Subtract to add. Balance rigor and softness. Find the most authentic expression of style in simplicity. Ludovica Diligu, the creative force behind LABO.ART, has made these principles the defining signature of her brand, crafting an essential aesthetic that transcends trends to become a true way of being
Interview by Domenico Costantini
In her Spring-Summer 2025 menswear collection, architecture meets fashion in garments with sharp lines and fluid wearability, where the study of color and fabric plays a key role. From the Mediterranean purity of forms to chromatic experimentation, up to the concept of the “contemporary uniform,” LABO.ART redefines the male wardrobe with a vision that is as sophisticated as it is pragmatic. In this interview, Ludovica reveals her approach to fashion as an act of subtraction, her connection to conceptual art, and the value of a minimalism that is not deprivation, but awareness. And she shares how, at the heart of a Greek island, LABO.ART has become more than just a brand: it has become a way of life.
LABO.ART is a name that evokes precision and experimentation. What does ‘art’ mean to you in the context of fashion?
Art, to me, is synthesis. It is the ability to distill an idea to its purest essence, free from ornamentation. In fashion, this means creating garments with their own aesthetic autonomy—pieces that are not merely functional responses but also expressions of thought. LABO.ART was born from this very tension: a creative laboratory where experimentation translates into precise forms, studied volumes, and a pursuit of the essential.
Your designs seem to exist in a suspended space between architectural rigor and tactile softness. How do you construct this balance?
I like to think of my pieces as lightweight structures: they have a well-defined presence, almost architectural, yet they are designed to adapt to the body and interact with movement. I work extensively on volume construction, starting from strict geometries that are then softened through fabric selection and sartorial details. It is a constant balance between order and spontaneity, control and freedom.
Color is a defining element of your visual language, yet always used with calibrated subtlety. How does your palette come to life?
Color is a structural element in my creative process. It is never an accessory but rather a code that defines the character of each collection. My palette emerges from keen observation of reality: the shades of urban architecture, the hushed tones of nature, the unexpected contrasts that arise in everyday life. I work with color in a measured way, aiming for depth without excess, an intensity that remains refined.
LABO.ART is synonymous with timeless elegance, detached from fleeting trends. How do you design a wardrobe that defies seasons?
I believe the key lies in designing with honesty, without the anxiety of constantly chasing the new. A garment that stands the test of time is never loud; it is built with meticulous attention to detail, materials, and proportions. My goal is to create pieces that integrate seamlessly into people’s lives, maintaining their relevance day after day. It is not about being ‘outside of time,’ but about having one’s own time—a coherence that makes each piece recognizable and enduring.
The concept of the ‘architecture of the body’ seems central to your vision. Which architectural or artistic references influence your work?
Architecture is a constant reference in my creative process. I am fascinated by the work of masters like Carlo Scarpa and Luis Barragán, their ability to use light and material to create spaces with soul. In art, I admire the rigor of Donald Judd, the minimal poetry of Agnes Martin. These influences are never direct citations but rather subtle inspirations that shape how I think about form, always seeking a balance between structure and lightness.
In today’s fashion landscape, where production urgency often overshadows design reflection, what do you think is the true luxury?
True luxury today is time. The time to think, to design with care, to choose materials that make sense not just aesthetically but also ethically. In an era of overproduction and frantic consumption, I believe the value of a garment lies in its ability to endure, to forge a connection with the wearer. Luxury is not excess; it is the quality of thought behind every choice.
If you had to condense the essence of LABO.ART into a single word, what would it be? And why?
Essence. Because my entire work is an exercise in subtraction, a pursuit of the essential. Each collection is a journey toward purity of form and function, with no compromises. LABO.ART is a clear, defined language, where every detail exists for a reason.
