Instagram DMs with Francesco Ragazzi

Hey Francesco. How are you?

Yooo

Sorry I am late!

No worries. You must be crazy busy getting ready for the Palm Angels show?

It's crazy here right now

But here I am

Thanks for talking to us.

Where are you right now?

In Milano getting ready for Palm Angels

It's show tiiime

Can we have a preview?

Also this is happening...

Under Armour?

Yes

Looking forward to seeing the rest of it in tonight's show

It's very unconventional, but I like challenges

I think when it comes to collaborations, it's cool to do something unexpected.

Exactly

What are you up to?

Just shooting some social media shots for Palm Angels

Nice

What's inspired the SS19 collection?

It's a mix of Yosemite meets rave

This March, I worked on something that was out of my world and helped with the Swedish House Mafia comeback campaign in Miami with Virgil.

I loved the experience, and it was also something unexpected, so it gave me new energy for this collection.

Yeah I remember that campaign. It was cool

What was it like working with Virgil?

It was a teamwork thing and we all did different pieces.

It turned out great.

Sounds cool. Do you get nervous before you show a new collection?

Fuck yes

Haha

But then it's the greatest feeling, when it's all over

and onto the next one?

Yes I basically never stop

I remember when designers used to take vacations after shows

This just never happened for me

But I guess that's because I'm not a designer

What would you say you are?

I think artistic director is more appropriate because I work on many different things beyond design

That makes sense. I think it's interesting that Palm Angels started as a photobook of images you took to document the LA skate scene

If you had to pick, what's your favourite image from the book?

I think the first one. That's when I realised I could actually put a project together

Wait a sec...

These are the most important shots for me

I was looking at the book today. It's sick. I love this shot.

Did you get to know the guys you were shooting?

Some of them, but I also loved to observe them as an outsider

It's a big part of my creative approach

I like to see and reinterpret my way

That's interesting

Palm Angels has become a go-to brand for some of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop - A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Pharrell. Is there anyone you haven't seen in PA that you'd like to style?

Hmmm. Good question...

I think the only one I'm missing is Drake

While we're talking music - what was the last song you listened to?

I like Ye a lot

The new album?

Yes. I think you put on the whole album and it's flawless.

It's great. The new Rocky album is good too.

You started your time at Moncler in the press office, and worked your way up to Artistic Director. Tell me a bit about that journey?

I started there as an intern

I always wanted to be a photographer, but I couldn't find the right job.

Then this internship at Moncler came up, so I took it and basically never left.

I hated working in the press office haha

The worst

But the company was growing, and I had the opportunity to work my way up

I think Moncler Genius is a crucial moment in my career

You know what I mean?

Yeah it's pretty incredible to start at a company as an intern, see it grow into a global name in luxury, become artistic director and then be asked to collaborate with your own brand

Man

Yes

Crazy

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who reads this who might have aspirations to reach the same kind of level, what would it be?

Dream

My secret is music. I visualize everything with music.

It's crazy for me to think that today my show is happening between Prada and Dsquared

I mean I know that doesn't mean anything really

It puts the success of Palm Angels in context, I think. Like the label belongs in the same world as these huge Milanese names

Yeah - it's everything I dreamed of really

Just eating some pizza. Very Italian.

Is it difficult splitting your time between Moncler and Palm Angels?

Yeah, pretty challenging. I'm trying to focus more on Palm Angels now. At least in terms of time. they're both always on my mind.

What sneakers are you wearing?

Now?

My new ones!

They were a lot of work, so I better wear the shit out of them

Haha yes

I've worn the shit out of these, so maybe some new Palm Angels are on the cards for me, too

Haha, yeah - but you did it right!

Wait, let me show you something they just sent to me...

"Interpretation" I guess haha

Are those customs from Virgil?

No someone just sent me them

They're cool

That palm tree swoosh

What's your dream collaboration?

Comme Des Garçons

Most used emoji?

I think

Just before a show, I think that's fair haha

What does the world need more of?

The world needs more Palm Angels

What does it need less of?

Less hate, that's for sure

Last photo in your photo stream?

Carti wearing our collab pieces

Sick

Other than Palm Angels, what's your favourite Moncler Genius collection?

I love the mix, but I appreciate Craig Green's work a lot

Craig is incredible

What's your favourite piece from the Palm Angels genius collection and why?

I think it was a difficult task for me to think of something new when I've seen so many versions of down jackets

I synthesised and worked with the DNA. I like the super shiny fabric

I love working on womenswear

I love these, too

Are those the Suicoke sandals?

Yeah

Back stage!

Helicopter!?

Thanks so much for talking to us, especially so close to the show.

Can't wait to see the new collection

Thanks man

Love UrlfreezeShops

Not quite a palm tree, but it's as close as we've got in the UK

Haha, no

But I appreciate the effort!

Peace, always