In the shadow of the arcades of Bologna a joyful creativity thrills. Famous for its towers, good food and the goliardic spirit that derives from being (also) a city of students, Bologna hides artisan shops, ateliers, and talented designers for whom the Emilian capital is the landing point, not always from.
Rooted in their city, they have sustainability in their DNA. Local production, sometimes handmade and tailor-made, makes these small independent realities green business models, inspired by tradition, craftsmanship, but which look to the future.
There are reality with an international scope like the swimwear and activewear brand UNDlaunched in 2017 by Giada Fratini and Margherita Bojola, one designer and the other a jurist, with the idea of combining inclusiveness (UND’s costumes and garments adapt to all female forms) and sustainability – the two founders use only fibers recycled and carefully follow all stages of the production process that takes place between Bologna, Rimini and Florence.
There are small ateliers from which unique and precious objects are born like the one of Elisol by Elisa Solaroli who, under the portico of Via Saragozza – the very long one that leads to the Basilica of San Luca, a destination for pilgrimages and florets – creates jewels using rare Venetian glass beads, corals, pendants, stones and small amulets unearthed in the markets . Is that of Guifridayin the world Fabio Giuffrida, who defines himself as Hat Faker, or rather a hatter capable of overturning the canons of the classic hat to make it anti-conventional.
Then there are the Bolognese by adoption, creatives from various parts of the world who have chosen Bologna as their home and source of inspiration. for your work. Like Allison Hoeltzel Savini, of Texan origins, who landed from the United States on the hills of Bologna and from here made herself known all over the world: her brand of Made in Italy bags and accessories also loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and Arizona Muse, ODP Officina del Poggiotakes its name from the tree-lined road (Via del Poggio) on the hills of Bologna where he established his home and work.
“The Bolognese appreciate things well done, from food to machines… there is a great attention to detail and this is a great inspiration for me, ”explains Allison. «I think that living in Bologna helps me to remain more authentic, more faithful to the spirit of the brand. I try to create accessories that are classic and timeless, with a focus on quality. I believe that being in Milan it is easier to be overwhelmed by the trends of the moment or to be carried away by the idea of having to create, create, create to grow more and more. By remaining a little detached, I can focus on every single object ».
The approach is slow also for the collective of Atem Meta, composed of four creatives united by a love for art and fashion. And for the project Neighbors of Instantsthe first 100% African WAX fabric atelier in the center of Bologna, run by the tailor from the Ivory Coast Mamadou Camara, where fabrics and relationships are sewn together, asylum seekers are given work, and the circular economy is promoted, alongside the sale of fabrics from West Africa (in high quality cotton and from a controlled supply chain), a tailor-made clothing packaging service and a repair service.
In the gallery below we tell you ten Bolognese brandsindependent realities to be discovered online or – by appointment – even in person, combining, why not, a weekend in Bologna, with some truly unique and special shopping.
Source: Vanity Fair
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
