This season, we explore the slower rhythms of Sicilian life through the lens of local football culture in Piazza Armerina — a town where creativity, tradition, and the beautiful game collide. The spring collection of shirts and shorts are a tribute to the people, places and stories we encountered, blending hand-painted artwork, mosaic-inspired details, and a sense of soul that could only come from Sicily.
Piazza Armerina isn’t the obvious first stop on a Sicilian itinerary, but that’s exactly what makes it seem so special. Perched on a hill in the island’s hinterland, this small, football-loving town is far more than its famous Roman Villa.
It’s a living mosaic of creativity and diversity, representing the rich cultural heritage of the island. We took a trip there last year, and we instantly fell in love with the slow pace of life, its deep-rooted Sicilian traditions, and, of course, the dusty make-shift football pitches, populated with players of all ages.
Indeed, the locals of Piazza Armerina love the beautiful game just as much as we do. There’s Agostino Sella, who turned his hostel into a refuge for African migrants and founded the wonderfully named A.S. Don Bosco 2000, in nearby Aidone - a fiercely competitive international team largely made up of migrant players. Their biggest rivals? Local club ASD Armerina, of course.
We also met Enrico, Fedele and Mattia – the creative collective behind Mosaico Festival - who introduced us to the town’s underground arts scene. Their summer festival blends local and foreign voices across music, architecture, design and food, introducing modern influences to the town’s heritage. This, we think, maintains a fizzing energy about the place which we couldn’t quite put our finger on.
But the past is never forgotten here. The town’s legendary Roman heritage can, of course, be seen in the famous mosaics. But we also spoke to parts of the community who keep Piazza Armerina’s history alive through lively medieval events such as the Palio dei Normanni.
And, of course, we have to mention Antonio - the President of the local football team ASD Armerina who, in true Sicilian style, also runs a beloved trattoria. When the club faced bankruptcy in 2019, he and some of his friends decided to resurrect the club in 2022. From the ashes, ASD are doing rather well. They’ve finishing top of the league two years in a row with a fanbase as passionate as they come.
This blend of art, history, and football spirit inspired our latest spring collection. Hand-drawn and painted by our designer, these shirts and shorts channel the town’s rich character. You’ll spot nods to the intricate mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, a former animal trader’s home preserved for over 16 centuries. The “sponsors” pay tribute to the vintage signage of Mosaico creative Mattia Zingale’s youth. And gouache-style watercolor prints echo the wave patterns outside the Basilica Cattedrale.
Earlier this year we returned to Piazza Armerina with local photographer Glauco Canalis to bring this collection - and these local stories - to life. The result? A sentimental love letter to Glauco’s hometown. A celebration of Sicilian community, creativity and, of course, the joy of the beautiful game.
