A fashion label founded on the cornerstones of Italian craftsmanship, Gelso Milano is passionate about enriching the lives of people with the magical power and sensuality of silk. Join us for a chat with Gelso's founder about why she wanted to create her own fashion brand.
How did your brand begin?
I founded Gelso Milano in late 2019. I have always been passionate about fashion and throughout my whole life, I wanted to create something of my own as a means of self-expression. I was working in the finance industry, but inside of me, something was always wrong.
One day I decided to do a master's course in fashion product management offered by the Istituto Europeo di Design. I was still doing my full-time job, which was extremely tough. Doing the master's, I understood that this is my world and this could become my reality. I could turn it into a job where I can be devoted to what I like and create something which other people might like.
By this time, I was living for almost 10 years in Milan, the city where fashion and design are freedom of expression and a symbol of uniqueness and personality. This city for sure has transmitted its vibes and ideas to me.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?
I take inspiration mostly from nature. I am fond of travelling, each trip gives me new emotions and new experiences.
How do you source your materials?
I always favoured natural fabrics and the most innovative materials and technologies. Thus there was no doubt that the king of all fabrics, silk, would become the fulcrum of the brand. All our fabrics are sourced from certified factories which comply with environmental and safety regulations.
A dedicated line of products has been created from a completely natural, biological and eco-sustainable silk fabric. It is treated in its final phase with a combination of fibroin and chitosan proteins, a unique technique developed by Italian experts.
How do you want someone to feel when they wear/use your designs?
The idea behind the brand is to make people feel unique and free. All our items are produced from the highest quality silk, which certainly gives a feeling of comfort, class and chic.
Do you work with any charities?
Our headbands and scrunchies are handcrafted with the help of a social project that Gelso Milano is happy to support. It works with communities throughout Italy that were devised to provide job training for socially excluded people, helping them with opportunities to meet people and to integrate.
Each product made helps to support this initiative and gives hope and a future to people in need.
How do you ensure you’ve got a good work/life balance?
I am fond of sports, every evening I have a class of gymnastics or gym! I try to disconnect at the weekend by travelling to the sea or the mountains.
How do your brand values align with those of JewelStreet?
We aim to reduce waste in the fashion industry to its minimum by promoting responsible shopping. Many of our items are available in limited quantities or even on a pre-order basis. We strive to give to our customers the best quality materials and unique patterns. Our approach is to give our clients unique products that could not be found elsewhere. Those are the values we found at JewelStreet too and we hope to have a fruitful collaboration.
If you could only wear one piece from your collection, what would it be and why?
I would wear a Celestial slip dress! It is classy, sexy and simple, all at the same time! You can wear it for a cocktail and feel free and easy, and continue your evening with a chic dinner and you will be still the queen of the evening!
Thank you very much for talking with us!
Discover luxurious silk fashion over at Gelso Milano's boutique on JewelStreet.
