About
Massimiliano Stanco: The Designer Bridging Heritage and Innovation
Massimiliano Stanco, the talented and innovative designer, has captivated the world of classic and elegant fashion with his refined vision and distinctive creations.
Born in New York to first-generation Italian parents—his father, an engineer, and his mother, a school teacher—Massimiliano spent his early years in the United States before the family returned to Italy in the 1980s. His parents’ deep love for Italy and its traditions had a lasting impact on him, nurturing his appreciation for craftsmanship, art, and culture. Inspired by their values, he pursued his creative inclinations at the Accademia delle Belle Arti di Firenze in Florence, where he studied photography and architectural design.
From a young age, Massimiliano showed a natural creative instinct, deeply influenced by the Italian countryside, the richness of its artistic heritage, and the harmony of its architecture. He was particularly fascinated by geometric design and spent countless hours sketching imaginary cities, ultra-modern high-rises, and aircraft interiors. Over time, his interests broadened, leading to a deep appreciation for leather goods and fashion.
“I have always been inspired by sophisticated cars and aircrafts—not just their purpose, but their attention to detail and forms. I aspire to combine design and innovation, like a classic car: Alfa Romeo Giulia—timeless, elegant, beautiful inside and out. A design that never fades, no matter how old it gets.”
Living between two cultures—Italian and American—deeply shaped Massimiliano’s creative sensibilities. This duality helped him take his passion for design to new heights. His first bag prototypes were crafted in the attic of an old country house in Italy, echoing the humble beginnings of many traditional Italian artisans. Drawing from his American upbringing, he developed a strong sense for practicality and modernity. His design philosophy is a fusion of Italian Renaissance elegance and New York flair—where form meets function in simplicity and sophistication.
The Vanvitelli handmade briefcase marked a turning point. When Massimiliano showed it to his uncle—a master saddler in Avellino known for producing refined English-style leather horse saddles—he immediately recognized the craftsmanship and potential. Excited by the quality, his uncle joined forces with Stanco’s team, and their collaboration gave rise to an extensive collection of handmade leather goods and accessories. This partnership brought together traditional techniques and modern vision, a true testament to the spirit of Made in Italy.
“Creating the first Vanvitelli briefcase prototype was one of the most satisfying accomplishments of my life. I would sit with it for days, listening to music, imagining how it might evolve.”
Today, the Massimiliano Stanco collection has grown to include footwear and small leather accessories, all crafted with luxurious materials and custom-made designs. Each product reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence and tradition, elevated through innovation and passion.
“I’ve always been ambitious. For me, the most important job of a designer is to continuously find new perspectives. I believe that one passion often leads to another—until the right one finds you.”
