Tell us about your working relationship with Flavio Girolami, how does the partnership work?

PP: We're both equal partners. We work virtually and meet either in New York or Italy depending on what needs to be done. We're both designers and handle various other parts of the business. We very much compliment each other's strengths and talents.

Can you tell us about the philosophy of your approach to Common Projects?

PP: We're both sort of purists when it comes to design. We try to keep it simple. We only make things we would like to wear or use.

How did the idea of having an article number instead of a logo come about?

PP: Neither of us were really into labels. Of course we have our favorite designers and such, but weren't interested in the name, more the design. In fact if something was immediately recognizable we found we weren't as interested. We played with marks and logos, but in the end found a solution that really spoke about the product which is the most important. The article number, size etc is usually found on the inside tongue, we just inverted it. The idea being that it's more a blank canvas...of course it's a really nice blank canvas, the finest leather and crafted in italy

Do you have set limits as to what you stylistically do with Common Projects?

PP: We did in the beginning. Everything was monotone. If anything it's what we don't do.

What are your influences in footwear in terms of style and brands?

PP: Our influences...I guess we look at a lot of vintage shoes, classic silhouettes, but we don't really have one source and it's not limited to shoes. Regarding brands, we try not to go there.

When you started up Common Projects, were you working at Visionaire or V? What was your co-workers reaction to the news that you wanted to start a trainer label?

PP: Yes, I was working at Visionaire and V when Common Projects was first born. Visionaire is a sort of a venue that has many formats and I think making shoes just might have seemed like another format. Visionaire and V folk and were some of our first supporters. I think our first bit of Press was in V Mag.