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| Frida Giannini, Creative Director of Gucci |
Born in Rome in 1972 to an architect father and art history professor mother, Giannini studied fashion design at Rome’s Fashion Academy before apprenticing in a small ready-to-wear house. In 1997, she went to Fendi where she worked as a ready-to-wear designer for three seasons before being named designer for Fendi leathergoods.
In September 2002 she joined Gucci as Handbag Design Director. Two years later she was appointed to a newly created post, Creative Director of Accessories, where she assumed unprecedented control of bags, shoes, luggage, small leathergoods, silks, fine jewelry, gifts, watches as well as eyewear. Giannini flourished in this.
Using the Gucci archives as a starting point, she transformed house classics such as the Flora scarf pattern and equestrian iconography into novel and hugely successful designs.
In 2005, she was named Creative Director of Gucci Women’s ready-to-wear, in addition to her responsibility for all accessories. In 2006, she took over menswear, thus rising to sole Creative Director of the label. Giannini accepted this significant responsibility with aplomb, quickly establishing her individual stamp on the house. Her design approach and focused management style are informed by sharp confidence and decisiveness, as well as her uniquely feminine and distinctly Italian point of view.
The combination has proven to be powerful, as witnessed by her consistent ability to design collections, which not only influence global fashion trends but that are also directional at retail.
Under Giannini, a new design oeuvre for Gucci has emerged, one which celebrates the house’s inimitable past and its expertise in luxury craftsmanship, all the while adding youth, color and a playful extravagance.
Giannini has also assumed an expanded creative authority beyond just design. She personally developed the architectural and interior design environments for Gucci’s new store concept that has rolled out in major cities around the world. Additionally, she is responsible for the creative direction of all advertising campaigns and has worked with such illustrious directors as David Lynch, Frank Miller, and Chris Cunningham. Giannini has also been instrumental in bringing major celebrities to the brand, selecting James Franco, Evan Rachel Wood, and Chris Evans for fragrance, and working closely with Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna on initiatives for Raising Malawi and UNICEF, respectively.
Her broadening profile has allowed for increased social responsibility as well. She is deeply dedicated to and instrumental in Gucci’s continued partnership with UNICEF, and in February 2011, the US Fund for UNICEF recognized her with the inaugural Woman of Compassion award. In addition, Giannini is also on the Board of Directors of PPR’s Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights, an organization which fights violence against women and promotes their empowerment.
Giannini’s tenacity and unwavering vision have steered Gucci successfully into its 21st century guise. She is a new voice in fashion, one that champions a lighter luxury for modern times. Her innovative designs are a very personal interpretation of this venerable House: not only does she extract the very best of Gucci, but she has kept its privileged heritage firmly intact. Giannini’s strength of character and creative direction have earned her the Lupa Capitolina, awarded by the Mayor of Rome Gianni Alemanno, and a Design Star Honor from Fashion Group International. }
Eye candy to follow! .....Fall fashion spread from Gucci is LUXE LOVE!
images and article via: www.gucci.com