Interview with Bruno Casanovas, co-founder and creative director of Nude Project

Nude Project is an urban clothing brand “founded in a small bedroom by two friends eager to create something different”. That is, by Bruno Casanovas (Madrid, 2000) and Alex Benlloch (Madrid, 2000).

Despite being just 4 years in the market, the reality is that their pieces have become an obsession for Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2008), thanks to a unique style that fuses art and culture, and a provocative, inclusive approach that above all celebrates individuality.

In this interview, we talk to Bruno about their beginnings, the creative process behind the brand, their influences, the challenges they’ve faced in such a competitive industry, and their vision for the future in an increasingly sustainability- and diversity-conscious landscape, among many other things. Come in and read.

What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

When I was young, I lived in Bali, and my dream was to become a professional surfer. There’s a huge surf culture there, and I was inspired by people who managed to live off it.

I never could have imagined how my life would change up to this point. Alex, on the other hand, always had entrepreneurship in mind. It’s something he’s always had inside, and that’s exactly what he’s done.

What inspired the creation of Nude Project, and how did the idea of creating a clothing brand with such a distinctive approach come about? Where were you in your lives at the time?

We founded Nude Project in 2019 without really knowing what we were getting ourselves into. Alex Benlloch and I, both only 19 years old, met through social media. Despite living in different cities, we quickly discovered that we shared a great passion for social media, marketing, and, above all, entrepreneurship. We knew we wanted to create something that would connect with our generation, but we weren’t exactly sure what. In fact, Alex’s first idea was to create a bikini brand, but obviously, it wasn’t viable if we weren’t even consumers of our own brand. So, we shifted to something we both felt was missing in Spain: a streetwear brand, and that’s where we found our market niche.

Our main inspiration comes from American culture, especially hip hop and streetwear. At that moment, we were in a student residence, looking for ways to channel our creativity. With just 600 euros of initial investment, Nude Project became a space to inspire other young people to be authentic and celebrate their individuality. Our slogan, “by artists, for artists”, encapsulates our philosophy that fashion can be a powerful means of self-expression.

What is the origin of your brand name?

The name Nude Project came about purely by chance. At first, we were called New Polinesia, but it was a beginner’s mistake. We hadn’t registered the brand, and after six months, we had to change it, despite already having a lot of product with the old logo.

To avoid losing money, we opened two dictionaries and started searching for words that began with “N” and “P.” After many combinations, we landed on Nude Project, which perfectly represented what we were creating at that moment: a new, stripped-down project.

How would you define the philosophy behind Nude Project, and what values do you aim to transmit through your clothing?

At Nude Project, we believe in a philosophy based on authentic connection with our community through a solid and aspirational brand, with quality products and a clear message. Nude Project is not just a clothing brand; it’s a complete universe where personal experience and our community are always at the center.

We want our audience to feel inspired not only by our clothes but by everything we create around the brand, such as our events, the podcast, and even our own beer. We were born with the goal of inspiring an entire generation, and today, I believe we’ve come to represent it. Every piece we design carries these values, reflecting the essence of what it means to be part of Nude Project.

What artistic or cultural influences have inspired your designs and collections?

As I mentioned earlier, our main slogan is “by artists, for artists”.

We are inspired by artists of all kinds, and we also aim for the brand to represent them. One of our biggest inspirations is Tyler, the Creator and his brand Golf Wang. His ability to create something authentic and different has had a huge impact on us.

In terms of music artists, we love Eminem internationally, and C. Tangana nationally — we’d love to do something with them at some point!

And finally, as entrepreneurs, I’d say that both Steve Jobs and Hugh Hefner are our great role models, for creating two of the most globally recognized brands with their logos.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced since launching Nude Project?

Since we started Nude Project, we’ve faced significant challenges. It’s never easy to start a business, and we’ve had to tackle all kinds of issues. Honestly, all of this has also helped us learn in many different areas.

For example, one of the biggest problems we encountered was stock management and supply chain interruptions, especially during the pandemic. Even though many businesses were affected, we managed to adapt quickly thanks to our already established digital strategy. The shift to a completely online approach was crucial. We had to reinvent the way we connected with our community and maintained production without compromising quality. Despite these obstacles, our persistence and the strong connection with our community have allowed us not only to survive but to thrive and expand in the market.

In a world increasingly aware of the environment, how do you approach sustainability in the production of your garments?

We are increasingly committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in our daily operations. We recognize the importance of implementing actions in these areas within our company and are actively working on it. However, as a young company, we face challenges that limit our ability to carry out these initiatives effectively.

We always emphasize that the best way to be sustainable is by creating high-quality garments that last over time, helping to reduce excessive clothing consumption. We don’t consider ourselves a fast fashion brand; in fact, we seek to distance ourselves from that model and move closer to a luxury fashion style (not necessarily referring to prices) characterized by quality.

“We always emphasize that the best way to be sustainable is by creating high-quality garments that last over time.”

Do you follow fashion trends? And if so, which ones excite you the most?

Yes, it’s inevitable to stay on top of fashion trends. However, what we really aim for is to adapt those trends to our brand identity, rather than being completely swept up by them.

