IN CONVERSATION WITH BRUNO CASANOVAS
words SAMO ŠAJN
interview by TIMI LETONJA
Bruno Casanovas is the co-founder and creative director of Nude Project, one of Spain’s fastest growing streetwear brands. What started as a movement between two strangers has grown into a global fashion community with nine flagship stores across Europe. The latest addition? A bold, immersive space in the heart of Amsterdam inspired by the cinematic universe of Stanley Kubrick. We sat down with Bruno to talk about the inspiration, and what makes this new store unlike anything Nude Project has done before.
Why did you choose Amsterdam for your newest store, and what makes the city align so well with Nude Project’s identity?
Call me basic, but I’m a very intuitive person. Of course, we look at numbers and make calibrated decisions, but intuition always comes first. When we knew we wanted to expand into Northern Europe, Amsterdam was a no-brainer. I’ve always loved it here. Dutch people are honest, sincere, fun, and they have a warm heart, even though it’s the north. That really aligns with the DNA of Nude Project. I didn’t even have to think twice. If we were going to plant a flag anywhere in the north of Europe, it had to be Amsterdam.
How did Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic universe inspire the concept behind the new store?
We wanted every room in the store to tell its own story, but at the same time, maintain a coherent flow. That was the challenge, creating distinct spaces that still connect. Our architectural studio, El Departamento, played a key role. Alberto, one of the founders, is a huge Kubrick fan. He came up with the idea Kubrick’s Mind, with each area inspired by one of his films. For example, in the Eyes Wide Shut room, you’ll find a red carpet center inspired by that surreal mansion scene. But everything still feels like us, Nude Project DNA layered over Kubrick’s cinematic worlds.
How has your personal journey, from Madrid to Bali to founding Nude Project, shaped your creative vision?
It shapes everything. Nude Project is a blank canvas for me to express how I see the world and how I wish the world could be. My parents were art merchants, so I’ve always had a deep sensitivity to beauty. Growing up in Bali surrounded by kids from every culture gave me a 360-degree view of life. But then, coming back to Spain grounded me in reality. I’ve never liked being normal, and I’ve always wanted to do something that left an impact. Finding Alex and creating Nude was like finding the outlet for all my thoughts, fantasies, and passions—fashion, design, communication, even psychology.
What does it mean for you to create a store that’s “an experience, not just a point of sale”?
Retail isn’t about accessibility anymore. You don’t need to walk into a store to get a hoodie, you’ve got online for that. So, if someone’s walking down the street in Amsterdam and decides to enter our store, it better be because we’re offering something special. That’s why this store will live. There will be DJ sets on weekends, a café, a magazine corner, activations that make it part of the community. I want people in Amsterdam to say, ‘Did you hear what they did at the Nude store this week?’ That’s the dream.
Can you tell us more about the collaborations with Lucas Muñoz and Pedro Hoz for the Amsterdam store?
Pedro is more than a collaborator, he’s a close friend. He first showed up at our office five years ago just to give us a painting because we inspired him. That moment sparked something. For this store, I gave him the ceiling and said, ‘Go for it.’ He spent three weeks painting with his team, pouring all his emotion into it. Afterward, he told me he felt like it changed the course of his career. That hit deep. As for Lucas, he’s one of the best in the world when it comes to sound and design. I knew if we were doing something in a city like Amsterdam, where music matters, he had to be involved. He created a sound system that’s more like a living sculpture.
What inspired the Bambino collection and its focus on childhood energy and imagination?
It’s a message I needed for myself. Don’t take life too seriously. We all get caught in the meetings and responsibilities. But the most beautiful thing is when work feels like play. That’s what kids do best. They’re dreamers, they find joy in everything. Bambino is a tribute to that spirit. I hope it helps others reconnect with that energy too, because at the end of the day, we’re all just kids trying to have fun.
How do you and Alex complement each other as co-founders, and how has your partnership evolved?
It’s pure magic. Business is complicated, and having someone like Alex, who’s my opposite but also my match, makes all the difference. He handles the CEO side, retail, finance, operations. While I focus on creativity. We’ve built massive trust over the years. I don’t worry about his side, and he doesn’t worry about mine. That kind of relationship allows us both to thrive and take Nude Project to the next level.
What’s been the most surreal or defining moment in Nude Project’s journey so far?
There have been many, but honestly, the most defining thing is the everyday. People idolize the fashion world, thinking it’s all about events and glamour. But the truth is, what I love most is going to the office, working with people I care about, creating beautiful things. The ‘wow’ moments, like Madonna wearing our clothes, are just the cherry on top. What matters is building something meaningful, day by day.
What’s next for Nude Project in 2025? Any upcoming projects, collections, or new locations you can tease?
2025 is about solidifying everything. We’re a bootstrap brand, no outside investors, so we can focus on creating the best brand, not just the biggest. That means diving deeper into design, storytelling, and experience. This Amsterdam store is a trial for what immersive retail could look like for us. We’re learning, tweaking, and planning new things, but I won’t spoil it. Just know, we’re not slowing down.
