Italy has a long history of being the home to some of the most successful designers around, making it that much more difficult to stand out from the crowd. The country’s penchant for design is particularly reflected in the world of high-fashion with big names such as Guccio Gucci, Emilio Pucci and Giorgio Armani immediately coming to mind, but the list of talented names also extends to the world of contemporary streetwear in which our latest Essentials subject has found a home. Self-described “party organizer, DJ, creative director and photographer,” Marcelo Burlon has been a mainstay in the fast-rising scene for many years now with a vibrant and powerful aesthetic that often pushes the boundary of what can be considered as “streetwear.” The Milan-based designer’s Patagonia roots and appreciation for cultures are reflected in his iconographic designs which have made him a household name not only in Europe but across the globe.