How did your love story begin?

We met at a chic LGBTQ party in a NYC hotel, instantly connecting over fashion, music, life in Italy, and dreams of the future. Filippo barely spoke English, and I knew little Italian, but our curiosity built a bridge. We laughed through language barriers and embraced each other's worlds. After a year of being inseparable, we moved in together—and now, 15 years later, we’re still learning, growing, and falling in love all over again.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

One of our favorite memories is my first trip outside the U.S.—and our first time in Paris together, celebrating my birthday. We spent a magical week exploring the Louvre, Versailles, and, of course, the iconic Eiffel Tower. I wanted to take the elevator, but Filippo insisted we climb. At the top, breathless and surrounded by city lights, he proposed. We toasted with champagne and dreamed of our future as husbands while the tower sparkled around us.

What would you do with $20,000?

If awarded, we’d invest half into growing our vintage shop and the rest into our dream trip to Tokyo. As passionate vintage collectors and lovers of Japanese fashion, we’ve long dreamed of exploring Tokyo’s rich fashion history—from Harajuku streetwear to traditional kimono culture. Travel fuels our creativity and deepens our bond, and this $20,000 would help us grow our business while living our shared passion for fashion, culture, and discovery.