more ethical and sustainable future in fashion.
IN CONVERSATION WITH CHIARA CECCON PERIN + FILIPPO ALDEGHERI, CO-FOUNDERS OF GOTO
How did your childhood influences shape the founding of Goto? What specific experiences inspired you to create a brand centered on freedom of self-expression?
Goto emerged from a fascinating convergence of two distinctly different paths, united by a shared vision to redefine fashion’s relationship with identity. On one side, I grew up in an environment rich in traditional tailoring. My childhood was spent watching my grandmother sew, engaged in a constant dialogue with dress forms while exploring materials as a form of creative expression. This early exposure fostered a sensitivity towards garments as intimate constructions—capable of enhancing the body without imposing fixed interpretations.
Conversely, my experience living in London introduced a conceptual layer to fashion. There, I encountered avant-garde Japanese designers who challenged conventional norms and prompted questions surrounding form, gender, and identity. The merger of these perspectives made clear that the narrative needed to embrace the complexity of bodies and individual identities.
Rather than conceal differences, Goto aims to highlight them. We strive to create a space for genuine expressive freedom—a brand that doesn’t impose definitions or norms but listens to the individuality of each body. It’s about rejecting rigid social constructs and embracing personal expression as a profound creative act.
How do you see the concept of self-expression through clothing evolving in today’s society, and what role does Goto play in this evolution?
In today’s fast-paced society, self-expression has transcended mere clothing, but in doing so, it risks losing depth and authenticity. Influenced heavily by trends and the rapidity of social media, aesthetic choices can become more reactive than reflective of true identity—often volatile and disconnected.
This doesn’t mean we dismiss the progressive aspects of contemporary expression; we fully recognize their significance. However, we believe that true self-expression must be paired with critical thinking—filtering external influences to cultivate a more authentic form of expression.
We’ve witnessed a flattening of creativity and concept in recent years, both in manufacturing and aesthetics. In this landscape, Goto’s role is pivotal: we return the focus to the individual, championing complexity, difference, and nuance. We transform clothing into a dialogue, inviting wearers to slow down, choose thoughtfully, and rediscover self-expression as a deeply personal and liberated act.
Merging avant-garde design with traditional tailoring presents unique challenges. How do you navigate these to maintain a cohesive aesthetic?
Navigating the intersection of tradition and experimentation is central to our creative process. The balance we strive for is between innovative form and rigorous craftsmanship. Our designs often start with moulage, allowing us to intuitively build structures in three dimensions. This method frees our designs from predetermined constraints, letting the garments reveal themselves organically.
Then, we focus on the interplay between form and diverse body types. Each piece adapts to various physicalities — avoiding the rigidity of a single silhouette. Our exploration of materials is crucial; they must not only be decorative but also fundamentally tied to weight, movement, and structure.
Traditional tailoring provides both a framework and a point of dialogue. Instead of resisting it, we engage with its principles while introducing contemporary shapes and tensions. In this confluence of craftsmanship and modern vision, we cultivate a coherent and evolving aesthetic that retains our unique identity.
The handcrafted nature of your items contributes significantly to their identity. How does the meticulous craftsmanship of Goto’s artisans enhance the experience of wearing your pieces?
At Goto, craftsmanship is not merely an aesthetic choice; it lies at the core of the wearing experience. The meticulous process undertaken by our artisans—ranging from intentional design to careful construction—ensures that every garment enhances the body without restricting it.
Fit is paramount; our designs are conceived to adapt to various sizes and shapes, allowing for dynamic proportions and silhouettes without sacrificing precision. This philosophy empowers the wearer, creating a sense of support and freedom that encourages individuality without limitation. In this synergy of tailored craftsmanship and thoughtful design, we create clothing that is not just worn but rather experienced.
How do you engage with customers to ensure your designs resonate with them personally and allow for individual expression?
Our relationship with Goto’s wearers is intrinsic to our creative ethos. We don’t merely sell a garment; we foster a dialogue that listens to the needs, aspirations, and sensitivities of individuals.
Every interaction—whether in-person or digital—helps us understand how our designs can resonate with and serve the wearer, adapting to their unique body, style, and lifestyle. Our goal is to create clothing that leaves space for personal expression rather than imposing a set interpretation.
