Retro fashion references, mafioso-style and music: enter Domini Forelli

In today’s world of music, spontaneity and flair don’t combine quite easily. But sometimes planets align and good things can happen to those who dig deeper.

I first discovered Domini Forelli through the work of the young Italian producer Dom 2XL, whom I’ve followed for some time.

When their latest two collaborative EPs dropped – the first of which, Quiet Luxury, came out in February- I was immediately captivated by Domini’s distinctive style as a rapper and fashion-savvy lady. She caught my attention right away, thanks to her references and delivery.

Her second release, Velvet Smooth, which dropped in March, was preceded by the single “First Date,” featuring The Musalini.

I listened to both projects on repeat for days and, surprisingly, never grew tired of them. My curiosity for her future releases has only intensified, and I truly believe she’s an artist worth following.

I decided to get in touch with her to ask a few questions about fashion and delve into her style icons, especially considering her bold and defined look, influenced by retro elements.

In this interview, Domini Forelli shares insights into her evolution and the story behind her music.

I’d love for you to introduce yourself and tell us about your path. I know you went from studying theatre to running your own business. How have these chapters of your life shaped your evolution as an artist?

My name is Domini Forelli. I was born in 1995 in Washington D.C., where I spent most of my childhood. Growing up, I moved frequently: spending summers in New York, living for a time in Florida, and later moving to North Carolina, where I studied theater and film.

Eventually, I returned to Washington D.C. and later graduated high school in Maryland. At 23, I leaped and moved to Los Angeles to pursue music while studying nail anatomy.

There, I opened Forelli Nails & Beauty, a boutique salon that quickly gained success. Running my own business taught me discipline, creativity, and the importance of pushing forward even when things get tough – the same qualities that also shape my music.

However, when the pandemic hit, I had to close it and decided to focus entirely on my artistic path.
Now, in 2025, I’m back in my hometown, continuing to evolve as an artist.

Your stage name Domini Forelli has an interesting backstory. Can you tell us what first inspired you to make music and how your style has evolved?

I came up with my stage name back in 2009. “Domini” comes from my Dominican heritage: my father is from the Dominican Republic, so I shortened the name as a nod to my roots.

“Forelli” actually comes from a character in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. He was a fictional mob boss, and for some reason, the name stuck with me. So, I paired the two together and got Domini Forelli.

I started rapping when I was 8. Even as a kid, I was always outspoken, always expressing what was on my mind. I’d put on performances in the living room for my mom, rapping along to artists like 2Pac, Biggie, Wu-Tang, e DMX.

Music was a huge part of our household, it was something we could all relate to, so getting into it felt natural for me.

By the time I was 14, I was drawn to female artists like Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, Mary J. Blige, and Armani Caesar. Their confidence, style, and presence were unlike anything I’d seen before, and they influenced the way I approached my music.

“Quiet Luxury” has a unique sound and aesthetic, reflecting a sense of understated elegance. Your collaboration with Dom 2XL played a big role in shaping its vibe.

How did your connection with him come about, and how did that initial collaboration evolve into a full project?

The imagery I create in my music really comes from the vibe I get from the beats Dom sends me, along with the headspace I’m in during my real life. That’s how “Quiet Luxury” came about, honestly.

Dom has an incredible ear for music. Back in 2022, he messaged me on Instagram about working on a track called “Hustla Talk”. When I heard the instrumental, I was blown away. I thought, “Yooo, where is this guy from?!” I had never heard a beat like that before.

There were also two other guys on the track, shoutout to Zay and Ron. I was the last to record my verse, and it came together so quickly and smoothly, like butter. Dom loved it. We ended up making the charts on Insomniac Magazine, landing in the top 10. I’ll never forget that moment. 

What mindset and inspirations fueled the creative process behind “Quiet Luxury”? 

I was in a peaceful place in my life, appreciating everything I’ve worked hard for, but without the need to flaunt it. I’ve experienced living in million-dollar homes in California, but luxury for me isn’t about flashy status symbols.

It’s about savouring the quiet moments like a calm morning, the perfect cup of coffee, or a stunning sunrise or sunset. To me, true luxury is found in simplicity: it’s the things that bring you peace and make you feel at home in your skin.

I couldn’t help but notice some interesting references to movies in “Quiet Luxury”, like the nods to The Godfather and Pam Grier. Also, in “Dorinda’s Lecture“, there’s a spoken part that seems to be taken from a movie.

Can you tell us more about the influences behind these themes and how they shaped the stories in your songs?

The themes of the songs came from the way the beats made me feel in the moment. I’m always in my world, just creating and vibing. For example, when I first heard the beat for “Al Capone,” it instantly reminded me of old mafia movies like The Godfather.

The vibe was cinematic, so I went with it. The same thing happened with “Pam Grier“. She’s an iconic actress known for starring in funky ‘70s films, and that era influenced the tone of the song.

As for “Dorinda’s Lecture,” that’s a clip from the 1975 action movie Truck Turner, starring Isaac Hayes. The character of Dorinda, played by Nichelle Nichols, is a female pimp trying to take over the game. I love that movie!

It’s something my grandfather introduced me to when I was a kid. The clip cracked me up, and it fit perfectly with the theme of the EP, so I had to include it. It’s little touches that make the project feel even more personal and nostalgic.

