My father was a shaman. He told me that time doesn't exist. He didn't use a clock. He didn't know when my birthday was.

Alessandro Michele’s quote, “My father was a shaman. He told me that time doesn’t exist. He didn’t use a clock. He didn’t know when my birthday was,” speaks to a deeply philosophical and spiritual perspective on the concept of time. Michele reflects on the influence of his father, a shaman, who viewed time not as a rigid, measurable entity but as a more fluid and experiential aspect of life. By mentioning that his father didn’t use a clock and wasn’t concerned with the traditional markers of time, like his birthday, Michele highlights the disconnection from conventional, Western ideas of time that his father embraced.

The idea that time doesn’t exist in the way we commonly understand it challenges the modern obsession with scheduling, deadlines, and the ticking of the clock. A shaman, often seen as a spiritual leader or healer in many indigenous cultures, is typically focused on the present moment, the natural world, and a more cyclical understanding of time, where events are not bound by hours and dates but by natural rhythms and life’s experiences. Michele’s father, by rejecting the use of a clock and not even knowing his son's birthday, embodies this idea of living outside the structured constraints of linear time.

Michele’s reflection on his father’s perspective also reveals how this worldview shaped his own approach to life and possibly his creative process. As a renowned fashion designer, Michele is known for his unconventional and artistic approach, which may have been influenced by his father’s teachings on time. The concept of not being tied to specific moments or measurements might allow for greater freedom and innovation, unencumbered by the rigid constraints of traditional schedules.

Ultimately, Michele’s quote challenges the mainstream understanding of time and highlights the importance of being present in the moment. By sharing this personal story about his father, he underscores the contrast between two worldviews: one governed by clocks and schedules, and another where time is fluid and interconnected with the natural world, spiritual practices, and personal experience.