Marco Magalini, part of the creative duo Barbieri Magalini, has built his professional path with a strong dedication to Made in Italy, passionately working to promote Italian excellence in the fashion and design industries. Co-founder of the creative agency MM Company together with Manuel Barbieri, Magalini has developed a distinctive career that has led him to become an “ambassador” of Italy’s creative heritage.
A purpose-driven education
Marco Magalini’s journey into the world of Made in Italy began with his academic background. Graduating in International and Diplomatic Relations at the University of Gorizia, he chose to focus his thesis on “The International Legal Protection of the Brand in Italy,” showing early on a specific interest in promoting Italian heritage. He later earned a Master’s degree in Luxury Brand Communication at Accademia del Lusso in Milan, where he completed a thesis on the “Positioning Strategy for an Italian Light Design Brand.” This multidisciplinary education equipped him with the tools to understand both the strategic and communicative aspects involved in enhancing the value of Made in Italy.
Journalism and outreach experience
At the start of his professional career, Magalini gained significant experience in journalism, collaborating with various media outlets in the fashion and design fields such as Vogue.it, Fashion Illustrated, Urban, and Modaonline. He conducted numerous interviews with Italian entrepreneurs and creatives, exploring Made in Italy from both an economic and cultural perspective. He has also served as a judge for industry competitions to promote emerging talent, and has delivered lectures on Made in Italy in various international settings.
His passion for Italian excellence also led him to publish the book Moda. Il nuovo made in Italy (“Fashion. The New Made in Italy”), with a foreword by Renzo Rosso, one of the most influential figures in fashion entrepreneurship (his OTB Group includes brands like Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor&Rolf, and Amiri). The book, presented in a tour across several cities, features interviews with a selection of emerging talents in Italian fashion.
MM Company: creative strategy in service of Made in Italy
In 2015, together with Manuel Barbieri, Magalini founded MM Company, a creative consultancy agency specializing in creative direction for brands and Made in Italy projects (click here to explore a selection of projects). With a focus on the fashion, design, textile, and materials sectors, the agency has also worked with trade associations such as Assocalzaturifici, Assoricamatori, UNIC, Camerabuyer, and Aidaf. MM Company has developed an approach based on cross-marketing enhancing the power of connections between Made in Italy companies.
Caleido Diary: exploring contemporary creativity
In 2021, Magalini further expanded his commitment to promoting creative culture by launching Caleido Diary, a magazine curated by MM Company that explores the vision of extraordinary individuals, many of whom are connected to the cultural manufacturing of Made in Italy. The project functions as an experimental lab across various formats: online magazine, newsletter, podcast, events, and special projects.
Caleido Diary aims to take an “elevated” look at contemporary society and promote the culture of creativity, also organizing events that foster conviviality and networking. The project includes Casa Caleido, a manifesto-home that embodies the values and vision of the Barbieri Magalini creative duo.
“Ambassador of Made in Italy”
Marco Magalini’s career perfectly reflects his motto “Amor et virtute” (Love and Virtue). Focusing on what he calls the “3 Fs: Fashion, Furniture, Food (& Fast Cars),” Magalini works daily to promote Italian excellence in creative industries, helping to enhance the image and reputation of Made in Italy on a global scale. Through his work at MM Company and Caleido Diary, Magalini continues to explore and elevate Italy’s creative heritage, acting as a bridge between artisanal tradition and contemporary innovation—and affirming himself as a true “ambassador of Made in Italy” in the world.
