“Fashion expresses messages that can arise in different and often unexpected contexts.” This is the opinion of Andrea Dupuis, a musician from Padua, who has been working for about two years at Dely Couture, his fashion brand that took its first steps in sportswear but has the potential to grow in ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewelry.
“For me, making music or fashion is the same thing. They are all tools that allow me to convey authentic messages that express my personality,” says Dupuis, who has played with important artists such as Morgan, Franco Battiato, and Carvin Jones, and who founded bands such as Versus and TBH-The Broken Hearts.
“I believe that if fashion is experiencing a crisis, it is because what is coming onto the market has no identity and is not authentic,” he says.
The idea of creating his own brand came about during a period of reflection. “I thought of a distinctive element that could express something about me, but that would also arouse curiosity in those who saw it. And so it was,“ he says as he shows a small silver mask divided into two parts joined by a gold coin.
”The coin and the mask represent elements that coexist in each of us. The coin does not necessarily indicate luxury or wealth, but the value of the person and personal affirmation,” explains the designer. “The silver mask divided into two parts, on the other hand, represents forms of dualism, such as what we would like to be but are not, but also the desire to express or conceal our personality.”
The choice of these elements is also linked to the origins of the artist, who lives near Venice, home to examples of high cultural and artistic value. It is clear how the city has influenced him through its theatrical tradition, passion for music, the beauty of its hidden corners and monuments, as well as its keen aesthetic sense and artistic richness.
Dupuis immediately began producing and selling a series of sweatshirts, T-shirts, and tracksuits featuring his logo, achieving good results.
He then applied the logo, as a print or embroidery, or as a metallic decorative element to complement more elegant garments such as blazers, evening dresses, dark jeans, and leather pants, but also as a distinctive feature of accessories such as bags, bow ties, and jewelry, creating a collection that debuted in September 2023 during a fashion show as part of Milan Fashion Week.
These garments are suitable for those who live in musical and artistic contexts, but are also loved by streetwear fans. He also offers evening dresses with clean lines, often featuring jeweled buttons, precious trimmings, and satin and velvet finishes. The garments are mainly black and of excellent quality, as they are all produced in Italy in the Padua area and surroundings.
“Among my most loyal customers are young people who appreciate the originality of the logo. It’s an element that stands out in a market where few interesting ideas emerge, even though I love this sector and brands such as Giorgio Armani, Versace, Cavalli, and Philipp Plein,” he says.
Today, Dupuis only produces and sells sportswear from the collection through his website at prices such as €75 for a T-shirt, sweatshirts between €150 and €280, and tracksuits between €200 and €400, although the artist and entrepreneur makes no secret of his ambition to produce his entire range on an industrial scale.
“The brand has great potential and is attracting attention from various industry professionals. I’m looking for an investor who believes in its potential and will help it grow,” he says. “Due to its structure and identity, this brand could be designed by a collective of creatives. Each could express their potential to the fullest in various segments—from sportswear to ready-to-wear, to couture and jewelry,” already thinking about how to build his next band, but in this case, it would not be musicians.