Our Story
A journey Between Needle and Brush: Our Story of Passion and Dedication
Through the fabric of our family roots, the mastery of the needle and the magic of the paintbrush intertwine, creating an extraordinary journey of passion, dedication, and stories that go beyond the seams of time.
THE ORIGINS
GRANDFATHER LUCA
In an enchanting village among the narrow streets of Martina Franca, whose stories mingle with the colors of Puglia, the roots of my life lie in two parallel worlds destined to merge. Luca, a master tailor, and Giuseppe, a talented painter, intertwined the threads of their lives, giving me the legacy of a tradition of craftsmanship and artistry. Luca, my grandfather, rose from the shadow of his orphaned youth, embraced by the loving care of Aunt Rosina. In a modest family, the necessities of life pushed his aunt to make a difficult choice: to take Luca to the village's master tailors, custodians of an age-old art. With courage and sacrifice, Luca learned the nuances of each needle and thread, becoming an expert patternmaker, cutter and tailor. His story unfolded among the fabrics and stitching, until, as a young man in his twenties, he decided to take on new challenges, bringing with him the wealth of skills he had acquired. His expertise and dedication led him to embark on an adventure in a new tailoring store. Here he met a fellow worker, destined soon after to become his brother-in-law. These were difficult years of change. After being united in marriage with my grandmother Rosa and having four children, Luca faced the obstacles of the time, finally leaving the workshop to work in a large garment factory, earning the rights of a respected worker. The succession of years saw the birth of his last child, and with a large family behind him, Luca made the decision to move on to new opportunities. The lure of a more substantial salary led him to another prestigious packaging company, where he took up his beloved trade with the same passion until the horizon of retirement.
GRANDFATHER GIUSEPPE
Joseph, my grandfather, also has a deep connection to the roots of a modest family. His childhood spent in Martina, where his artistic destiny began to take shape under the influence of my great-grandfather Pietro, a skilled decorative painter. Not having had the opportunity to study, Joseph began working with his father as a child, spending years learning the trade and absorbing everything related to art. After working most of his life with his father, he decided to open his own workshop, devoting himself to painting, sculpture, decoration and gold thread embroidery. The artistic legacy also manifested itself among my grandfather Joseph's siblings, resulting in a gift that spanned the generations, like a love story told by a brush passing from hand to hand. In a time of change, united in marriage with my grandmother Marianna, Giuseppe was the father of fourteen children. But in a life marked by hard trials, he faced years of sacrifice and renunciation. In that troubled time, life took all his children away except the last two: my aunt and my father. My grandmother, plagued by complications during gestation, lived through the drama of losing many children or twin births, marking a succession of fleeting joys and sad goodbyes. A chronicle of grief, in which the lives of these little ones grew only to die out prematurely. A story of misfortune and hard times, a path to be overcome and courageously walked. Thus, two parallel lives, intertwined between needle and brush, laid the foundation of my family history, passing on to me the legacy of a sartorial and artistic tradition of love, passion, commitment and resilience.
GRANDFATHER GIUSEPPE
Joseph, my grandfather, also has a deep connection to the roots of a modest family. His childhood spent in Martina, where his artistic destiny began to take shape under the influence of my great-grandfather Pietro, a skilled decorative painter. Not having had the opportunity to study, Joseph began working with his father as a child, spending years learning the trade and absorbing everything related to art. After working most of his life with his father, he decided to open his own workshop, devoting himself to painting, sculpture, decoration and gold thread embroidery. The artistic legacy also manifested itself among my grandfather Joseph's siblings, resulting in a gift that spanned the generations, like a love story told by a brush passing from hand to hand. In a time of change, united in marriage with my grandmother Marianna, Giuseppe was the father of fourteen children. But in a life marked by hard trials, he faced years of sacrifice and renunciation. In that troubled time, life took all his children away except the last two: my aunt and my father. My grandmother, plagued by complications during gestation, lived through the drama of losing many children or twin births, marking a succession of fleeting joys and sad goodbyes. A chronicle of grief, in which the lives of these little ones grew only to die out prematurely. A story of misfortune and hard times, a path to be overcome and courageously walked. Thus, two parallel lives, intertwined between needle and brush, laid the foundation of my family history, passing on to me the legacy of a sartorial and artistic tradition of love, passion, commitment and resilience.
