SS26 Menswear - STITCHES OF FREEDOM with Michelangelo Vizzini

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STITCHES OF FREEDOM
*with Michelangelo Vizzini

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Michelangelo Vizzini’s first dabs within the creative sphere took place from an early age, when music—in the first instance—became a pivotal tool for expression and freedom. “Over time I found acting as another equally powerful language,” he confesses, as we settle into our conversation.

Michelangelo wears a total look by MIU MIU

“I see myself as someone constantly exploring; I love nature, staying with my family and chocolate,” he exclaims, his face filled with excitement. “Growing up, I’ve been influenced by a mix of music and cinema: Musicals were probably the strongest presence early on, as they shaped my sensitivity.” Vizzini has always been deeply inspired by artists who were able to be honest and vulnerable in their work: namely Daniel Caesar, whose music carries a deeply raw and emotional truth in its lyricism.

Michelangelo wears a total look by CELINE

“In general, I’m drawn to people who create from a genuine place, regardless of the medium,” he says. “Creativity has always been part of my life,” he opines, adding how, “Music came first and very naturally, while acting came late, but it didn’t feel like a shift, but more of an expansion.” LE MILE’s Fashion Director caught up with the rising creative force, unpacking everything from career feats to future hopes. You’re welcome.

Michelangelo wears a blazer by GIORGIO ARMANI, a sweater by SON OF A TAILOR, shirts by MOSCHINO and MICHAEL KORS, shorts by POLO RALPH LAUREN, shoes by CHURCH’S, and a belt by CELINE

Chidozie Obasi
When was the pivotal moment you realised you wanted to pursue the creative path as a full time profession?

Michelangelo Vizzini
I think I’ve always known, in a way. This path requires courage, and I never really had a plan B. I could spend hours singing or studying musicals without ever feeling tired, and that feeling made it clear to me that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

Leaning on to the crucial moment that changed your path forever: could you unpack it with us?

I think the crucial moment was when I decided to put music slightly aside for a while and focus more on cinema. It wasn’t an easy choice, because music has always been a big part of me, but I felt the need to explore acting more deeply.

At a time when the social and cultural phenomena are wreaked by havoc at an increasingly ferocious pace, how do you navigate the system and stay afloat?

I try to stay grounded and connected to what feels real. It’s easy to get distracted by noise, but I think it’s important to come back to the work, to the process, and to your own voice. For me, it’s about focusing on authenticity rather than external validation.

Could you unpack your most ‘complex’, dare I say, moment of your journey?

The most complex moments are often the ones where you doubt yourself. There are times when things feel uncertain, when you question your path. But I’ve learned that those moments are also necessary, they push you to grow, to redefine who you are, both as an artist and as a person.

Michelangelo wears jeans by HED MAYNER, shorts by ESSENTIEL ANTWERP, and shoes by BEPOSITIVE

And now, talk to us about Love Me, Love Me: how did it all happen? And what did you expect when you first read the script?

I immediately connected with the emotional core of Love Me, Love Me. It asked me to be completely honest, especially in portraying love and vulnerability. I wanted to respect the character while making him real for me, focusing on personal connections. It was also a key experience that taught me to trust the process and stay present.

You’re also quite passionate about fashion: is that something you've learned to embrace over time, and what's your relationship with it?

Fashion is something I’ve grown into over time. At first, it was more instinctive, but now I see it as another form of expression. It’s a way to communicate something without words, an extension of identity and mood.

What's next for you, and where are you hoping to take your career in time to come?

I want to continue exploring characters, stories that are intimate but also challenging. I’m interested in roles that push me out of my comfort zone and allow me to grow. At the same time, I’ll keep developing my music, because it’s such a personal space for me. I don’t want to limit myself. I just want to keep evolving and searching for something real.

Any final reflections?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of staying open, open to change, to doubt, to growth. This path is unpredictable, but that’s also what makes it meaningful. In the end, it’s all about being honest with yourself and with what you want to express. Anyway, life will guide me, and wherever I end up, I’ll trust the process.

Michelangelo wears shirts by SON OF A TAILOR and POLO RALPH LAUREN, pants by MOSCHINO, and jewellery by LAG WORLD

photography ANDREA CENETIEMPO
fashion market director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinators ALBERTO MICHISANTI + EDWARD PUSCA
make up AMERICO TURTORO via MKS MILANO
hair FUJIWARA TAKAHASHI via MKS MILANO
talent MICHELANGELO VIZZINI
fashion assistants SOFIA FARINA + LUIZA ANGELOVA + SEBASTIAN SCHIAVO

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Andrea Cenetiempo