Federica Tosi - the Call of the Wild

L’OFFICIEL IBIZA: Your work is renowned for its bold, contemporary take on a feminine aesthetic. What are your creative inspirations?

FEDERICA TOSI: My inspiration comes from my everyday life, from all that I encounter. I’m almost always inspired by nature in my designs too. I try to represent with my collections the woman
I want to be – my personal vision of how a woman is.

LOI: How did you first discover Ibiza? 

FT: I first came here with my husband 17 years ago. It was love at first sight. I was captivated by the positive energy and feeling of freedom. We discovered the island together, and we later got married here, in Cap d’es Falcó. We now own a home in Marina Botafoch and visit as often as we can. Ibiza has changed a lot since I first came here. Now it is more difficult to find, but if you know how to connect with it, the magic of Ibiza is still there.

LOI: What does life in Ibiza look like for you? 

FT: It’s such a contrast to my life in Rome, which is full of responsibilities, because the pace of fashion is very fast. Ibiza is where I come to recharge. The island is very dynamic, but I can also be tranquil here. I often have friends visiting me, and I love to show them a different side of the island, one that is more local and authentic. I take them on walks in nature – the route overlooking Es Vedrá is one of my favourites – and to Dalt Vila, to organic farms such as Terra Masia, and restaurants such as Camí de Balàfia. 

 LOI: Why is the island special to you?

FT: I feel free here. There are so many places I love in Ibiza; but more than that, it’s about the people you meet here, their stories. Most of the people who come to live on the island decided to completely change their life. They might have come from finance, banking or other industries, and when they came to Ibiza they decided to change their mode and their values. Every time I come, I discover new situations, people and connections. It’s interesting and so inspiring. 

LOI: Why do you think Ibiza attracts so many creative people?

FT: In Ibiza, you are free to express yourself without being judged, whereas in other places you don’t have this same sense of liberty. Ibiza is the place where I’m most creative, because when I’m here I have time to focus my thoughts and inspiration. Something new always starts from my time in Ibiza. 

 LOI: Ibiza inspired your pre-Spring 2023 collection, and the campaign was shot on the island. What were your design references?

FT: The colours and light of Ibiza were the starting point of the collection. I was inspired by the red earth of the island, the light on the sea, the bougainvillea, the golden hues of Cala de Porroig. The perforated mohair dresses recall the macramé of 1970s Ibiza, and the accompanying jewellery collection also features these golden tones. The style is inspired by the island too – it’s sensual and seductive, also wild and liberated.

 LOI: How do you see design evolving over the next few years? 

FT: I feel it’s very important to come back to the essential – to make garments that are timeless and are crafted with materials and fabrics that respect the environment. This is now a big trend, but it has always been in the DNA of my brand since the beginning. The designs, cuts and construction of my garments are made to last, and can be styled in different ways so that they are versatile. And the fabrics we use are now all eco-certified and sustainable. It’s also important to me that my collections are all Made in Italy, continuing this tradition of craftsmanship and quality.

 LOI: Can you tell us about any future projects you have lined up?

FT: My Winter 23/24 collection will be in stores soon, and I’m currently working on designs for Spring/Summer 2024. I’m planning to launch more frequently little capsules inside the collections that have a particular theme. I’m also looking at opening a Federica Tosi store next year – my dream is for it to be in Ibiza.