Capsule magazine faces non-payment allegations from dozens of contributors ahead of Milan design week

Capsule magazine, preparing for its fourth Capsule Plaza exhibition during Milan design week, faces accusations from twelve former contributors of systematic non-payment. Designers, photographers, production crew, and even full-time team members report unpaid invoices, some outstanding for years, with amounts ranging from €200 to tens of thousands. Co-founders Alessio Ascari and Cristina Travaglini acknowledge delayed payments but claim operational issues are being addressed. Specific cases include designer Edoardo Pandolfo's studio 6AM, which created a special Palo Santo burner edition for Capsule Plaza 2025 and wasn't paid until recently, and photographer Mattia Greghi. Former deputy editor Paul Cournet, who left in 2025, called the business "mismanaged." At least four individuals confirm they remain unpaid, with some engaging lawyers or debt recovery agencies. Despite the controversy, Capsule Plaza 2026 is scheduled with brands including Stone Island, Karimoku, and designers Panter Tourron, Martino Gamper, and NM3. The founders state they are contacting relevant parties to settle outstanding payments while defending their freelance-based operational model.