Born Outside is a brand that combines Italian craftsmanship with global streetwear influences, created by two long-time friends, Alfredo Bandini and Daniele Pe. Although based in Dubai, the brand’s heart lies firmly in Italy, where all production takes place. Each one of their signature sneakers is handcrafted in Italy, symbolizing a connection to the rich tradition of Italian artisanship. The name as found in their logo Born Outside reflects their journey not a rejection of their homeland (Italy), but a rethinking of its legacy.
Alfredo Bandini, Co-Founder of Born Outside, explains that their decision to base the brand outside of Italy wasn’t a matter of dissatisfaction or escape. “We left because we saw greater opportunities abroad,” he says. Dubai provided the freedom to experiment with new ideas that might have felt more constrained within Italy’s deeply traditional fashion scene. It became the perfect platform to fuse the old and the new-Italian craftsmanship with bold streetwear styles inspired by Japan and the U.S..
This blend of cultures is at the core of Born Outside. The founders have managed to create something that feels both modern and timeless, taking streetwear, a style often associated with fast fashion, and elevating it with high-end materials and attention to detail that only Italian craftsmanship can provide. “We took what we loved most about Italy-the heritage of quality-and reshaped it in a way that allowed us to push boundaries,” says Bandini. The result is a collection of sneakers that, while steeped in tradition, is firmly rooted in contemporary fashion.
The brand’s philosophy extends beyond design. For Bandini and Pe, the ethos behind the brand is crucial. In an industry often driven by trends and profit, Born Outside seeks to redefine what it means to create luxury goods. "Not All Quality Is Made The Same," their guiding statement, underscores this commitment. Bandini emphasizes that true luxury isn't just about a high price tag or trendiness, but “it’s about longevity, craftsmanship, and integrity”. Each sneaker is made with the highest quality materials-particularly soft, premium Italian leather-and a focus on comfort and durability. This stands in sharp contrast to the fast fashion mentality, where items are often made to be worn for a season and discarded.
“We’re not cutting corners for profit,” Bandini notes and adds "Profit is a byproduct of doing things right, not the goal." This ethos has led to a deliberate focus on creating items that are meant to last, both in terms of physical durability and style. By rejecting fast fashion's disposable culture, Born Outside aims to bring fashion back to its roots, where luxury meant quality and craftsmanship, not fleeting trends.
Looking toward the future, Bandini and Pe have a clear vision: to make Born Outside a global brand that challenges the traditional definitions of luxury. “I want us to be known for blending tradition with innovation,” says Bandini. His dream is to expand the brand globally, from the GCC to international markets, while maintaining the authenticity that has defined it from the start. As they grow, they are committed to ensuring that Born Outside remains true to its roots, always putting quality and craftsmanship at the forefront.
In the world of Born Outside, luxury means more than aesthetics. It’s about creating something that stands the test of time—both in terms of the product itself and the brand’s deeper philosophy of challenging norms while honoring tradition. This balance of innovation and integrity is what sets Born Outside apart, positioning it as a brand that redefines what modern luxury can be.
For more information: www.bornoutsideitaly.com ; @bornoutsideitaly.
