From Milano to the world: A Creative’s Journey Through Passion, Places, and Precious Metals
Meet Ginevra Manfredini, from Milano, Italy. She is a Design Developer behind one of our favorite brands: Silvia Gnecchi. Eclectic and made in Italy brand, strongly tied to the concept of craftsmanship as a symbol of Italian excellence and quality.
-What is your favorite place in the world? What do you like about it?
Paris is my favorite place in the world—a city of love and where my journey began. With its effortless allure, deep-rooted history, and vibrant multicultural energy, Paris captivates me every time. Two other places close to my heart are Sardinia, where I spent my childhood summers in our family home, and Tel Aviv, a city that always feels like home. Its blend of old and new, East and West, creates a unique energy that I love.
-Tell us about your creative process. Where do you get most inspired, what materials do you like to work with, or what are your favorite techniques?
Designing alongside my mom, Silvia, is one of the rare times when collaboration feels effortless. I began creating for Silvia Gnecchi just three years ago, so “designer” still feels like a fresh title. Our creative process often explores fine jewelry archives, drawing on the craftsmanship of different eras. For the Spring/Summer ‘25 collection, we were especially inspired by the sleek elegance of 1920s Art Deco.
Designing alongside my mom, Silvia, is one of the rare times when collaboration feels effortless. I began creating for Silvia Gnecchi just three years ago, so “designer” still feels like a fresh title. Our creative process often explores fine jewelry archives, drawing on the craftsmanship of different eras. For the Spring/Summer ‘25 collection, we were especially inspired by the sleek elegance of 1920s Art Deco.
-Tell us about your creative process. Where do you get most inspired, what materials do you like to work with, or what are your favorite techniques?
But travel remains my greatest muse. Each place brings new ideas: the jewelry worn by Balinese women for temple ceremonies, Miami’s bold architecture, Tokyo’s street style, Costa Rica’s vivid colors, Berlin’s raw brutalism, Sydney’s beach vibes, the vibrant hues of Rio, Venice’s winding streets, and the rich textures of the Vatican Museums. There’s always more to discover.
But travel remains my greatest muse. Each place brings new ideas: the jewelry worn by Balinese women for temple ceremonies, Miami’s bold architecture, Tokyo’s street style, Costa Rica’s vivid colors, Berlin’s raw brutalism, Sydney’s beach vibes, the vibrant hues of Rio, Venice’s winding streets, and the rich textures of the Vatican Museums. There’s always more to discover.
-What is it like for you being a creative in today's world?
I recently had a fascinating conversation with Lucrezia Buccellati, of the renowned Buccellati goldsmith family. She shared her perspective on how the future of jewelry design will be shaped by AI and technology. Reflecting on her words, I couldn’t agree more. To be a creative today is to embrace constant evolution, to redefine one’s beliefs and tastes, and to adapt one’s vision to the rapid pace of technological innovation.
-If you could collaborate with any artist or creator, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Alexander McQueen: an absolute genius. Deeply connected to nature, the paranormal, and other realms, his work embodies a poetic yet gothic vision—a dance between light and darkness, capturing the mystery of the unknown.
I recently had a fascinating conversation with Lucrezia Buccellati, of the renowned Buccellati goldsmith family. She shared her perspective on how the future of jewelry design will be shaped by AI and technology. Reflecting on her words, I couldn’t agree more. To be a creative today is to embrace constant evolution, to redefine one’s beliefs and tastes, and to adapt one’s vision to the rapid pace of technological innovation.
-If you could collaborate with any artist or creator, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Alexander McQueen: an absolute genius. Deeply connected to nature, the paranormal, and other realms, his work embodies a poetic yet gothic vision—a dance between light and darkness, capturing the mystery of the unknown.
-What's one lesson you've learned from a challenge you faced in your career?
Every day is a challenge. Never stop, never give up, and never think you've arrived after reaching one goal. It’s a never-ending journey that demands constant, unwavering commitment. And, above all, trust your gut feelings.
-What music is playing in the background when you're designing?
My music shifts with my mood! I turn to Creole sounds like Cesária Évora, and in the evenings, soulful jazz from Etta James, Nina Simone, Chet Baker, and Billie Holiday. During the day, it’s all about bossa nova—Sergio Mendes, Astrud Gilberto. When I need an energy boost, I go for gypsy music like Bregovic and Gogol Bordello. And, of course, I have a passion for rock: KISS, Genesis, Guns N' Roses, The Cure, The Clash, and Black Sabbath.
