Marco Capaldo

Marco Capaldo is an Italian-born, London-based designer and the Creative Director of 16Arlington. He co-founded the brand in 2017 with his late partner, Federica Cavenati, and has since led its expansion into a globally recognised luxury label. Based in London, Capaldo has navigated the brand through a significant period of growth, maintaining its reputation for high-octane glamour while evolving its aesthetic to include more sophisticated ready-to-wear.

His role within the label is defined by his ability to blend Italian opulence with a sharp, contemporary London sensibility. Since becoming the sole Creative Director in 2021, Capaldo has focused on refining the house's signature style, ensuring that its celebratory spirit remains central. His success highlights a masterful ability to combine commercial appeal with a strong creative vision, securing his place as a leading figure in the contemporary luxury market.

'Glamour with an edge' serves as the primary formal concern in the work of Marco Capaldo, who seeks to fuse Italian opulence with the subversive energy of London. His design ethos is characterized by a high-octane mix of sequins, ostrich feathers, and sharp, precise tailoring. This approach creates a silhouette that is both celebratory and moody, exploring the subversive side of traditional eveningwear. The treatment of the body is often assertive, utilizing sleek, evening-ready forms that emphasize a confident feminine presence.

Materiality is central to his work, with a focus on how high-shine surfaces can be balanced with structured tailoring. Recurring signals include a preference for dramatic embellishment paired with a restrained colour palette. Historical quotation is often present, referencing the golden age of glamour but reinterpreting it through a contemporary, slightly defiant lens. By prioritising the tension between luxury and subversion, Capaldo creates garments that feel both timeless and urgently modern.