Frida Giannini’s unique talent and modern vision have fueled her rise as
the leading creative force behind one of the world’s most celebrated
fashion houses.
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 expanded role, and brought a
powerful new perspective to Gucci’s accessories collections.
Creative Director
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.
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 and Chris Cunningham. Giannini has also been instrumental in bringing major celebrities to the brand, selecting Drew Barrymore and Claire Danes for the jewelry campaigns, James Franco for fragrance, and working closely with Madonna and Rihanna on initiatives for Raising Malawi and UNICEF.
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 and Chris Cunningham. Giannini has also been instrumental in bringing major celebrities to the brand, selecting Drew Barrymore and Claire Danes for the jewelry campaigns, James Franco for fragrance, and working closely with Madonna and Rihanna on initiatives for Raising Malawi and UNICEF.
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 she was also named to 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 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.
