Giada names Gabriele Colangelo artistic director

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Feb 25, 2015

Giada is starting a new chapter. The chic and minimalist high-end ready-to-wear label is hiring an external designer for the first time. Until now, design has been overseen by its founder Rosanna Daolio. 

Giada has chosen Gabriele Colangelo, one of the representatives of the new generation of Made in Italy, as its new artistic director. He will begin immediately for fall/winter 2015-16.

Founded in 2001 by Italian designer Rosanna Daolio, who still works at the company (although the House hasn’t specified what his current position is), the brand was bought in 2005 by Chinese group RedStone Haute Couture and was initially developed in China, where it has over 50 stores. 

In 2013, Giada, which is entirely made in Italy, took the next step by opening its first flagship store in Europe, in the prestigious Via Montenapoleone in Milan, while also strengthening its organization in Italy. 

Two years ago, the brand announced ambitious plans for openings in New York, London, Tokyo, London and Paris. It seems, however, that since then the group has put on the breaks for its investments outside of China. 

The hiring of an external designer could indicate a change in strategy as well as the desire for a bit more fashion-oriented touch for Giada. Colangelo has always been distinguished by his substantial talent, especially in terms of fabrics.

The son of furriers, he dove into fashion after initially studying literature. Noticed by the Camera della Moda, he won a scholarship in 2008 as a fashion stylist, and the same year took the prize for Vogue Italy’s "Who's On Next" competition in the ready-to-wear category. Along the way, he launched his own line, which he shows in Milan, while continuing to work on collaborations with other brands.