ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Five Under-35 Fashion Photographers and Art Directors to Watch

artist · 2026-04-27

Artribune profiles five young Italian fashion photographers and art directors under 35, exploring their inspirations and creative processes. Gabriele Rosati (b. 1996) likens himself to an orchestra conductor, citing influences from theater with Firenza Guidi to art historian Olivier Saillard and the library at Polimoda. Matei Octav (b. 1998), a visual maker, aims for an immersive museum installation; his style blends video, collage, and digital experiments inspired by the Vasulkas' 'Noisefields.' Mattia Cocci (b. 1999), now working in fashion research and image production, draws on his childhood in Arezzo, dance, violin, and references like Henri Rousseau and Andrea Artemisio. Francesco Romano (b. 1996) moved from Calasetta, Sardinia to study at Moodart in Verona; his sophisticated, erotic aesthetic has attracted influencers like Chiara Ferragni and brands such as Lancôme and Valentino Beauty, with Helmut Newton as an influence. Carolina Amoretti (b. 1988) focuses on authenticity and sustainability; she trained at Fabrica (founded by Luciano Benetton and Oliviero Toscani, designed by Tadao Ando) and later launched clothing brand Fantabody and creative space Fantastudio, emphasizing mindful production.

Key facts

  • Gabriele Rosati, born 1996, studied theater with Firenza Guidi and was influenced by Olivier Saillard and Polimoda library.
  • Matei Octav, born 1998, graduated from Civica Luchino Visconti in Milan and cites Vasulkas' 'Noisefields' as key reference.
  • Mattia Cocci, born 1999, practices dance, violin, piano, and is inspired by Henri Rousseau and Andrea Artemisio.
  • Francesco Romano, born 1996, moved from Calasetta to study at Moodart in Verona; works with Chiara Ferragni and brands like Lancôme.
  • Carolina Amoretti, born 1988, trained at Fabrica (founded by Luciano Benetton and Oliviero Toscani, designed by Tadao Ando).
  • Amoretti founded clothing brand Fantabody and creative space Fantastudio in 2021.
  • All five are under 35 and work at the intersection of fashion photography and art direction.
  • The article is published on Artribune.

Entities

Artists

  • Gabriele Rosati
  • Firenza Guidi
  • Dario Fo
  • Amedeo Modigliani
  • Olivier Saillard
  • Matei Octav
  • Vasulka
  • Mattia Cocci
  • Henri Rousseau
  • Andrea Artemisio
  • Francesco Romano
  • Chiara Ferragni
  • Valentina Ferragni
  • Veronica Ferraro
  • Helmut Newton
  • Carolina Amoretti
  • Luciano Benetton
  • Oliviero Toscani
  • Tadao Ando
  • Alessia Caliendo

Institutions

  • Artribune
  • Polimoda
  • Civica Luchino Visconti
  • Moodart
  • Fabrica
  • Fantabody
  • Fantastudio
  • Lancôme
  • Valentino Beauty
  • Mugler
  • YSL Beauty

Locations

  • Italy
  • Tuscany
  • Milan
  • Arezzo
  • Verona
  • Calasetta
  • Sardinia
  • Treviso
  • London
  • Rome

Sources