Sa samo 26 godina, Alessio Filippelli ulazi u transformativno novo poglavlje—koje obećava da će biti njegovo najvažnije do sada. Nedavno je stekao ogromnu pažnju na pariskoj Nedelji visoke mode, a njegovo ime postaje sve poznatije u svetu mode. I dok svet posmatra, Alessio se priprema za neke od svojih najvećih poduhvata do sada: veliki međunarodni partnerski ugovor sa brendom odeće, saradnju sa holivudskom zvezdom, i neočekivanu, ali uzbudljivu novu lidersku poziciju u globalno poznatom modnom magazinu. Sa glavnom ulogom u filmu koja je na horizontu, ova godina označava prekretnicu—jednu od hrabrih poteza, neustrašive kreativnosti i dubljeg ulaska u međunarodni centar pažnje.
Dok slavi svoj 26. rođendan, Alessio za Harper’s Bazaar Srbija otkriva sve o svom razvojnom putu, snazi prihvatanja promena i poruci koju želi poslati mladim queer kreativcima koji žele da ostave trag u svetu.
Alessio, čestitamo ti 26. rođenđan! Kako se osećaš povodom ovog trenutka?
Hvala! Iskreno, ovo osećam kao reset, na najbolji mogući način. Mislim da su sredine dvadesetih godina taj čudan period u životu kada više ne razmišljaš o tome šta treba da radiš—već zapravo to radiš. Prošla godina je bila vrtlog, a sada ulazim u poglavlje gde se osećam potpuno u svojoj snazi. Samouvereniji sam u svojoj vokaciji, svojim izborima i uticaju koji želim da ostvarim.
Definitivno si ukrao svu pažnju na pariskoj Nedelji visoke mode u januaru. Kako si se osećao u tom trenutku?
Nerealno. Pariz je oduvek bio poseban za mene, ali ovaj put je bilo drugačije—kao potvrda da pripadam tamo. Nije se radilo samo o odeći ili događajima; radilo se o energiji, razgovorima i shvatanju da moja prisutnost u ovim prostorima postaje sve jača. Postojao je trenutak kada sam pogledao oko sebe i pomislio: „Ovo je tek početak.“
Već si radio sa nekim od najvećih imena u modnoj industriji. Možeš li nam otkriti šta je sledeće?
Recimo samo da će ova godina biti velika. Dolazi saradnja sa velikim međunarodnim brendom odeće na kojoj sam stvarno uzbuđen—nešto što je u potpunosti usklađeno sa onim što jesam. Takođe, preuzimam novu kreativnu ulogu u globalnom modnom magazinu, što je veliki korak za mene. Sve je to evolucija.
I čuli smo da se sprema film?
Da! Ne mogu još mnogo da kažem, ali biću lider u jednom projektu koji mi je veoma blizak srcu. Oportunitet je došao u savršenom trenutku, i znao sam da moram da uskočim. To je priča sa kojom će se mnogi ljudi povezati.
Imaš impresivnu karijeru za tako mladu osobu. Šta ti je dosad bilo najispunjavajuće postignuće?
To je teško pitanje. Svaki korak mi deluje kao veliki poduhvat, ali mislim da su najispunjavajući trenuci oni kada čujem od mladih ljudi koji kažu da sam ih na neki način inspirisao. Sećam se kako sam bio taj klinac koji je tražio nekog ko bi mi delovao kao neko ko je sličan meni—koji bi mi pokazao da su moji snovi mogući. Sada, ako mogu biti to za nekog drugog, to je pravo postignuće.
Industrija nije uvek laka, pogotovo za mlade queer kreatore. Koji je bio jedan od najtežih trenutaka u tvojoj karijeri i kako si ga prevazišao?
Najteži deo bio je učenje da ne žele svi da uspeš. Bilo je trenutaka odbijanja, trenutaka kada sam se osećao kao da ne odgovaram šablonu, trenutaka kada su mi ljudi govorili da nisam dovoljno dobar ili vredan da budem u tim prostorijama. Ali morao sam da naučim da prevaziđem te sumnje u sebe. Prešao sam kroz to podsećajući se zašto sam uopšte počeo. Industrija se razvija, ali još uvek ima posla—i ako moje prisustvo pomaže da ta vrata budu malo šira, onda ću i dalje ići napred.
Kakvu poruku imaš za mlade queer kreativce koji pokušavaju da uspeju?
Ne treba vam dozvola da zauzimate prostor. Svet će pokušati da vam kaže da se smanjite, da se prilagodite, da igrate na sigurno—ali to nije mesto gde se dešava magija. Budite nepopravljivo svoji i ono što donosite na sto. Vaša queer priroda je vaša supermoć, a ne ograničenje. I, najvažnije, okupite ljude oko sebe. Prava zajednica će vas podići, a ne obarati.
Imao si priliku da putuješ po celom svetu zbog svoje karijere. Koja mesta su te najviše inspirisala?
Japan, bez konkurencije. Postoji nešto u ravnoteži tradicije i modernosti tamo što me fascinira. Kao da ulaziš u drugi svet gde svaki detalj ima značaj. Južna Afrika je takođe bila mesto koje me duboko pogodilo—kultura, ljudi, priroda. To je mesto koje vas tera da budete prisutni, i to volim.
Sa svim što imaš na umu, kako ostaješ uzemljen?
Moji bliski prijatelji i porodica me drže u ravnoteži. Bez obzira gde idem ili šta se dešava, oni me podsećaju na to ko sam u suštini. I, iskreno, naučio sam važnost balansa. Volim svoj rad, ali takođe volim mirno veče kod kuće, dobru hranu i jednostavno biti u trenutku.
