UNFILTERED STORIES FROM OUR CLOSE FRIENDS WITH: MATTIA ANDRENELLI

In this interview, we delve into the world of Mattia Andrenelli, who share his inspirations and unique perspectives.

image of Myraan Mays BLVD The Disco Don Casawi Magazine Close Friends Interview New York 2025

Mattia Andrenelli

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

I’m Mattia Andrenelli, designer and founder of Metropolis, a denim brand born from the desire to capture the soul of cities and translate it into something you can wear. My inspiration comes from urban energy: contrasts, perspectives, architecture, colors, and the stories that cross paths intersect in the streets. My vision is to create pieces that are more than just jeans, they are stories to be worn. What sets me apart is the will to build a deep connection between the city and the garment: to bring back its atmospheres, sounds, and colors through denim, which becomes the canvas where everything is imprinted, like a painting. Each drop is limited, numbered, and crafted in the Italy’s Marche region, by outstanding manufacturers.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

Surely the region where I was born, the Marche, nurtured me and sparked my passion for the pursuit of manufacturing excellence. This attitude was later reinforced by over ten years of experience as an accessories designer, a role that allowed me to travel extensively and connect with different cultures, countries, and cities, each leaving its mark on my journey. The roots of my creative journey trace back to Macerata, the town where I was born. There I first discovered the Futurist works of Ivo Pannaggi, a revelation that ignited my passion for movement, rhythm, and freedom values that still define me today. That early spark continues to shape Metropolis, where each piece carries the pulse of the city.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

My creativity is born from observation: I’m drawn to the details that often go unnoticed. Before developing a drop, I like to immerse myself in the city that inspires it: talking to locals, wandering its streets, and getting lost in its atmosphere. I don’t follow strict rituals, it’s more of a spontaneous process, where I allow myself to be surprised by what I encounter and then translate it into a language of denim. All of this comes to life thanks to the support of my team, outstanding talents in production and artistic communication, who make it possible to turn ideas into reality.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: How the places you lived influenced your career and work?

My professional background has been a constant alternation of travels and projects for major brands, experiences that made me grow both as a person and as a designer. Every place I have lived in or had the chance to discover has left a mark on my journey. There isn’t one single city that has influenced Metropolis, it’s the union of all these experiences that fuels the creative drive behind the project.
The city where I have spent most of my professional and creative life is Milan, which also became the focus of the first Metropolis drop. Its contrasts and relentless energy have deeply influenced my vision, shaping the way I translate urban atmospheres into denim. One example is the embroidery of the San Siro stadium a symbol that goes far beyond football. San Siro is woven into the memory of the city: a place where generations have gathered, shared emotions, and created stories that live on long after the matches. Through denim, I wanted to capture not only its architecture but also the passion and sense of belonging it embodies.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

The first Metropolis drop, Milan, was a success: many people connected with the brand and its vision. We are now preparing the next upcoming drop, which will be Rome and you’re the first to know. This release will also feature a special wash inspired by the city, its history, its architecture, and its powerful bond with the past. With Metropolis, my goal is not only to share what these cities have meant to me, but also to celebrate what they mean to the people who live them every day. Each drop is an invitation to build a community around places, stories, and emotions we hold in common so that through denim, the spirit of the city belongs to all of us.