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The Gritty Soul of Gela. “SERVING TH3 GAME”

W: Diana King

"He doesn't just design clothes; he constructs a survival kit for the modern urban wanderer, turning the dust of the Sicilian suburbs into runway gold."

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Matteo Buttiglieri’s collection is far from a polished postcard of Italy. Instead, it is a raw, rhythmic love letter to the outskirts of Gela, Sicily. By channelling the "peripheral energy" of his hometown, he transforms the aesthetics of suburban struggle into a high-fashion statement. The garments act as a protective layer, blending the hard edges of urban architecture with the fluid, oversized silhouettes of early 2000s hip-hop.

"He doesn't just design clothes; he constructs a survival kit for the modern urban wanderer, turning the dust of the Sicilian suburbs into runway gold."

What truly separated "SERVING TH3 GAME" from other 2025 graduate works was its cinematic cohesion. Winning the Visual Merchandising Award wasn't an accident; Buttiglieri curated an entire universe where the styling, the music, and the aggressive tailoring worked in total lockstep. He successfully moved beyond the "student" label by presenting a brand identity that felt fully formed, commercially viable, and culturally urgent.

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Technically, the collection is an exercise in "Urban Tailoring." Buttiglieri strips back the pretension of traditional Italian luxury, replacing it with functional hardware, weathered textures, and heavy-duty layering. It’s a sophisticated take on the "uniform," where utility meets ego. By elevating everyday streetwear codes—like hoods, tech-pockets, and oversized proportions—to the level of artisanal craft, he bridges the gap between the basketball court and the boutique.

"Buttiglieri has mastered the art of the 'luxury rough-cut,' proving that authenticity is the most expensive fabric a designer can work with."

"The collection functions like a high-stakes match where the street is the court and style is the only weapon that matters."