HISTORY OF THE BRAND

EARLY BEGININGS 

Maldini 'PALOCCINI' Palhares: A Vision Born from Art, Nature, and Resilience 

From a young age, Maldini ‘PALOCCINI’ Palhares was captivated by the power of clothing brands and how they shape the world around us. He saw fashion not just as a trend but as an influential force in modern society.

Born to Paula and Domingos in Luanda, Angola, Maldini’s artistic journey began with the raw beauty of nature. He was inspired by the expansive blue skies filled with whimsical clouds, the majestic mountains of Huambo, where the air felt like royalty, and the crashing waves against an overloaded truck, fleeing the chaos of Angola’s civil war. These powerful sights, sounds, and experiences in his early years planted the seeds of creativity that would grow into a vision of design and expression. 

 

AN AVID OBSERVER, WHO LEANERNED TO DREAM:

“I’ve always admired the expression of art in things; as a young boy, I would often gaze into the distance for ages, observing the beautiful rows of dark leafed trees, the unmovable mountains that withstood time’s ultimate tests through gushing winds, and the manner in which every living thing carried itself as it fulfilled it’s purpose in this hypnotic rhythm that we call life. I love nature so much, it does something to me on the inside; it allows me to take part in it’s dormant state of tranquillity and eternal peace. With every session, I’d be left in awe by the differing patterns, texture and size that the divine design consisted of, whilst all the more developing the mechanism of inspiration in my mind’s eye, the portal of creativity”.

 

As Maldini’s social world started to come together, he set off on a journey to find his true calling. He dipped his toes into a variety of industries, searching for that one passion that would bring him true fulfillment. But none of them felt like the perfect fit—nothing warm enough to dive into and swim in for life.

 

“Coming out of secondary school I felt the immense pressure of life, to conform to and walk in a particular path. I really didn’t know what to do with myself; there was a set path that every young person was expected to walk in; go to college, then to university, and find a high paying job after that. This all sounded great for the most part, the only problem was that 'school' wasn’t my strongest suit; I had severe learning difficulty that made studying very depressing, and much of what I studied wasn’t centred around my innate abilities. So I was left with the feelings of not being good enough for 'school stuff' and the dilemma of suppressing my creative urges to meet society’s demands and expectations of me". 

After facing a life-changing challenge, Maldini found himself standing at a T-junction, no longer burdened by the need to fit into the expectations of others. He was free to shape his own future and create his own path, with a clean slate in the canvas of his mind.

In the stillness of his thoughts, a new dream began to take shape. Fueled by a passion for self-expression and creativity, he dove into the world of design, crafting his very first collection of t-shirts, socks, and scarves in 2012. Every piece was brought to life with meticulous care, as Maldini focused on capturing the essence of branding and infusing each garment with his unique vision.

“I went through a storm; I’ve been ridiculed, laughed at, and spitefully dismissed when I spoke about my dreams. I can’t remember how many times I temporarily gave up on the idea. I went through so much adversity, but kept on dreaming. Every time I’d gaze upon my work, I’d get a strong feeling from within my heart, reassuring me that it was all going to work out just fine”.

 

WHERE WE STAND TODAY

Today, PALOCCINI stands for more than just fashion; it’s a conversation starter, a confidence booster, and a whole load of vibe! We’re here to shake things up, ditch the dull, and serve up statement pieces that turn heads and spark joy. Forget the rules—our designs are all about fearless self-expression, bold creativity, and embracing what makes you, you.

With top-notch craftsmanship and an obsession with quality, we create pieces that make you feel unstoppable.

 

A THOUGHT FOR THE FUTURE

With innovation and sustainability at the forefront, the future of fashion is a blank canvas, just waiting to be filled with bold ideas. Join us on this exciting journey, and together, let’s redefine fashion and leave a lasting mark on the world—one standout look at a time.

 

For all the latest updates, collaborations, partnerships, and exciting programs, make sure to follow us on social media at @houseofpaloccini. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!