Tucked away amongst the vineyards and olive groves of the Puglia region in southern Italy, what some consider the “heel of the boot,” there exists a notable shoe-making and textile industry in the area of a city called Barletta.For those of you who are familiar with Italy, Barletta is just north of Bari—a major port on the Adriatic sea where, for years, I used to take the huge ferries to and from my national reps in Albania, Croatia, and Greece.
Now I represent one of these growing apparel companies from Barletta, which will soon make its first debut in the US, just around the corner from America’s birthplace in Philadelphia! Beforehand, I would like to introduce you to Antonio Matera, founder and designer of this trendy menswear line—Dark Code.
Antonio, it’s great working with you and Dark Code...any opening words?
First of all, I would like to thank Men's Fashions by Francesco and those of you who have bestowed upon us the opportunity to bring Dark Code to America!
So, tell us a bit about yourself...
I was born in Barletta on May 25, 1975 and I graduated from the Industrial Institute of Technology. But fashion and all that belongs to it have always fascinated me.
What events led up to your career in the apparel industry?
My journey towards the world of fashion has been a long one, which started at childhood with my cousins who owned a small garment manufacturing studio where I worked as a temporary employee during summers when school let out. Once I completed my education, I began working in the food industry as an office manager. After 6 years, however, when the opportunity was presented to me to—as they commonly say in both America and the game of baseball—“go back to home base,” I returned willingly and full of initiative!
How did Dark Code come about?
The label Dark Code was kind of born out of a game. You won’t believe this, but we owe it all to a 9-year-old child, who, when asked to design a doll, pulled out a little devil, which has been our symbol for 3 years now. Events have been unfolding since then, from the first fashion show where we debuted our label, (which you may also find on our website) to the first publicity campaigns and catalog development, etc.
I always wondered about the origins of the name...
The name Dark Code was conceived out of a combination of various styles; namely scuro, which translates as “dark”—something that represents our aggressive look—and “code” in English, the well-defined ‘manner’ that identifies anyone who wears our garments.
How would you sum up Italian fashion?
Italian fashion, as you well know, is always Italian fashion. Those who say this are not the ones who just arrived on the scene but those who, for years, have brought us fame and prestige in all the world, such as the great fashion icons like Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and others whom I could cite.
So would you say that consistency is the reason Italian fashion has become a world leader?
Italian fashion is a world leader because it does not allow itself to be influenced by fleeting trends. Instead, it creates a recognized style in all the world. In this regard, I would like to tell you something that happened to me when I went to Spain on vacation. As soon as people encountered us, they immediately recognized that we were Italians by what we were wearing, because our dress sets us apart.
So, what sets Dark Code apart from other menswear labels in Italy?
Dark Code’s style is a mixture of pursuit, materials that measure up to the product, creativity, and a lot of passion from the owner right down to the last employee in our company, all of whom work long hours each day.
Thank you, Antonio, and good luck to you and Dark Code!
For those of you who live in the Philadephia area, Dark Code will be taking it to the streets on May 3rd between 2nd & 5th on Market, from 11am to 6pm. Come on out and let Dark Code set you apart!
Slide show of previous seasons Copyright by Dark Code.
Photo top right Antonio Matera.