Fashion and music often go hand in hand, and it’s unmistakable how strongly connected your music is to fashion, especially with its subtle nods to Italian luxury brands. How would you describe your relationship with fashion?

My relationship with fashion is platonic, but it runs deep in my family, especially with my mother. She introduced me to designer brands and perfumes.

So, yes, that old-money style definitely fits both who Domini Forelli is as an artist and who I am as a person. I have a deep appreciation for Italian fashion, food, and culture.

I’m particularly drawn to vintage designers and about those ‘90s pieces. When it comes to fashion, I love the ‘98 Fendi collections. It takes me back to the women in my neighbourhood when I was growing up. Those looks and styles always stuck with me.

The term “quiet Luxury” in fashion refers to an understated, elegant style, one that exudes class without being overtly flashy. Do you see yourself aligning with this aesthetic, both in your music and lifestyle?

Absolutely. I align with that understated elegance in both my music and lifestyle. I always say that a fur coat can’t be missed in my daily outfit.

Even if I’m wearing sweatpants from Jetlife, I’ll still throw on a fur coat, whether it’s cropped or dragging on the floor, I’m going to wear it.

What are your must-have pieces for everyday life and a special night out?

I have to have my purse. I’m a woman, and a clutch or a purse is always with me, no excuses. My purse game is serious, I love purses! Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Moschino, Fendi…the list goes on!

With so many top-charting artists in rap today, do you feel that as a woman, there’s still a difference between the career of a male rapper and a female rapper?

The rap world is very finicky, and you’ve got to have tough skin and a clear mind to navigate it because everything is opinionated.

Most people won’t like my music because I don’t sound like every top-charting artist. But honestly, there’s no real difference between male and female rappers.

The mainstream world focuses on certain audiences who can relate to things that aren’t always meaningful, while the underground scene is more about the soul and addressing real-life situations that people can genuinely relate to.

And in such a competitive environment, what do you believe sets you apart from others?

What sets me apart is my authenticity and originality. I’ve always stayed true to myself. Every day, I look in the mirror and remind myself, “I’m glad I’m me and not someone else.”

My music stands out because I’m not trying to portray an image that’s not mine. I’m just being me, and that’s what makes it special.

Speaking of your style, you have a very distinctive aesthetic that blends vintage elegance with streetwear edge. Who would you say are your style icons, and how do you balance vintage pieces with modern streetwear?

Diana Ross and Diahann Carroll have had a huge impact on me, not only in music but also in film and fashion. Their presence greatly shaped my understanding of elegance and grace.

I love vintage fashion: fur coats, tailored suits, leather outfits, oversized shades, there’s something timeless about that era, where elegance met street edge.

At the same time, I’m really into streetwear. My favourite brand is Jet Life by Curren$y; it has that cool, laid-back vibe that speaks to me.

Your single “Sunshine” one of the standout tracks from your March EP “Velvet Smooth”, features scenes from a vintage film from the ‘70s.

What is it about vintage films that draws you in, and how do they influence your music?

The video is from the movie The Mac is a 1973 classic, and it’s a huge inspiration to me, not just musically, but also in terms of style. I’m really into vintage films from the ‘60s to the ‘80s; they just speak to me in a way that modern movies don’t.

You see a lot of classic cars in those films, like Pontiacs, Buicks, and Chevys, and they’ve got soul. That’s something I love about that era and it’s not just about the music or the fashion but the whole vibe, including those iconic cars.

They influence my approach to music, fashion, and even the way I want my aesthetic to feel. If I had to pick a car to cruise in with one of my 70 Icon it would definitely be a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. Light blue and white with silver trimming. Pure style! That’s the vibe I’m going for, both in my music and my aesthetic.

The sample you used in this track is a bold choice. How do you approach working with such iconic sounds, and what is it about ‘90s influences that you enjoy blending with a timeless feel? 

I’ve always loved working with old-school sounds, there’s something really special about taking those vintage textures and breathing new life into them. It’s like honoring the past while creating something fresh and personal.

A lot of my fans tell me that my music reminds them of the ‘90s, which I find funny and kind of cool, because in reality, I probably spend more time listening to even older music than I do to anything current. There’s just a richness and soul in those older records that really speaks to me. 

When I listened to your feature with The Musalini, which dropped in early March, I immediately loved it. I’m curious to know how that collaboration came about.

How did you get in touch, and what was it like working with him? Also, what other upcoming musical projects do you have in the works?

I messaged The Musalini on Valentine’s Day to express my interest in working with him. I already had a specific beat in mind, so I confirmed it with Dom, and we got started from there.

The Musalini was very professional and quick. He sent me the song back the very next day. What I loved most was how he came up with the hook based on the title of the beat. Dom likes to name all of his beats, so when The Musalini saw “First Date,” he used that inspiration to create the hook and write his verse. I gave him full creative control of the song, and all I did was write my verse.

We’re even working on a video for “First Date,” which will be a fun treat.

As for upcoming projects, I’m excited about a collaboration with Divine Crime, another amazing producer. We’re putting together a track with 7xvethegenius e Jaeskeese, which will be dropping soon. I’m super grateful for that opportunity, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.