Ennio Capasa is the designer of Costume National which he founded together with his brother Carlo.
He was born in Lecce in the Apulia region of Italy. In 1982 Capasa completed his studies at Milan's Belle Arti Academy, obtaining his degree with a thesis on Russian constructivism.
His fascination with design in its most pure and essential nature led him to move to Japan where he lived for three years working as an assistant to Yohji Yamamoto.
In 1986 on his return to Italy, he founded Costume National with
his brother Carlo. The name was inspired by a book on French uniforms.
In 1986 The first collection, showcased in Milan, immediately
defines Capasa's inimitable style: essential and sophisticated,
intellectual and creative, at times severe, often sexy yet always
wearable.
"Edgy-chic" is how the leading press label it.
Designs with a lean silhouette close-cut to the body with careful
use of colour favouring dark and natural tones. Materials are always
strong researched.
In 1991 He opts for parading his Woman Collection in Paris, the
ideal venue for the innovative and international flavour of the look.
In 1993 Launch of Costume National Homme thereby blurring the
borders between the formal and the informal and inventing a super slim
silhouette for his creations. He develops a style that brings together
modern sophistication with the tradition of true Italian clothesmanship
The most respected journalists of the time (New York Times – December
1998) write Capasa has divined the mood of male fashion for the 1990s.
A tuxedo jacket worn with leather or woven jeans becomes the
preferred style of those years.
In 1996 Pitti Immagine Uomo is dedicating the opening of its
51st version.
In 1998 Head offices are opened in Milan as well as boutiques in
Milan, New York and Tokyo. These are soon followed by others in Rome,
Los Angeles and Paris.
Ennio takes an active part, together with various interior designers, in planning and styling these boutiques.
Passionately interested in architecture, in 1999 he presents the Council of Otranto with a new town-planning project which features a public aquarium within an ultra-modern building made with white aluminium and glass.
This same period sees him redesigning the interiors of Milan's Contemporary Art Pavilion for the "Rosso Vivo" exhibition. This includes the participation of, amongst others, Louise Bourgeois, Jan Fabre, Andrea Serrano and Cindy Sherman.
In 2002 The Scent trilogy is launched – a new perfume with a
strong personality. Ennio has personally dedicated two years to
this project.
In 2003 Now it's the turn of eye glasses designed in line with
the same procedure as all the Maison's products.
One key tenet of Costume National's approach is to always work on an item's authentic nature. This is why all licences are born out of the heartfelt need to complete the Maison's life-style and are personally followed every step of the way by Ennio and his staff.
In 2004 The birth of C'N'C Costume National, a specific and first line for younger people - a collection of street-style clothes complete with accessories and shoes for both sexes.
Manufactured and distributed by Ittierre it rapidly becomes one
of the most innovative and successful phenomena of that market's
segment.
In 2005 A limited collection of items and accessories are made
and co-branded between Ducati and C'N'C and the "Black Dogo" motorbike,
designed by Ennio for Ducati in 2006.
In 2007 Launch of Costume National Active, a line of deluxe sneakers.
- "Absolut Vodka for Fashion Animals" vodka bottle
- Autovettura Alfa Romeo 147 C'N'C 21 car
- Launch of the unisex perfume Costume National 21