Our philosophy embraces modularity and versatility in design, allowing wearers the freedom to interpret and style each piece in a way that feels authentically theirs. In this way, Goto creates a collective dialogue, where individual identities coexist, enriching the whole.
You emphasize the use of “the finest and completely natural materials” in your pieces. Can you elaborate on these materials, their sourcing, and their impact on aesthetics and sustainability?
Selecting high-quality, natural materials is central to Goto’s philosophy. It echoes our commitment to sustainability, durability, and respect for the human body. We primarily work with organic cottons, silks, wools, and leathers sourced ethically from the food industry—transforming often-overlooked materials into unique garments. These perceived imperfections become integral character traits, rendering each piece one-of-a-kind.
Sourcing from Italian manufacturers not only allows us to support local economies and traditional craftsmanship but also enables close oversight of our supply chain. We strive to give new life to textile deadstock, reducing waste and ensuring that the history of these materials becomes part of Goto’s aesthetic narrative.
Minimizing waste is crucial for environmental responsibility. What specific practices does Goto employ to minimize waste during production?
At Goto, we recognize the significant environmental footprint of the fashion industry and approach our production with intention and responsibility. By collaborating closely with local artisans and embracing small-scale manufacturing, we avoid bulk-driven routines that generate excess.
We operate on a made-to-order basis, producing only what is necessary to avoid surplus inventory. This approach not only ensures that each purchase is intentional but also reduces waste significantly. We also reinterpret what many perceive as “flaws” in materials, recognizing them as distinctive features that align with Goto’s vision.
The idea of seasonless collections is intriguing. How do you believe moving away from traditional seasonal trends benefits the consumer and the fashion industry?
By adopting a seasonless approach, Goto liberates garments from the constraints of seasonal marketing and novelty, benefiting both the environment and consumers. This model diminishes the pressure to constantly refresh wardrobes and fosters a more mindful relationship with clothing.
Our pieces are designed for versatility and adaptability, enabling individuals to define their use across various contexts and seasons. This enhances durability and quality while promoting a sustainable and thoughtful consumption practice.
How does Goto’s philosophy confront planned obsolescence, and what implications does this have for consumers investing in higher-quality, longer-lasting pieces?
Goto was established to directly challenge the practice of planned obsolescence—a defining characteristic of fast fashion that breeds waste and often relies on exploitative labor practices. Our philosophy is straightforward: we design garments to endure, making responsibility a central tenet of our approach.
For consumers, investing in Goto means choosing less but choosing better—crafting a wardrobe of versatile, enduring pieces that adapt to different needs and occasions. Each garment becomes a genuine reflection of identity rather than an impulsive, disposable trend. This shift from consumption based on obsolescence to meaningful, deliberate purchasing restores agency and consciousness to the consumer.
How have your early experiences shaped your creative vision and the values you prioritize within Goto?
Our formative experiences have critically influenced Goto’s creative vision and values. Exposure to diverse cultures, perspectives, and sensibilities during my youth taught me the value of dialogue and active listening. Growing up amidst varied environments constantly challenged my viewpoints and encouraged exchange and growth.
Even with divergent perspectives, it is these differences that ignite the creative energy behind Goto. Our brand emerges from a dynamic balance—an ongoing dialogue of respect and influence between two identities. Central to our mission is the recognition that individuality requires awareness and courage, a fundamental value guiding our decisions from design to the inclusive space we seek to foster.
Subcultures play a significant role in shaping fashion. How do you draw inspiration from various subcultures, and how do they inform Goto’s designs and ethos?
At Goto, we draw inspiration from subcultures by focusing on the values and messages they embody rather than simply their surface aesthetics. Influences from music, art, literature, and historical movements continuously enrich our visual language and aesthetic narrative.
Manufacturing details, often minimalistic, play a pivotal role in expressing a garment’s identity. Our cultural research fosters a dialogue among our design team, where ideas and sketches are shared to align our messages with forms. Each garment then transcends mere fabric; it becomes a narrative woven with the history of the subcultures that inspired it, all while conveying values of aesthetics and identity.
Website: https://gotomaison.com
Follow Goto HERE
33 MAGAZINE 