Music & Fashion | Steven Klein’s portrait of personal redefinition for Damiano David.

Damiano David, the electrifying frontman of Eurovision-winning band Måneskin, is stepping into uncharted territory with a solo career. While the adventure might be both unexpected and unfamiliar, the trajectory shouldn’t be, for it’s a perfect mirror to his fearless personality. 

Having traded Rome’s intimate vibrancy for Los Angeles’ sprawling landscapes, David describes the transition as both isolating and invigorating.

The cultural shift initially left a longing for the communal buzz of Roman streets, but the challenge fueled a creative reinvention. In the City of Angels, a new musical identity is being crafted, as the former helmsman of Italian rock collaborates with emerging talents in an environment known for fostering raw experimentation.

This flashpoint has been perfectly lensed by Steven Klein for the January 2025 edition of Vogue Italia. The image set is a striking visual representation of the transformative nature of David's journey. Known for his evocative and boundary-pushing imagery, Klein captures David in a manner that mirrors the themes of reinvention, fearlessness and striking out solo, all of which lie at the heart of his new career away from his home and bandmates.

The fashion on show is a tastefully provocative selection of DSQUARED2 suits & leather harnesses, Ferragamo trenches, Tom Ford & Oscar's Design accessories and my personal favourite - a silvery sheer Valentino 'camicia e pantaloni' combo. Each look leans into David’s edgy and eclectic style, purposely blending elements of his Italian rock heritage with the forward-thinking avant-garde of Los Angeles and his new musical direction. Together, they reflect both sophistication and rebellion, and serve as a visual metaphor for stepping into the unknown while remaining authentically bold.

Klein himself does a masterful job in the declaration of David’s evolution. The imagery is so much more than an editorial showcase for an interview about musical transition, but a profound portrait of personal redefinition. A unification of David’s rock roots and his innovative future.

David’s upcoming solo album, slated for release in 2025, promises a deeply personal narrative. Shunning industry norms, he’s focused on authenticity, working with producers who nurture genuine artistry over commercial appeal.

From busking in the streets of Rome, to a ground-breaking win at the world’s most watched music competition and a magnificent genre-switch, David continues to break boundaries.

Image Credit: Steven Klein & Vogue Italia