Daniele Pe and Alfredo Bandini, co-founders of Born Outside, on creating a brand built upon craft over hype – one where sophistication meets low-key cool.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routines?
AB: I’m up early with my twin daughters, so the first 30 minutes are usually a mix of making breakfast, getting them ready for nursery, and sneaking in a moment of quiet before the chaos. After drop-off, it’s straight into training: some form of movement clears my head and resets my focus.
DP: For me, it’s coffee, no phones, and a long walk with my dog. I need that slow start before switching on. Once I’m at my desk, I’m fully in – usually sketching or reviewing product work before the calls and messages begin.
What was the catalyst to launch your own brand?
AB: It started with a frustration – there wasn’t a sneaker that truly matched our standard for design, comfort, and quality. Most brands were either too logo-heavy or felt disconnected from what luxury should be. So, we stopped waiting and built it ourselves.
DP: And the idea grew from something personal. We both come from Italy but live in Dubai. We wanted to create something that represents this in-between space – heritage and innovation, tradition and rebellion. Born Outside felt like the only name it could have.
“We built this from scratch, without shortcuts. And that outsider spirit is something we try to keep alive every day, both in how we operate and how we design”
What are the core values that define the DNA of Born Outside?
Craft over hype. Character over conformity. We’re not trying to be louder than anyone else – we’re just obsessed with getting the product right. Comfort, materials, and silhouette. Then there’s independence. We built this from scratch, without shortcuts. And that outsider spirit is something we try to keep alive every day, both in how we operate and how we design.
What sets Born Outside apart from the rest of the sneaker brands?
We’re not riding trends. We’re building something lasting. The sneakers are 100% made in Italy, built with the same attention you’d expect from luxury dress shoes, but designed for everyday movement. There’s no loud branding, no gimmicks. Just a clean aesthetic, comfort that surprises people, and details that reveal themselves over time. Also, we’re based in the GCC, which brings a different lens to what luxury and streetwear can be.
Tell us more about your latest drops: Sneaker 003 and Sneaker 004.
Sneaker 003 carries forward the attitude we’re known for – but with elevated detailing. A full leather and suede upper, crafted with premium materials. Vegetable-tanned calf lining for natural comfort and breathability. Subtle gold foil embossing on the tongue as a signature mark. A classic sneaker silhouette with the presence and structure of a formal shoe. Sculptural in shape. Tonal in palette. Built for both denim and tailoring. Sneaker 004 marks a real shift. It’s our most versatile silhouette yet – clean, comfortable, elevated. All-suede upper. Graphic hex nut sole. Elastic laces for ease and fit. It’s a step toward a more mature, wearable direction, without losing the edge. Low-key, but never low impact. Built for movement, built for the city. Whether you’re in jeans, tailored pants or local dress, it holds its own.
How do you balance the creative and commercial sides of the business, and do you feel more drawn to one than the other?
AB: I focus more on the commercial side – wholesale, positioning, partnerships, investments. Making sure what we do reaches the right people and moves the business forward. But I still see that as creative work – it’s just a different kind of creativity.
DP: I lead on product and creative direction – shapes, colours, materials, and how the brand comes across visually. I’m obsessive about the details, because that’s where people feel the brand. We see things differently sometimes, but that’s the point. One pushes to grow, the other to protect the essence. That tension keeps us sharp.
You built everything yourself from the outset. What did this teach you?
Everything takes longer than you think. And no one is coming to save you. We’ve packed boxes, driven deliveries, cold-emailed buyers, fixed production mistakes… There’s freedom in that, but also a cost. What we’ve learned is that the only way to survive is to care deeply – but also detach quickly when things don’t work. You need both.
What have you learnt in the brand-building process, and what advice would you give to those wanting to carve out their own pioneering career path?
AB: Don’t wait for permission. And don’t aim for perfect – aim for progress. Most people fail because they’re afraid to start small.
DP: Know who you are before you launch anything. Once you’re in the game, it’s easy to get distracted. Clarity is everything.
“We design to be worn, not to sit in a box waiting to be appreciated. That’s where the real value is”
Sneakers have become a worldwide investment tool for many. Tell us your thoughts on this.
AB: If someone sees long-term value in what we make, great. But we design to be worn, not to sit in a box waiting to be appreciated. That’s where the real value is.
DP: It’s fascinating, but it’s not why we do what we do.
This is The Summer Escape Issue – where will you be heading this summer?
AB: I’ll be spending time between Italy and the French Alps – disconnecting in nature with my family but staying within reach of our Milan showroom as we prepare for the upcoming wholesale season.
DP: A mix of the Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, and Ibiza. I need that energy boost – sun, music, and a change of pace to reset creatively before the next push.
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