MY FAMILY
In the heart of Martina Franca, full of compelling stories, the paths of my parents, Emma and Antonio, crossed under the welcoming roof of the home of Aunt Graziella, wife of my grandfather Giuseppe's brother. Opportunity blossomed in that family hearth, where my mother, bound by a friendship with her daughter Anna, made the acquaintance of my father. At that time, my mother was fifteen years old, while my father was twenty-one. The young age aroused the concerns of my grandfather Luca, who frowned upon their association. On the contrary, my grandmother Rosa greatly appreciated my father, which often generated arguments. After months of courtship, my mother's heart gave in to love. Having finally reached the age of majority and completed her studies in childhood pedagogy, she began her working career as a teacher in kindergarten. Meanwhile, my father, after years of working with my grandfather Joseph, decided to seek economic stability. His application for employment at the old Ilva factory in Taranto was granted, obtaining a position in the shipping offices. After three years, with his parents' consent, they united their lives in the sacred bond of marriage. Their union gave birth to six wonderful children-Arianna, Giuseppe, Rosita, Vanessa, Morena and finally me, Davide-immersed in a family abundant with love and brotherhood. The grandparents' artistic legacy, our creative DNA, has flowed through every member of the family, giving each of us a passion for art. From my tender childhood, I fondly remember that every room in our house pulsed with creativity. There was always someone drawing, coloring or painting, and my childhood curiosity would drive me to hide away to watch spellbound my siblings at work.
THE ROLE OF ART
CHILDHOOD CHALLENGES
I am Davide Cristofaro, born August 16, 1985 in Putignano and rooted in the heart of Martina Franca. My childhood was a time of serenity and values, shaped by the love of a large family. From an early age, I was distinguished by a shy and introverted nature, as my mother usually said, ``A good-hearted child.'' Growing up within the walls of home, imbued with creativity, I took my first steps into the world of art. Drawing became my language, accompanying me from elementary school until later years. My path has not been without obstacles, with moments of light and shadow influencing my story. Among the most vivid memories are the challenges I faced, such as bullying incidents during middle school, which left an indelible mark on my path. These experiences profoundly affected my emotional and psychological well-being. The seventh and eighth grades represent for me the most difficult years of my young life. In addition to the bullying episodes, I remember vividly the discomfort caused by my Art teacher. I often found myself in situations where my abilities were questioned, such as when she accused me of not being the author of my artistic works, suspecting that they were the fruit of the work of my brothers, her former students. These circumstances fueled my inner malaise and generated anxiety every time I had to face a new school day. I looked forward to returning home, to a place where I felt safe and secure. So it was that after middle school, I decided to pursue a completely different course of study from who I was. I enrolled in hotel management school in Fasano, wanting to get as far away from my hometown as possible to forget the painful past. The first year was a whirlwind of emotions: I discovered a new reality, fascinating subjects of study and, above all, I met fellow students and professors who welcomed me with affection and understanding. But from the first to the second year, I had a different outlook on life. In my class, I witnessed bullying incidents directed against some professors. It was at that moment that I felt the anguish I had experienced in the past awaken. I was constantly asking myself: how is it possible to be so mean toward others? I could not understand why one could be so mean, with bullying and discrimination. These were years of profound changes, marked by a growing sense of inner unease. At one point, I realized that the course of study I was pursuing was not fulfilling me; I felt like I was going in the wrong direction. The passion for drawing continued to burn within me with increasing intensity.
