Giovanna Ricci

ITALIAN INSPIRED, TIMELESS FASHION

Part of my mandate is to elevate Canadian fashion brands and Giovanna Ricci is a such a label. The eponymous label is designed and made in Vancouver, Canada. I can't recall  exactly when I first met Giovanna Ricci it was at either a fashion or art event here in Vancouver. However, I  can  recall the initial impact this vibrant and creative woman made on me. I was impressed by her personal style and her passion for fashion.

Since our first meeting, we have become friends and have shared evenings at art openings and fashion shows. I have seen countless images of Giovanna's creations and first saw them on the runway at the Little Black Dress Gala in Vancouver. Sophisticated, timeless, and chic are my impressions of the Giovanna Ricci brand.

Therefore when considering who I would cover for this series on Vancouver designers , Giovanna came to mind . I reached out to Giovanna to do a socially distanced interview . Here is the interview.

Giovanna Ricci

      AN INTERVIEW

 

Giovanna can you share with me and my readers somethings about your background ?

My parents are immigrants from Italy, and my younger brother and I are first generation Canadians. I grew up in a home where Italian was our mother tongue. The neighborhood in East Vancouver where I grew up was home to Vancouver's Little Italy, and Italian culture and traditions surrounded us. My upbringing was steeped in heritage. My father made his homemade wine and prosciutto, and my mother cooked for a houseful of relatives and friends for Sunday dinners.

What sparked your interest in Fashion? What is your fashion education ?

As a child I remember loving my Barbies which eventually led to me to make clothes for them from scraps I would find.

Oh that's funny, we share a similar background, I too started off making clothes for Barbie's. Only the Barbie's belonged to the neighbor girls. I even wrote a post about it. (NO QUESTIONS ASKED, BARBIE MADE ME A FASHIONISTA).Please continue.

At first, my mother would make the clothes for me, but soon I learned how to craft entire ensembles myself using fabric and notions. Around the same, I also remember spending hours sketching. The pages of my childhood sketchbooks full of drawings of girls decked out in fashionable outfits. You can imagine my frustration when my grade three teacher expressed " We know you can draw girls and clothing but why don't you try animals or other things?" I thought, you just don't understand.
As a teenager, I learned how to sew and had a great art teacher that taught us human anatomy, which fueled my love for sketching. I then attended Kwantlen College and graduated from the Fashion Program there. Shortly after I went off to Italy and lived there for 4 years, working at a variety of jobs in both menswear and women's wear. I also had the pleasure to meet and chat with one of my idols, Gianni Versace.

What are your influences and inspirations?

I am most inspired by my Italian roots and Italian designers. My inspiration and influences come from La Dolce Vita, and the art, history, culture, and vibrancy of cities such as Rome, Florence, and Milan. I think my years living in Italy made a permanent mark on me and gave me a European perspective. I also believe inspiration is all around us. My early morning walks have often brought forth some of my most creative ideas.

Who is the Giovanna Ricci customer?

The Giovanna Ricci customer is a strong, confident woman who is busy making her way in the world and following her passions. She likes feminine quality pieces that are seasonless and classic with an edge. Giovanna Ricci offers versatile pieces that are a timeless investment to any wardrobe.

 

Describe your latest collection?

After many seasons of making more detailed garments, my latest capsule collection titled Corso Como is a simpler and more subtle grouping of mix and match separates. The inspiration came from my last trip to Milan and it has a "city" feel reminiscent of the street it was named after. The grouping is available in black and off white and accented with emerald green.

How can my followers and your fans find Giovanna Ricci ?

We have just recently launched our website and instagram shop.  You will find our newest collection available at giovannaricci.com

Giovanna Ricci

ITALIAN INSPIRED, TIMELESS FASHION

giovannaricci.com

Whether you are looking for an original little black dress or want to add some unique pieces to your wardrobe independent fashion brands are the  place to go. The small production lines give you access to couture style fashion. In the case of Giovanna Ricci the garments are handcrafted with love and care . Your wardrobe should tell your story, and it is certainly enhanced by the addition of  garments by independent fashion designers. Thanks to Giovanna for sharing her story and please visit her online store.

CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW