A Roman at heart, Alfredo Bandini, the co-founder the Luxury Streetwear brand ‘Born Outside’, has always been drawn to the extraordinary. Growing up in a city steeped in history and art, he developed a keen eye for beauty and a passion for pushing boundaries. Disappointed by the industry’s focus on superficial trends, Alfredo Bandini with Daniele Pe embarked on a mission to create a brand that celebrates quality, craftsmanship, and understated luxury.
In a recent interview with cultural analyst and Dubai’s well-known media personality Egor Sharay, Bandini delved deeper into his creative journey, discussing his passion for fashion, the inspiration behind Born Outside, and his vision for the future.
Egor Sharay: What inspired you and your co-founder, Daniele Pe, to take the leap from idea to reality in the luxury sneaker market?
Alfredo Bandini: Daniele and I were both driven by a desire to challenge the status quo in luxury fashion. We saw a gap in the market: luxury sneakers that weren’t just about aesthetics, but also about unparalleled comfort and craftsmanship. As Italians who appreciate tradition but live and breathe in a fast-evolving global market, and have been living in the Middle East for 10 years mixed with so many different cultures, we felt the need to create something that spoke to both worlds. Our idea was to merge the finest Italian craftsmanship with bold, contemporary design that resonates with today’s consumers – people who want to express themselves through fashion without sacrificing comfort.
ESh: Born Outside merges refined luxury with bold, playful designs. How would you describe the brand’s design philosophy and creative vision?
AB: Our design philosophy is rooted in the concept of “street-quiet.” It’s about blending the understated elegance of luxury with the edginess of streetwear. We wanted to create a product that could seamlessly transition between different lifestyles – refined enough for the luxury buyer but with a bold twist that stands out. We respect the traditions of luxury – high-quality materials, superior craftsmanship – but we reinterpret them with playful, daring design elements that allow for self-expression. It’s not about shouting, but about making a statement in a quiet, confident way.
ESh: What does “playfulness” in luxury mean to you, and how do you integrate that into your brand?
AB: Playfulness in luxury, to me, means breaking the traditional boundaries of what is considered “elegant” or “high-end.” It’s about embracing individuality and creativity while maintaining quality and sophistication. At Born Outside, we incorporate playfulness through our design choices – whether it’s a subtle color accent, an unexpected material combination, or a unique take on a classic silhouette. Our goal is to invite people to have fun with luxury, to see it not as something rigid but as an opportunity for bold, personal expression. Always remaining sober and not “extreme” in our choices as we believe that to express yourself and be playful, you don’t need to be excessive.
ESh: Your debut sneaker collection launched in May 2024. What was the creative process behind this collection? Can you give us some insight into the key inspirations and design elements?
AB: The creative process for our debut collection was very personal. We wanted the sneakers to reflect both our Italian heritage and the modern, global influences we’ve experienced while living in places like Dubai. Our main focus was comfort – something often overlooked in the luxury sneaker market. We designed a signature sole that molds to the foot, providing all-day wearability without sacrificing style. In terms of inspiration, we looked to blend timeless luxury materials with edgy, street-inspired designs. We worked a lot on materials and the craftsmanship side: using old school handmade stitching applied on a blend of typical high quality soft leathers as well as less obvious nylons. The result is a sneaker that feels luxurious but carries a bold, playful aesthetic – perfect for those who want to stand out without being loud.
ESh: The luxury sneaker market is highly competitive. What do you believe makes Born Outside stand out in this space?
AB: From a product perspective, what sets us apart is our obsessive focus on quality & craftmanship as well as comfort – all at a fair price for our category. Every pair of Born Outside sneakers is made in Italy, using premium materials and traditional methods that have been perfected over generations. At the same time, we bring something fresh to the table with our street-quiet design philosophy, which blends luxury with modern, edgy influences. We’re also proud of our ability to offer this high level of craftsmanship at a price point that is more accessible than many of our competitors. We’re here to prove that you don’t have to compromise on comfort or quality for the sake of design.
ESh: What makes Italian craftsmanship so central to the identity of Born Outside? How do you maintain the balance between tradition and innovation?
AB: Italian craftsmanship is the cornerstone of our brand because it represents timeless quality. Italy, particularly regions like Veneto and Marche, has a deep-rooted tradition of shoemaking that we respect and are proud to showcase. However, we don’t view tradition as a constraint. Instead, we see it as a foundation upon which we can innovate. Our sneakers combine age-old techniques with modern design, materials, and functionality. This balance allows us to create something that feels authentic yet forward-thinking, honoring the past while embracing the future.
ESh: You co-founded Born Outside with Daniele Pe. How do you collaborate creatively with him? How do your roles complement each other within the brand?
AB: Daniele and I come originally from similar backgrounds (I then spent some time as an executive in a fashion brand, that complemented my business skills with more fashion specific), but go about things in a very different way (I am the emotional, he is the rational) which allows us to complement each other really well. We tend to share a lot of the key functions as we value the blend of our opinions. We both bring a global perspective to the table, but what unites us is a shared passion for craftsmanship, quality, and pushing boundaries in the luxury space. Our collaboration is a constant exchange of ideas, and that dynamic really drives the brand forward.
ESh: You’ve embarked on a journey to create a unique brand in a competitive space. What has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you personally?
AB: The most rewarding part has been seeing our vision come to life and the way people have responded to it. Let alone once our product will be showcase in Harvey Nichols in Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Riyadh as well as Ounass (from 1st November the product will be live in all these doors). There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a product that people not only love for its design but also for its comfort and quality. Hearing feedback from customers who tell us that our sneakers are the most comfortable luxury shoes they’ve worn – that’s been the biggest reward. It’s also been fulfilling to build a brand that challenges norms and encourages individuality. Personally, I’ve grown a lot as an entrepreneur, learning to navigate the complexities of the luxury market while staying true to our ethos. We are at KM 1 out of 42 of a marathon and hence know that it will be long and tough so we are enjoying the ride with this in mind.
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ESh: What are your long-term goals for the brand? How do you envision Born Outside evolving in the next five to ten years?
AB: In the long term, we want Born Outside to become a global name in luxury, known not just for our sneakers but for our unique blend of Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design. Our home and focus for now is the GCC. We plan to expand our product line beyond sneakers, introducing other categories that align with our “street-quiet” philosophy. We also see significant growth potential in regions like the US and Asia, where there is a strong demand for luxury products with a unique edge. In five to ten years, I envision Born Outside as a brand that has redefined luxury in a way that feels both authentic, inclusive and innovative – where comfort, quality, and self-expression are at the core of everything we do.
