ÉCLAT: Alessio, this cover feels like a defining moment. Six years in fashion and now stepping into film—how does this transition feel?
Alessio Filippelli: It feels surreal, but also very natural at the same time. Fashion was never just about clothes for me, it was always about storytelling, about building worlds through images. Over the past six years, I’ve really focused on shaping narratives through magazine covers, creative direction, and visual identity. Film is just the expansion of that language. It’s like everything I’ve built has been leading me here without me even realizing it.
ÉCLAT: The cover is inspired by your first film, “99 Chances of Love.” Tell us about that experience.
Alessio Filippelli: That project means everything to me because it’s my first time ever on screen. We shot it in February in Los Angeles with Narval Films, directed by Tianyi Wang. It’s a drama-comedy, and I play a hitman, which is such a fun contrast to what people might expect from me. There’s something really exciting about stepping into a character that feels so different yet still finding parts of yourself within it. That entire experience opened something in me creatively that I can’t even fully describe yet. It’s coming out later this year, and I’m really proud of it.
ÉCLAT: You’ve built a strong identity in fashion. How did that world prepare you for acting?
Alessio Filippelli: Fashion taught me how to feel a moment before expressing it. When you’re in front of the camera for a shoot, you’re already acting in a way, you’re embodying an emotion, a character, a story in a single frame. That discipline of visual storytelling gave me a huge foundation for film. The difference now is that instead of one image, you’re living inside a full narrative. It’s deeper, more vulnerable, and incredibly addictive.
ÉCLAT: You’ve also worked extensively in the Middle East, including Dubai Fashion Week. What has that connection meant to you?
Alessio Filippelli: The Middle East has given me so much, both creatively and personally. Walking at Dubai Fashion Week in June 2025 was such a special moment for me it felt like being embraced by a culture that truly values artistry and identity. Beyond that, I think it’s so important right now to use our platforms to highlight voices that are often overlooked or underrepresented. There’s so much talent, so many stories in the region that deserve global visibility. If I can be even a small part of shedding light on that and supporting those communities, then that’s something I carry with a lot of responsibility and pride.
ÉCLAT: Your latest project includes your first role on a show. What can you share?
Alessio Filippelli: Yes, I recently got cast in my first show ever, it’s a sci-fi project where I play a werewolf. I’m so grateful to Natalia Fuentealba for discovering me and trusting me with this opportunity. The show is produced by Fractory Film, and working with that team was honestly one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had Director Miguel Angel Ferrer is someone I will always be grateful to. Being directed by him felt like a dream, he really saw me and pushed me in such a beautiful way from the very early stages of the casting process. And the energy on set was incredible, thanks to people like Mauricio Arrioja and the amazing Pam Carbonero—our Virgo queen—who created such a safe, fun, and dynamic environment while keeping everything running smoothly. I can’t say too much yet, but there’s a lot to be excited about. It’s definitely something people won’t expect from me.
ÉCLAT: It sounds like a very collaborative and emotional experience.
Alessio Filippelli: Completely. That’s what stood out the most, it didn’t feel like work, it felt like family. Everyone was so passionate, and when you’re surrounded by that kind of energy, it pushes you to give your best in a very honest way.
ÉCLAT: You’re stepping into many “firsts” this year. What’s next?
Alessio Filippelli: A lot of exciting things. One of the next big moments is presenting “Roma Eterea” on May 9 at Palazzo delle Colonne in Rome. It’s one of the biggest fashion events in the city, and it will be my first time as a presenter. We’ve been rehearsing a lot, working hard to make it special, and I think there will be some really cool moments during the show.
ÉCLAT: And we hear Cannes is on your calendar as well.
Alessio Filippelli: Yes, I’ll be attending the Cannes Film Festival, which always feels surreal to even say. Most likely I’ll be dressed by Jean Paul Gaultier, a house I’ve loved and supported for years. Every time I wear their pieces, it feels powerful and deeply personal. Being able to bring that to Cannes is going to be a very special moment.
ÉCLAT: You’ve hinted at more projects coming soon. Can you tease anything?
Alessio Filippelli: Just a little… I have two more productions coming up, one in June and one in July. One is for another show, and the other is a feature film. I can’t say much yet, but I’m really excited about both. It feels like everything is starting to align in a very organic way.
ÉCLAT: Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals?
Alessio Filippelli: My focus now is really on blending fashion and film even more. Storytelling has always been at the center of everything I do, and I want to explore it in its full totality. Recently, I connected with an incredible producer, Roberta Spartà from Sparta Productions. I’ve followed her work for over a year, and we finally met while I was filming in Los Angeles in March. I’m honestly her number one fan now, I would love to work with her in the future. That’s definitely something I’m manifesting.
ÉCLAT: You’ve achieved so much in a short time. What keeps you grounded?
Alessio Filippelli: Staying connected to why I started. At the end of the day, it’s about creating, expressing, and connecting with people. Everything else is just a bonus. I try to stay present, keep learning, and surround myself with people who inspire me.
ÉCLAT: Finally, if you could describe this moment in one sentence?
Alessio Filippelli: It feels like the beginning of something much bigger, and I’m just getting started.