THE ROLE OF ART
CHILDHOOD CHALLENGES
I am Davide Cristofaro, born August 16, 1985 in Putignano and rooted in the heart of Martina Franca. My childhood was a time of serenity and values, shaped by the love of a large family. From an early age, I was distinguished by a shy and introverted nature, as my mother usually said, ``A good-hearted child.'' Growing up within the walls of home, imbued with creativity, I took my first steps into the world of art. Drawing became my language, accompanying me from elementary school until later years. My path has not been without obstacles, with moments of light and shadow influencing my story. Among the most vivid memories are the challenges I faced, such as bullying incidents during middle school, which left an indelible mark on my path. These experiences profoundly affected my emotional and psychological well-being. The seventh and eighth grades represent for me the most difficult years of my young life. In addition to the bullying episodes, I remember vividly the discomfort caused by my Art teacher. I often found myself in situations where my abilities were questioned, such as when she accused me of not being the author of my artistic works, suspecting that they were the fruit of the work of my brothers, her former students. These circumstances fueled my inner malaise and generated anxiety every time I had to face a new school day. I looked forward to returning home, to a place where I felt safe and secure. So it was that after middle school, I decided to pursue a completely different course of study from who I was. I enrolled in hotel management school in Fasano, wanting to get as far away from my hometown as possible to forget the painful past. The first year was a whirlwind of emotions: I discovered a new reality, fascinating subjects of study and, above all, I met fellow students and professors who welcomed me with affection and understanding. But from the first to the second year, I had a different outlook on life. In my class, I witnessed bullying incidents directed against some professors. It was at that moment that I felt the anguish I had experienced in the past awaken. I was constantly asking myself: how is it possible to be so mean toward others? I could not understand why one could be so mean, with bullying and discrimination. These were years of profound changes, marked by a growing sense of inner unease. At one point, I realized that the course of study I was pursuing was not fulfilling me; I felt like I was going in the wrong direction. The passion for drawing continued to burn within me with increasing intensity.
THE PATH TO SELF-REALIZATION
In my third year, after gaining an overview of the subjects covered in the hotel industry, I decided to specialize in reception, hoping that this choice would awaken a new energy in me. The formation of a new class, with old and new classmates, was an amazing experience. These classmates left an indelible imprint on my heart until the end of my fifth year of high school, when I graduated as a tourism services operator. Nevertheless, even during those dark periods, I found solace in art, a faithful companion that guided me through the difficulties. I continued to draw, for myself, for friends and by participating in school projects. During those complex years, I faced a struggle with depression, despite having amazing classmates by my side. Among them, Giovanna, my deskmate, was a constant and supportive presence. I shared my innermost thoughts with her, and her closeness was a beacon of comfort during the darkest moments. My path saw a significant turning point after completing my studies. I realized that my true calling lay in the union of fashion and art. After numerous trips and research together with my father, I made the decision to enroll in the ``Victoria Academy`` Moda Designer Institute in Bari. It was here that I met my dear Academy Director, Vittoria. It was love at first sight, an exceptional meeting that changed the course of my life. I was lucky enough to attend a wonderful class, led by incredibly knowledgeable and loving professors. Thanks to their guidance, I was able to bring out my full potential, the potential that I knew I possessed but had been hiding in some corner. They stimulated my artistic creativity until it exploded. I remember fondly, in particular, my dear professor Rosa, who passed on to me her love for fabric design, and the amazing professor Florisa, who contributed to my vision as an artist. For this I will be eternally grateful. Here, too, I shared the desk with a great classmate named Caterina. These were very challenging and difficult years that we faced together, supporting each other until our senior year. I pursued a degree in Fashion Design. During the course of my studies, I dedicated my thesis to my paternal grandfather, whom I unfortunately never met. I specialized in two areas that I am particularly passionate about: Fashion Designer and Textile Designer. Through my studies and creativity, I have honed aesthetic sensibility not only in the field of fashion, but in every art form around me.
EVENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
MY JOURNEY IN ART AND FASHION
After completing my studies at the esteemed Fashion Academy, I was immersed in a whirlwind of emotions, ready to explore the world of work. On the first day after my final exams, I carefully prepared my portfolios containing the haute couture collections and hand-painted silks I had created. It was an exciting time for me, as I prepared to exhibit the fruits of my labor and present myself for the first time in stores in my beloved city of Martina Franca. I started this first adventure with my sister Morena, who helped me out in those crucial days. However, my first discouragement was not long in coming. Although I presented myself enthusiastically and showed my work with passion, I did not receive the response I expected. Stores did not seem interested in my creations or willing to display my hand-painted silks in their windows. This episode marked my first bitter confrontation with reality: I felt rejected by my own hometown. I began my first travels in search of work, carrying a suitcase full of hope and flanked by my brother Giuseppe. Rome, Milan, Florence: I presented myself in different style studios, companies and stores, handing in my resume and showing my portfolios. However, nothing seemed to open up for me. Disappointment after disappointment, I realized that the path would be more arduous than expected. During this period, two episodes struck me deeply. The first occurred in a design studio, where a young staff member told me, ``You can be as talented as you want, but if you don't have the right key and strong shoulders, you won't get anywhere in this world.`` The second episode occurred when I left my resume at a company. As soon as I turned to leave, I saw my resume being torn up before my eyes. That brutal and contemptuous act affected me deeply, leaving me with a feeling of disillusionment and frustration. Weeks later, I returned to Martina, heartbroken and disappointed. It was at this critical moment that art came to my aid. I remember buying my first canvas, brushes and oil paints. I had never painted until that day, but I decided to start painting as a self-taught artist. I was flooded with a warmth and excitement I had never felt before; I could no longer help myself. A new journey in art and fashion, full of personal satisfaction, soon began.
MY ARTISTIC ADVENTURE IN THE WORLD
The year 2007 represented an intense period. In early January, I completed my academic studies and subsequently embarked on travels in search of work. In the midst of various emotions, I approached painting, a moment that all seemed so unreal. I participated in my first group exhibition in Rome, where I exhibited my hand-painted silks, some fashion sketches and the first painting inspired by Africa. From that moment, my art became a record of my inner journeys and shared experiences with the world. These were years of artistic experimentation and various exhibitions. My first big moment in the fashion world came on February 5, 2012, during the ``Lecce Fashion Weekend 8``, a major event in the ``Made in Puglia`` fashion scene. Since then, I have been lucky enough to participate in several events in many cities around the world. I have taken my creations to Paris, London, Oslo, Köping, Stockholm, Bangkok, Moscow, Tashkent and many other fascinating cities. Whenever the works are warmly received by critics and the public, I experience an indescribable thrill. Seeing them admired and appreciated represents a moment of great satisfaction. My creations have become part of private collections, both in Italy and abroad. It is an honor to know that people appreciate my work and decide to cherish one of my creations as a personal treasure. In addition to professional successes, I have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary people who have enriched my artistic journey. In the beginning, many of them were clients, but over time they have become dear friends, with whom I have shared not only an appreciation for my art, but also the support and trust essential to my creative development. I am deeply grateful for the bond that was formed and for the valuable contribution to my artistic growth.
