Emiliano: Actually, it’s really relaxing. Our jobs are quite different. When I’m at home, I’m usually on the computer, and Carlotta is playing or studying, so it’s like having the radio on, and generally, depending on the student, the music is good. There is the odd student who starts off quite badly, but I just sit here quietly laughing, and it’s nice to realize they are progressing and getting better week by week.

Carlotta: We are also both out a lot. I go out to teach at the local university a few times a week and to practice with Elettra Capecci, my partner in Mad Emoiselle Sarabande. We play what is called “quattro mani” – four-handed piano music. The pieces are duets that we play together on the same piano at the same time, so there are four hands on one keyboard.

We started eight years ago, mainly because it was more fun than playing alone, and we wanted to give small concerts in unusual places. Actually, I met Emiliano when we gave our first concert in 2007 and he was working in the theater where we were playing. We will release our first CD early next year, called “Caramel Mou,” under the direction of a wonderful Italian pianist, Enrico Pieranunzi.

Emiliano: I’m also out a lot. Studiopretzel depends on the great craftsmen that are in the local area, and I really believe in the idea of “handmade in Tuscany.” The skills of the people and the quality of the fabrics here are second to none, except maybe in Japan. I get a lot of inspiration from the workwear in Japan and I spend a lot of time doing research about fabrics. I want to make a range of clothing that is quite timeless, practical and comfortable – clothing that doesn’t ask you to think too hard in order to wear it.