For our 2025 Monaco tee, we collaborated with artist Claudia Locurcio—illustrator, racing romantic, and master of capturing movement in her own unmistakable style. Her work sits somewhere between sport and storytelling. With a background in fashion and a soft spot for both tennis and Formula 1, Claudia took our Monaco '25 'King of Hearts' concept and brought it to life. The result? A design that’s equal parts elegance and edge. We caught up with her to talk court side sketching, creative rituals, and designing a tee that wears the crown and the helmet.
We love your work, can you tell us how it all began, and what the journey’s been like so far?
Thank you! I’d say my work is rooted in fashion. I studied fashion design at university in Milan, and my first job was as an embroidery designer for Gucci — that really helped shape my career and taste. That’s also when my focus began to shift from design to illustration. Eventually, I joined the creative team at Casablanca, where I started creating prints.
How would you describe your art? What materials do you typically work with, and where do you find inspiration?
I’d describe my art as instinctual. I often draw in a very dynamic way, and the materials I love — like crayons and soft, chalky pastels — really help with that. They’re great for quick strokes and capturing movement. “Instinctual” also because I usually avoid focusing on too many details; I love finding the essential ones.
What’s it like painting at live sporting events? Can you walk us through that experience?
I think it amplifies the whole experience and makes me feel more a part of it. It’s definitely harder than drawing from the comfort of your desk — even when it’s just small, simple sketches — but that’s what I love about it! It also changed the way I draw. I realised I could capture the atmosphere or likeness of a person with fewer lines than I thought I needed. It feels more romantic, and more interesting, to me.
Do you have any favourite pieces you’ve created? What makes them stand out to you?
Recently, I’ve really loved a piece I painted of the Ferraris doing exhibition laps through the streets of Milan. Even though I didn’t paint it in the moment, I was actually there and lived that experience — which makes me even more attached to the drawing. The contrast of the cars against Milan’s beautiful buildings and the castle in the background is romantic in its own way. I’ll always remember catching a glimpse of Charles and Lewis greeting the crowd from a SF90 Spider!
We spotted Coco Gauff sharing one of your drawings from Rome last week — that must’ve felt pretty surreal?
It was!!! She commented and shared it when I first posted it back in November, right after she won the WTA Finals — the last tournament of the season. So I had a feeling she’d recognise it when she signed it! It’s beautiful how you can connect, even in small ways, with the people you admire and who inspire you. Honestly, I still need to realise it actually happened hahaha!
What moment or achievement are you most proud of in your career so far?
This month has been pretty special — I did a collaboration with Rummo Pasta, one of the main sponsors of the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome. I did a live sketch in the Campo Centrale for their Instagram account. It’s wild to think that something I used to do for fun, just me with my tripod and iPhone, now involves a whole team — an actual photographer and videographer! So cool.
Is there a dream project, commission, or collaboration you’re still hoping to make happen one day?
So many hahaha! But the big ones right now would be working with Ferrari, designing a tennis tournament poster, and doing official live illustrations at a Formula 1 race and a GrandSlam tournament.
When we first came across your work, we noticed you'd already been creating some amazing Formula 1 illustrations — what’s your connection to racing?
I think my interest in cars came from vintage ones and their design (is it obvious?). I’ve always been fascinated by how that evolves over the decades. Formula 1 cars are one of the best examples of form following function — how aerodynamics shape design in a way that’s unexpectedly beautiful. After watching my first race, I instantly loved it. There’s something so exciting yet oddly relaxing and ASMR about it at the same time. Kind of like tennis. In the blink of an eye, it can go from a dull moment to something crazy happening!
And finally, can you tell us a bit about the process of working together on the King of Hearts design?
First of all, I was so glad to discover your brand on IG — what struck me immediately was the focus on beauty and the amazing photography. And finding out it’s run by two sisters made it even more special. I felt like we clicked right away, and the process was so smooth. I loved figuring out the layout of the card, the shapes, the decorations. I especially enjoyed giving a “face” to the King of Hearts — in my head, he was a mix of Leclerc and Senna. A true regal gentleman.