For example, streetwear continues to be a huge inspiration for us; that mix of comfort and urban style is something we really love. We also get excited by trends that challenge traditional norms, like genderless fashion. We want our clothes to reflect these influences, but what we really want to stand out is our essence and our focus on creating clothing that speaks to our community.

How do you create an authentic connection with your customers/followers, and what role does community play in your brand?

Creating an authentic connection with our customers and followers is fundamental for us. From the very beginning, we’ve placed great emphasis on our community, which we consider one of the most important values of the brand.

“Our community is the heart of Nude Project.”

We constantly adapt to new platforms, like TikTok, to reach our audience effectively. We want our content to be organic and resonate with our community, creating a genuine bond with them. To achieve this, we strive to make everything we share feel real and authentic.

Additionally, we’ve launched several exclusive collections with a limited number of pieces, which generates anticipation and excitement among our customers. This not only fosters a sense of belonging but also reinforces our brand culture and the values we want to transmit. At the end of the day, our community is the heart of Nude Project, and their support and connection are what truly drive our growth.

You’ve carried out several collaborations with other artists and brands like Playboy. How do you evaluate them?

For us, the most important thing when selecting an artist or brand is that they inspire us, whether through their career or achievements. It’s also crucial that their values align with ours. This not only lays the foundation for our collaborations but also defines the essence of our own brand.

The success of this collaboration was surprising. The bomber jacket, which became the star product, sold out within hours after its release. This positive response was an incredible surprise, considering this line had a higher price point than our usual garments. The design and embroidery were much more elaborate, which increased the cost, but our community was willing to pay that extra. This confirms that our target audience appreciates a more careful design and technique.

Currently, we have very little stock left of this collection, which is a clear indicator that our collaborations are effective, and we hope to continue creating exclusive things with brands or artists that truly inspire us to create unique synergies.

Are you planning any new collaborations soon?

Yes. Collaborations are an ongoing effort for us, whether with artists, our major inspiration, or with other brands we like. I can’t reveal anything just yet, but there’s something already confirmed for the new year.

What are your short- and long-term expansion plans, and how do you see the future of the brand in the competitive world of fashion?

We’ll be opening our first store in Amsterdam in early 2025.

We also aim to further internationalize the brand with new openings both in new markets and in those where we are already present.

Your podcast is an absolute success. How did the idea to create it come about?

Thank you! We’re really happy that our community has received it so well. We’ve been listening to various podcasts since they first came out, and let’s say they’re our own version of a university.

The truth is that starting our own podcast was something we were clear about from day one when we created the brand: we’d launch a podcast combining artists, entrepreneurship, and education. I’ve always felt a deep admiration for personalities who impact our lives, whether they’re artists, athletes, actors, or professionals from various fields. It’s gratifying to see that our podcast has become one of the most listened to in Spain, when, in reality, for us, it’s just a hobby!

How do you select your guests?

We select our guests by considering both the voice of our community and our own curiosity. We listen closely to the desires of our audience, but we also make sure that the guests we bring on inspire and align with the values and identity of Nude Project. We want each conversation to offer authentic and relevant content, strengthening our connection with the community.

Is there any particular episode that you consider a milestone for the podcast?

Without a doubt, one of the episodes we consider a milestone for the podcast is titled “There is Life After Death” with Dr. Sans Segarra. He’s a highly respected doctor and surgeon who began researching near-death experiences (NDEs) after hearing some impactful stories from patients.

This type of professional was someone we had never featured on the podcast before, and although we were very interested in the topic, we were uncertain about how our audience would receive it. To our surprise, the feedback for this episode was incredible. We learned so much during the conversation, and if you haven’t listened to it yet, I highly recommend it.

And which episode is the most special for you?

One of the most special episodes for us was the one with Andrés Iniesta. We believe he’s a very important figure in the history of our country and also in our personal story. I clearly remember when he scored in the 2010 World Cup; we were only 10 years old, and that emotion is still fresh in our minds.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe that those 10-year-old kids, full of excitement, would one day have the opportunity to interview him. Plus, he’s such a wonderful person; not only is he an elite athlete, but he also exudes humility and warmth. It was truly a pleasure to chat with him. Without a doubt, that episode holds a very special place in our hearts, not only because of the figure he represents, but also because of the warmth and authenticity he showed us.

How has the podcast influenced the perception of Nude Project and your connection with your audience?

The podcast has positively influenced the perception of Nude Project and strengthened our connection with the audience. It allows us to explore topics that truly interest them, from sustainability in fashion to inspiring stories of entrepreneurs.

“It’s gratifying to see that our podcast has become one of the most listened-to in Spain.”

This format helps us share our brand culture in a more personal and authentic way, making the audience feel like part of the conversation. Additionally, the feedback we receive allows us to adapt our content and collections based on their needs. In short, the podcast has made Nude Project appear more accessible and genuine, creating a meaningful connection with our community.

What are you working on right now?

We have a major project underway outside of Spain. It’s not an opening, but it excites us just as much, if not more, than one would. You’ll hear about it in the coming days!

What is the meaning of life for you?

To enjoy it by doing what I love most and to live it as if tomorrow were my last day.

A dream

To make Nude Project a universal brand and to be remembered for the platform we’ve created.

(*) Images provided by the Nude Project press team.

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