GIULIANO CALZA

GIULIANO CALZA

GIULIANO CALZA

Giuliano Calza, founder and creative director of GCDS, is one of the youngest Italian designers to have made a significant impact on the global fashion scene. His brand – now known as Giuliano Calza Design Studio – has revolutionized streetwear by choosing pink as its signature color and creating a creative universe that blends pop culture, luxury, and Italian craftsmanship. Named one of the most influential figures in fashion by Business of Fashion, Giuliano’s multi-award-winning, ironic, and sophisticated “made-in-Italy” style quickly won over an eclectic and enthusiastic community of celebrities and icons, from Beyoncé to Sophia Loren, thanks to collections that transcend conventional definitions.

His bold creativity is evident not only in his ready-to-wear collections and best-selling accessories but also in cutting-edge projects. In 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, GCDS became the first brand to stage a runway show in the metaverse, earning the digital cover of Dazed. The success of this digital show was underscored by the virtual front-row presence of personalities like Amina Muaddi, Dua Lipa, and Hello Kitty.

After earning a degree in political science at the Università di Napoli L’Orientale and another in marketing, Giuliano Calza moved to Shanghai for further studies. He returned four years later to work as an image consultant in various sectors. He analyzed the Chinese market, learned Mandarin, and foresaw the future in the form of maxi-logo prints. In China, he conceived and created the first GCDS hoodies and socks, which were marketed online back in Italy and quickly sold out, officially setting him on the path to his unique Italian street style. He developed collections that attracted the attention of stars like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, earning him an invitation to New York Fashion Week. In 2017, GCDS made its international debut on a shocking-pink runway.

Throughout this journey, Giuliano has always had the support of his brother, Giordano Calza. Born in 1984 with a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Giordano graduated from Università Bocconi and began his career in 2010 as a banking advisor, later transitioning to telecommunications. In 2013, he left Milan and moved to China with Giuliano, where he honed his managerial skills and studied the market, which remains crucial for the brand. As CEO of GCDS, he oversees global business development, commercial agreements, and financial guidelines.

Season after season, GCDS continues to export “made in Italy” fashion worldwide, with increasingly sensational collections and single-brand boutiques. Recent openings include stores in Capri and Paris, inside the Printemps luxury department stores, joining the ten flagship stores in China. In July 2022, Beyoncé wore GCDS on the cover of British Vogue, and later in a music video. At Milan Fashion Week for SS 2023, the international press praised the new collection. Quality and superior craftsmanship, combined with a social-media-driven aesthetic, have transformed GCDS from a rapidly growing streetwear brand into a new luxury icon, all while staying true to Giuliano Calza’s fundamental values and his goal: to speak to new generations, interpreting social changes through an ironic, free, and unconventional language. Just like him.

As a member of the Zalando Visionary Award jury, how do you believe your personal experiences and challenges within the fashion industry have influenced your perspective? My journey in the fashion industry, filled with both achievements and challenges, has shaped my unique perspective on the importance of resilience and innovation. Facing industry complications has taught me the value of perseverance and creativity in overcoming obstacles. These experiences allow me to empathize with emerging designers and offer valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the fashion world.

Could you elaborate on what values you consider most when thinking toward the future of fashion, and how you see the Zalando Visionary Award as a means to champion these? The future of fashion should be deeply rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. I believe fashion must evolve to meet the needs of a diverse global audience while minimizing its environmental impact. The Zalando Visionary Award champions these values by recognizing and supporting designers who are pushing boundaries and creating meaningful change within the industry.

In what ways do you perceive the Zalando Visionary Award as a catalyst for driving meaningful change within the fashion industry, particularly in terms of DEI and innovation? The Zalando Visionary Award serves as a powerful platform to spotlight and uplift diverse voices in fashion. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the award encourages designers from all backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and innovative ideas. This not only enriches the industry but also propels it towards a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.

What was it about Sinéad O’Dwyer’s brand ethos that stood out to you as a winning choice? Sinéad O’Dwyer’s commitment to body positivity and inclusivity truly sets her brand apart. Her designs celebrate diversity in all its forms, challenging traditional beauty standards and offering a refreshing perspective on fashion. This ethos aligns perfectly with the values of the Zalando Visionary Award, making her a standout choice, which I believed in from the very first moment.

As the Founder and Creative Director of GCDS, how do you navigate the balance between tradition and embracing pioneering innovation within your own brand, and how does this inform your approach as a mentor?Balancing tradition with innovation is essential to staying relevant in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. At GCDS, we honor classic design elements while continuously experimenting with new techniques, ideas, and marketing strategies. This approach informs my mentoring style, where I encourage emerging designers to respect the past but also to boldly innovate and challenge conventions.

What is the best piece of advice you could give to up-and-coming designers? Stay true to your vision and never be afraid to take risks. The fashion industry rewards originality and authenticity, so embrace your unique perspective and let it shine through your work. Persistence is crucial; setbacks are a part of the journey, but they also offer valuable lessons.

Pop culture has played a significant role in your life and the evolution of GCDS. Do you feel it still has a significant role in your creative process? Absolutely. Pop culture continues to be a major source of inspiration for GCDS. It reflects social trends, influences public sentiment, and provides a dynamic canvas for creative expression.

Following your creative instinct can be difficult. How did you learn to trust yourself? Trusting my creative instinct has been a gradual process, built on experience and confidence in my vision. Over time, I learned that staying authentic to my ideas, even in the face of doubt, often leads to the most impactful work. Listening to feedback and reflecting on it are also crucial in refining this trust.

Diversity and inclusion are core values for both GCDS and Zalando. How was your experience partnering with Zalando for the Inclusive Footwear collection last year? Partnering with Zalando for the Inclusive Footwear collection was an enriching experience. It gave me the opportunity to expand the iconic morso heel shoes up to size 46, reinforcing our shared commitment to creating fashion that is accessible and representative of all people. Collaborating with a brand that values inclusivity as much as GCDS was very impactful, and offering my iconic shoes to a broader audience was incredibly rewarding.

What does a day in the life of Giuliano Calza look like? A typical day involves a blend of creative brainstorming, design work, and strategic meetings. I start by sketching new ideas and exploring materials, followed by collaborating with my team to bring concepts to life, depending on the projects we are working on. I also make time to stay connected with real life, drawing inspiration from it, and engaging with our audience on social media. When not traveling or visiting factories, I lead a fairly normal life, enjoying loud music, quiet times reading a book, and letting new ideas emerge.

Who are some of your fashion idols and continued inspirations? Icons like Alexander McQueen and Rei Kawakubo have always inspired me with their bold creativity and willingness to defy conventions. Contemporary designers such as Virgil Abloh and Demna Gvasalia also continue to influence me with their innovative approaches and boundary-pushing designs. I respect creatives who don’t settle for the norm but challenge the industry with confidence and boldness. I also find inspiration in watching people, friends in the industry, and stylists with incredible senses of style, which propel me to create.

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