Carlo Borromeo is the second protagonist in our series “The Connoisseurs,” which highlights individuals who share our passion for quality, heritage, and innovation across various industries beyond denim. In this installment, we explore Carlo’s world and his love for cars, as he explains how he skillfully combines tradition and innovation in his everyday life.
“Drawing inspiration from the past and reinterpreting it aligns with the Italian culture”
Carlo Borromeo is an industrial and automotive designer with a deep passion for cars. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming an inventor and creating innovative solutions, a pursuit he now embraces daily by merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
One of Carlo’s main interests is restomod vehicles. The term “restomod” is a blend of “restoration” and “modification.” This approach pays tribute to classic designs while incorporating enhancements that address the technical limitations and production costs of earlier eras. When done thoughtfully, a restomod not only captures the essence and memories of the original car but also infuses it with a renewed sense of nostalgia.
Blending tradition and innovation is deeply rooted in Italian culture
Italy is a country that embodies a rich tapestry of culture and tradition. Like Carlo, we share a deep connection to this subject. Carlo carries an important family name that dates back centuries and has shaped our country’s history. Meanwhile, Candiani has a longstanding reputation in denim manufacturing, drawing on Italy’s deep textile expertise.
However, what’s fascinating about Italy is also its ability to thrive on fresh, innovative ideas across various sectors, particularly in automotive and textiles. This duality of honoring the past while reinterpreting it resonates with our values. We aim to find a balance that celebrates tradition and innovation, creating something truly unique in the process.
Our shared philosophy aligns with Tutto Bene’s motto, “Slow Down To Go Fast.” This reminds us of the importance of taking the time to savor our passions, especially our love for Italian culture and craftsmanship. Tutto Bene, organized by Carlo’s BorromeodeSilva studio, is not just a vintage car and supercar rally; it’s a celebration of car culture wrapped in the elegance of design and the excitement of driving, all infused with that distinctive Italian flair.

About BorromeodeSilva
Carlo Borromeo, Fabio De Silva, and Filippo Sgalbazzi established BorromeodeSilva in 2010, a Milan-based studio specializing in product design, automotive design, and graphic communication. Their approach blends traditional design with contemporary technology and craftsmanship with innovation, offering a comprehensive range of services from research and development to full industrialization. By conducting all their work—ideation, research, sketching, and prototyping—within their office, they enjoy a unique freedom in their creative process.
They describe themselves as “undeniably Italian; Milanese but with a Californian twist,” combining timeless style with modern technology. By embracing their cultural heritage without being constrained by it, they tap into a rich network of artisans while also staying ahead of the curve with their international experience.
Carlo Borromeo wears winter wool-blended denim
Carlo Borromeo has introduced a limited-edition winter collection featuring made-to-measure wool-blended denim. This collection is available at the Candiani Denim Store in Piazza Mentana 3, Milan, allowing you to create your own custom jeans. You will also find it on our website in three colors: indigo, black, and an exclusive brown.
Our wool-blended denim combines a 35% wool and 65% cotton blend, bringing together the best of traditional denim and the unique benefits of wool. We utilize Woolmark’s merino wool in the weft, paired with cotton. The inclusion of wool not only offers thermal insulation but also effectively absorbs moisture, resists odors, and retains its shape over time.