THE DREAM
THE DAVIDE CRISTOFARO BRAND
The time had come to bring my dream to life, to turn passion and art into the ``Davide Cristofaro`` brand. With determination, I traced the path in the world of fashion, like an artist paints on a blank canvas, ready to explore new horizons. The brand represented not only a style, but also authenticity and originality, reflections of my experience and artistic vision. It was a symbol of identity, a promise to give voice to my passions and turn the dream into reality. I turned to my brother Giuseppe, asking him if he would like to join this new chapter in my life and build this company together. With courage, in August 2015, we started the brand, knowing that the path would lead us to new adventures. I was no longer alone; I had my brother beside me. Two opposites that balanced each other: me, the irrational creative arm, and him, the rational one who was in charge of the administrative part of the company. Years of electronic correspondence, phone calls and incessant travel began: from Como to Milan, from Lugano to London. Fairs, meetings and relationships followed one after another to identify companies willing to support our projects. This phase was also extremely delicate, as many companies contacted did not respond to emails and calls, or were simply not interested in collaborating. We continued with determination and tenacity until we built a network of outside manufacturers, selected for their craftsmanship and reliability in large-scale production. Another challenging step was to contact stores and showrooms to gauge their interest in presenting our products. However, many of these attempts were unsuccessful because our brand was not yet well known. The search for companies to manufacture and distribute our products proved burdensome and frustrating. I remembered the words of the young collaborator from the Milan design studio: ``You can be talented, but without the right key and strong shoulders, you will get nowhere.`` These words resonated in my mind, testifying to the challenges faced in the industry. However, despite the adversity, we decided to persevere.
THE DREAM
THE DAVIDE CRISTOFARO BRAND
The time had come to bring my dream to life, to turn passion and art into the ``Davide Cristofaro`` brand. With determination, I traced the path in the world of fashion, like an artist paints on a blank canvas, ready to explore new horizons. The brand represented not only a style, but also authenticity and originality, reflections of my experience and artistic vision. It was a symbol of identity, a promise to give voice to my passions and turn the dream into reality. I turned to my brother Giuseppe, asking him if he would like to join this new chapter in my life and build this company together. With courage, in August 2015, we started the brand, knowing that the path would lead us to new adventures. I was no longer alone; I had my brother beside me. Two opposites that balanced each other: me, the irrational creative arm, and him, the rational one who was in charge of the administrative part of the company. Years of electronic correspondence, phone calls and incessant travel began: from Como to Milan, from Lugano to London. Fairs, meetings and relationships followed one after another to identify companies willing to support our projects. This phase was also extremely delicate, as many companies contacted did not respond to emails and calls, or were simply not interested in collaborating. We continued with determination and tenacity until we built a network of outside manufacturers, selected for their craftsmanship and reliability in large-scale production. Another challenging step was to contact stores and showrooms to gauge their interest in presenting our products. However, many of these attempts were unsuccessful because our brand was not yet well known. The search for companies to manufacture and distribute our products proved burdensome and frustrating. I remembered the words of the young collaborator from the Milan design studio: ``You can be talented, but without the right key and strong shoulders, you will get nowhere.`` These words resonated in my mind, testifying to the challenges faced in the industry. However, despite the adversity, we decided to persevere.
BACK TO THE ROOTS: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
In our entrepreneurial journey, we have faced challenges and disappointments, often caused by individuals who, hiding their true intentions behind a false friendship, have attempted to thwart us. Inappropriate investments with people who, although seemingly interested in expanding the brand beyond national borders, turned out to be disloyal and mean-spirited, undermining our commitment and dedication. After long experiences and many difficulties, we felt the need to return to our roots in Puglia, transferring the entire production to our beloved homeland. This choice not only brought us closer to family, but also strengthened our ties with the community and supported the local economy. I am deeply involved in the international development of the 'Davide Cristofaro' brand in Art, Fashion and Design, expressing the authentic Italian essence. We enhance traditional Apulian craftsmanship and spread the passion for art through unique creations, celebrating diversity and human experience. Our works of art and the textiles we create tell stories of a journey between distant cultures and lands, interweaving exotic and Western suggestions. Each design embodies the essence of beauty and the complexity of the human psyche, transforming into exclusive fabrics used throughout our fashion production. Our brand is symbolized by a winged lion that combines the characteristics of two powerful animals: the lion and the eagle. The lion embodies strength and courage, while the eagle symbolizes power and nobility. It is dedicated to those who believe in their dreams and never give up in the face of obstacles. ``Follow your passion, work hard to achieve your dreams. Every impediment you encounter brings growth and maturity. Keep your vision clear: the road to success may be long, but each step brings you closer and closer to your goals."