P E B is balance between aesthetics and innovation, meticulous research for technical materials, passion for highly performance fabrics and functional details and devotion to a totally Made in Italy production. Founded in 2008 by Massimiliano Poggiolini and Vincenzo Bruzzese as an experimental project for mens clothing, P E B is now an established brand sold worldwide in eight countries: Italy, Japan, China, Russia, Korea, Thailand and the United States. Since the first collection in 2012, P E B presents high quality garments characterized by a minimalist design combined with contrasting texture of materials.
The designer, Massimiliano Poggiolini, takes inspiration from architecture and underground street culture as well as technical fabrics and extremely functional details taken from the world of sports. These references come together in a study of shapes and volumes realized with an unexpected combination of materials. The quality of the product is enhanced by the value of Italian craftsmanship. Sportswear meets traditional menswear in a collection that can be worn everyday, yet standing out from the crowd.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. My name is Massimiliamo Poggiolini, I’m the co-founder, creative director and designer of P E B.
Top 3 favorite or most visited websites and why? Tumblr and Pinterest because they are excellent research tools, but also Newspaper Online and butdoesitfloat.com
How has living in Milan affected your work? I was born in a little and wealthy town close to Milan with the relative problems of the periphery territory.
Since I’ve been living in Milan for a few years, there are important underground cultures. Milan is a myriad facets’ metropolis derived from social and different cultures and from the urbanization that over the years it’s also incorporating all the outskirt areas. This leads to a very important socio-cultural mix, which is reflected in different styles, which are mixed in the streets every day.
This situation, even if unconsciously, contributes to influencing my work.
What kinds of things are influencing your work right now? My main influence comes from the street and the world of graffiti, especially from the pioneers of the 70’s and 80’s. I am a good observer and I always try to have as much input as possible from what I see on a daily basis. I really like architecture and graphics. I’ve always been fascinated by the underground cultures. Since I’ve been in the world of graffiti since the end of the 90s, it has been very important and a significant culture of my life. Even today I think it’s my first source of inspiration.
What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on? My next project is a collaboration with Berto Industria Tessile, one of the most important Italian entity concerning the denim production.
What designers are you interested in right now? I follow the work of many designers but I always prefer the ones who have a street background. At the moment, my favorite designers are Gosha Rubchinskiy and Nasir Mazhar.
What past trends in fashion should never come back? Shoulder pads from 80s in the men’s jackets.
Tell us about your work process and how it develops. I always start from something that struck me walking down the street or that I read in some magazines. From there, it begins as image research that can best express the theme of the collection. After having viewed the new collections of fabrics, I try to identify the main ones that go to characterize the concept of P E B collection. Later, I try to build the collection starting from the bestsellers goods from the previous season, and then going to add new models and accessories.
The cornerstone of this working method is to find a theme that is both functional and akin with my reality, but at the same time, that represents something contemporary and involves the final consumer.
What’s your absolute favorite place in the world to be? Los Angeles
What were you like in high school? I used to like to skip class and go to skating or writing (graffiti) with my friends.
Favorite article of clothing? Technical Jacket
Can you share one of the best or worst reactions you have gotten as a result of your work? Planning a collection is like creating an imaginary puzzle. You start from imagination or a story in your mind that eventually comes true, little by little as the puzzle is made. Every time that I first see all the new collection, or that I watch the shooting preview, there’s always a strong emotion that becomes bigger. It’s really your dream come true thanks to the work of so many people who believe in what you do and that make this possible.