Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week, we’re giving the spotlight to Nicoletta Ginetti, Head of Design, FIFTY MADE – an eco-conscious luxury streetwear brand by The Giving Movement.
To find out more about how she acquired the position, Emirates Woman talks to the designer about her foray into the world of fashion, her early days at Just Cavalli and Philipp Plein and how it all shaped her design ideology to helm this new sustainable brand.
Can you share more about your journey into the fashion world after your studies at the Institute of European Design in Rome?
After wrapping up my time at IED in Rome, I kicked off my career as a Junior Womenswear designer at Roberto Cavalli. Two years later, I decided to switch things up and joined Philipp Plein, where I really hit my stride. Over the next six years, I worked my way up from Junior to Senior Designer, eventually landing the role of Head Designer. It’s been a wild ride, especially overseeing the women’s line and making my mark in the fashion game.
Starting as an upcoming designer, you’ve reached prestigious positions at iconic fashion houses. How did these experiences shape your approach to design?
Beginning as an emerging designer and progressing through iconic fashion houses has been a transformative journey. These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to design by instilling a keen understanding of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the importance of pushing creative boundaries. Working with renowned brands has honed my ability to blend tradition with innovation, resulting in a design philosophy that values both the timeless and the avant-garde. Additionally, the exposure to diverse styles and global perspectives has enriched my creative palette, influencing a more inclusive and versatile approach to fashion
Your role in designing the women’s collection for “Just Cavalli” and later leading the womenswear line at Philipp Plein is impressive. Can you highlight some key influences and innovations you brought to these roles?
At Just Cavalli, I was still at the very early stages of my career, learning and drawing inspiration from contemporary art and global street style. Transitioning to Philipp Plein, I led the women’s line with a focus on glamour and rebellion. I incorporated edgy elements like embellishments and unconventional textures, aligning with the brand’s daring aesthetic.
FIFTY MADE is described as redefining luxury streetwear. How did your global experiences and collaborations contribute to the brand’s vision?
Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures around the world, I’ve infused a unique global perspective into the brand’s aesthetic. Collaborating with creators from different regions has not only added authenticity to our collection but also allowed us to celebrate traditional craftsmanship within the context of luxury streetwear. The fusion of Eastern and Western influences, a hallmark of my global experiences, is evident in the design philosophy of FIFTY MADE. It goes beyond fashion, embodying a cultural dialogue that resonates with a broad and diverse audience. Moreover, my commitment to sustainable practices, cultivated through exposure to varied fashion landscapes, has influenced FIFTY MADE’s emphasis on ethical sourcing and responsible production methods.
Could you elaborate on the creative process behind FIFTY MADE? How do you balance designing in Dubai and crafting in Italy to achieve the brand’s distinctive style?
The creative process behind FIFTY MADE is a delicate dance between the vibrant energy of Dubai and the timeless craftsmanship of Italy. It begins with drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of Dubai, embracing its modernity and blending it with the brand’s Italian roots. The juxtaposition of these influences sparks the initial design concepts, embodying the essence of luxury streetwear. Once the designs take shape, the process transitions to Italy, where meticulous craftsmanship comes into play. Collaborating with skilled artisans, the designs are brought to life using traditional Italian techniques and high-quality materials. This fusion of contemporary design from Dubai and the artisanal craftsmanship from Italy results in FIFTY MADE’s distinctive style – a harmonious blend of cultural contrasts.
The brand focuses on limited and entirely exclusive pieces. What inspired this approach, and how do you envision it impacting the fashion landscape?
The decision to focus on limited and entirely exclusive pieces for FIFTY MADE stems from a desire to cultivate a sense of rarity and uniqueness within the brand. This approach is inspired by the notion that true luxury lies in exclusivity, offering discerning customers an opportunity to own something truly exceptional.
As the Head of Design, what do you consider the defining elements that make FIFTY MADE stand out in the ever-evolving fashion industry?
As the Head of Design at FIFTY MADE, the brand’s standout features include its unique cultural fusion of Dubai and Italian influences, the focus on limited and exclusive pieces for a sense of rarity, a commitment to sustainability, storytelling through design, a dedication to quality craftsmanship, and leadership in redefining luxury streetwear. These elements collectively position FIFTY MADE as a distinctive and influential presence in the dynamic fashion landscape.
What is your ultimate mission with FIFTY MADE, and how do you aim to achieve the goal of transcending the ordinary to the extraordinary in the minds of fashion enthusiasts?
FIFTY MADE’s ultimate mission is to redefine luxury streetwear by seamlessly blending global cultural influences, emphasizing exclusivity, and upholding sustainability. The brand aims to achieve this by consistently innovating in design, producing limited and exclusive pieces, and gaining global recognition through strategic partnerships. FIFTY MADE aspires to transcend the ordinary in the minds of fashion enthusiasts, creating an extraordinary and iconic presence in the industry.
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Images: Supplied by FIFTY MADE
