Tiziano Colasante is a young entrepreneur between the narrow streets of old workshops of Florence. Surrounded by Florentine Master craftsmen at a young age, he began to flourish by giving bringing to life his ideas to shape, colors and details that made the great leather masters turned heads. In 1994, his passion led him to become founder and manager of the Propel S.R.L company, turning it into a point of reference for top luxury brands for the create and production of leather accessories.
In 2020, Tiziano finds himself creating ALEF, a leather bag luxury brand for men and women, mixing creative, leading-edge skills with craftsmanship quality. The Made In Italy brand is born within the walls of Propel SRL 2500 square meter factory center, entirely dedicated to the Made In Italy product.
Alef’s men and women collection are both strong in colors and personality. We had the opportunity to interview Tiziano to know more about his businesses, brands, and creative thought processes.
You were noticed at a young age by leather masters in Florence. What brand(s) influenced you to create ALEF ?
In all honesty, no brand has particularly influenced me. I felt it was an innate thing, born within me, a need to create something that would represent me completely.
Where do you get your inspiration for the forms and colours of the bags ?
I have always seen the world in color and admired its forms. I try to convey this as much as I can (in my collections).
To you, what are the skills that are necessary for becoming a successful fashion designer?
Be crazy- don’t think about what’s involved in throwing yourself into such an adventure, but always believe that you can do it because you’re doing what you’ve always dreamed of doing.
Do you follow traditional collection times and trends ?
No, I don’t have a specific collection time. I create when I feel inspired by something. The timing is given to me by my team that manages me.
How do you want to feel when wearing a specific fashion garment or accessory?
We want Alef Bags to empower women with class and elegance as well as manifest youth at all ages.
How do you think the current pandemic has affected the fashion industry?
The pandemic has removed many certainties from everyone. It has put us in front of many difficult choices. I feel that fashion is a movement and a way for us to express the current climate that we are living in. It helps us in pushing forward during these difficult times until we can return to normal.
ALEF is synonymous with strength, continuity and balance. Can you tell us more about your motto?
It’s all a balance above madness.
Why is it important for you to have the Made In Italy craftsmanship ?
It is important to me because it reminds me of the work done by hand- the collections born with labor in garages and small Florentine stores. For me, “handmade” is Made in Italy.
What is the future holding for Tiziano and Alef ?
I don’t know where this will take me…. Whatever the direction I will have done something that is mine, and I will be proud to have energized and colored my ideas.
You can find the ALEF bags on www.alef-bags.com
