Edinburgh fashion designer goes viral with 'gender-fluid' bridal gowns for men
An Edinburgh fashion designer has gone viral after creating 'bridal suits' for a loved-up couple.
Italian-born Cosimo Angiulli graduated from Edinburgh University two years ago but just three months later he created his own fashion brand, tailoring for those seeking bespoke gender-fluid styles.
The 31-year-old admitted he struggled to get a job within the industry in Scotland and after knockbacks, he took it upon himself to create the designs he believed in.
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Cosimo explained creating a wedding dress for one of his best pals, he was approached by grooms-to-be who asked him to design something special for their big day. Specialising in gender-fluid clothes, Cosimo created two suits which are made up of a tailored suit with a long tailored jacket, flaring elegantly from the waist down - a nod to a classic bridal dress.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Cosimo said: "I graduated from Edinburgh with a fashion degree two years ago and three months later I created Simo the Label in October 2022. I push together women's fashion into men's tailoring and my designs were showcased at London Graduate Fashion Week.
"They got in touch with me after seeing the dress I made for my friend. They said they wanted something different for their wedding. Most places they went to they were offered a traditional suit or kilt.
"We worked together, it was a real journey to create something so personal to them. I would say it is a bridal suit with masculine elegance inspired by the 18th century. It still has trousers, a waistcoat but the longline jacket has so much volume.
"They were so happy with the final pieces. When they walked in everyone gasped and the photographer on the day said he couldn't stop taking photos of details, it was such a compliment."
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After posting a video on TikTok, the Leith local received over 14,000 views and hundreds of comments.
"The response has been really good. People have said how special and different it is. There have been some negative comments and some homophobia but at the end of the day, it is their day. It's their wedding day, not yours.
Cosimo, who married his partner last year, added: "Fashion for men is normally so limiting, I want to offer something more. Why do I need to define my clothes for a gender?"
He went on: "The negative comments show just how far we still need to go. Here in Edinburgh, I have my bubble of friends who are supportive but I suppose when I step out of that, I'm reminded not everyone is as accepting.
"I love Edinburgh. I've lived here for 11 years and wouldn't move. I was offered an internship with Tom Ford after my designs were showcased at London Graduate Fashion Week but it was down in London, the pay wasn't great and I have my whole life here. It wasn't worth giving all of that up.
"I miss my family in Italy but I felt like there wasn't really any place for me there. Here I feel like I can be myself completely here."