Šta bi ljude iznenadilo da saznaju o tebi van tvoje karijere?
Zapravo me veoma zanima psihologija. Ljudi vide modu, umetnost, kreativnu stranu mene, ali oduvek sam bio fasciniran načinom na koji um funkcioniše—zašto ljudi rade to što rade, kako emocije oblikuju naše odluke. Volim da vodim duboke razgovore o ljudskom ponašanju i mislim da mi je razumevanje ljudi na tom nivou stvarno pomoglo da navigiram kako kroz karijeru, tako i kroz lični život i da se nosim sa teškim ponašanjima ljudi oko sebe.
Na kraju, kako bi definisao ovo novo poglavlje svog života u jednoj rečenici?
Neoprostivo prihvatam svoju moć.
Dok Alessio kreće u ovu novu fazu, jedno je jasno: njegova prisutnost u modi, filmu i šire je sve veća. Sa nepobedivom energijom i neustrašivim pristupom reinvenciji, ovo je samo početak još veće zaostavštine.
English here:
At just 26, Alessio Filippelli is stepping into a transformative new chapter—one that promises to be his most defining yet. Fresh off a show-stealing presence at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, his name is becoming stronger than ever in the fashion industry. And while the world is watching, Alessio is gearing up for some of his biggest ventures to date: a major international clothing brand partnership, a collaboration with a Hollywood A-lister, and an unexpected but exciting new leadership role at a renowned global fashion magazine. With a lead role in a film on the horizon, this year marks a turning point—one of bold moves, fearless creativity, and a deeper step into the international spotlight.
As he celebrates his 26th birthday, Harper’s Bazaar sits down with Alessio to talk about the journey so far, the power of embracing change, and the message he hopes to send to young queer creatives looking to make their mark on the world.
Alessio, congratulations on turning 26! How does this milestone feel for you?
Thank you! Honestly, it feels like a reset in the best way possible. I think your mid-twenties are this strange space where you’re no longer figuring things out—you’re actually doing them. This past year has been a whirlwind, and now I’m stepping into a chapter where I feel completely in my power. I’m more confident in my voice, my choices, and the kind of impact I want to have.
You definitely stole the spotlight at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in January. How did that moment feel for you?
Surreal. Paris has always been special to me, but this time it felt different—like a confirmation that I belong at the table. It wasn’t just about the clothes or the events; it was about the energy, the conversations, and realizing that my presence in these spaces is growing stronger. There was a moment when I looked around and thought, “This is just the beginning.”
You’ve already worked with some of the biggest names in fashion. Can you give us a hint about what’s next?
Let’s just say this year is going to be a big one. There’s a collaboration coming with a major international clothing brand that I’m really excited about—it’s something that feels very aligned with who I am. And there’s also a new creative role I’m stepping into at a global fashion magazine, which is a huge step for me. It’s all about evolution.
And we hear there’s a movie in the works too?
Yes! I can’t say much yet, but I’ll be leading a project that feels incredibly close to my heart. The opportunity came at the perfect time, and I knew I had to take the leap. It’s a story I think a lot of people will connect with.
You’ve had an impressive career at such a young age. What has been your most fulfilling accomplishment so far?
That’s a tough one. Every milestone feels like a big deal, but I think the most fulfilling moments are when I hear from young people who say I’ve inspired them in some way. I remember being that kid looking for someone who felt relatable—who made me believe my dreams were possible. Now, if I can be that for someone else, that’s the real achievement.
The industry isn’t always easy, especially for young queer creatives. What was one of the most difficult moments in your career, and how did you push through it?
The hardest part was learning that not everyone wants you to succeed. There have been moments of rejection, moments where I felt like I didn’t fit the mold, moments where people made me feel like I wasn’t enough or worth to be in those rooms. But I had to unlearn that self-doubt. I pushed through by reminding myself why I started in the first place. The industry is evolving, but there’s still work to do—and if my presence helps push those doors open a little wider, then I’ll keep going.
What message do you have for young queer creatives who are trying to make it?
You don’t need permission to take up space. The world will try to tell you to shrink, to conform, to play it safe—but that’s not where magic happens. Be unapologetic about who you are and what you bring to the table. Your queerness is your superpower, not a limitation. And most importantly, find your people. The right community will lift you up, not tear you down.
You’ve had the chance to travel all over the world for your career. Which places have inspired you the most?
Japan, hands down. There’s something about the balance of tradition and modernity there that fascinates me. It’s like stepping into a different world where every detail matters. South Africa was another place that really impacted me—the culture, the people, the nature. It’s a place that forces you to be present, and I love that.
With everything you have going on, how do you stay grounded?
My close friends and family keep me in check. No matter where I go or what’s happening, they remind me of who I am at my core. And honestly, I’ve learned the importance of balance. I love my work, but I also love a quiet night in, good food, and just being in the moment.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you outside of your career?
I’m actually really into psychology. People see the fashion, the art, the creative side of me, but I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works—why people do what they do, how emotions shape our decisions. I love having deep conversations about human behavior, and I think understanding people on that level has really helped me navigate both my career and personal life and handle difficult behaviors from people around me.
Lastly, if you could define this new chapter of your life in one sentence, what would it be?
Unapologetically stepping into my power.
As Alessio embarks on this next phase, one thing is clear: his presence in fashion, film, and beyond is only getting stronger. With an unstoppable drive and a fearless approach to reinvention, this is just the beginning of an even bigger legacy.
Team:
Talent: Alessio Filippelli
Photography: Raquel “Rocky” Deriane
Styling: Raquel “Rocky” Deriane
Photography assistant + lights: Adriana Rabe
Glam: Elisa Rampi
