Founder of a clothing brand,
Founder of a communication agency,
Designer of a jewelry brand,
“WildSpirit & Meditative Soul.”

The same name behind all these things, that of Virginia Varinelli, and one mantra: to always follow your instincts, to let determination be your guiding spirit, and to count to 10 before saying anything. We met Virginia at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia in Milan, where, surrounded by mirrors, lights, and stairways, she told us about her path, the development of fashion (looking forward to seeing what the future holds), and her must-have looks and accessories (fringes and, especially, sunglasses). With the awareness that the more you know about each other, the more confident you are, to feel good in your skin and clothes, always.

You’re the designer of a line of jewelry and a clothing brand, and the founder of a digital company: how do you manage to combine all these businesses?

I’m very determined, for sure, and I try to organize my days in the best way I can, I wake up very early and try to squeeze it all in. If you love what you do, and if you do it for yourself, tiredness gets rewarded.

What is it that matters to you, as far as communication is concerned? What do you want to communicate, especially through a powerful but sometimes misleading vehicle like social media?

Social media are a very powerful tool that needs to be accurately handled. It’s nice to tell about your experiences and give your followers pieces of advice, but oftentimes you can be misinterpreted, and not everyone sees the world in the same way as we do, so I learned that, before communicating anything, I should count to 10. Social media got people closer to each other, for sure, and with the right tools, they could really make a difference.

“It’s nice to tell about your experiences and give your followers pieces of advice, but oftentimes you can be misinterpreted, and not everyone sees the world in the same way as we do, so I learned that, before communicating anything, I should count to 10.” 

The name of your jewelry brand is Viridì, and “vir” in Latin means “courage:” what’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

The bravest thing I’ve ever done is leaving a certain and safe job to jump in the deep end, back when I decided to follow my passion and throw myself into the job I’m currently doing. 11 years ago, the lines of this kind of work hadn’t yet been traced, and it was a wonderful bet.

You’re a creative Girlboss: what piece of advice has turned out to be the most useful one along your journey?

Always follow your guts no matter what, and never let others influence you. Then, you might make mistakes, or be successful, but in both cases, it will be all you and, by the way, mistakes make us grow up too, and teach us a lot.

What’s the future of fashion and communication, in your opinion?

Fashion has always been and is continuously evolving, to quote Gabrielle Chanel: “Fashion is made to become unfashionable.” Over the past 10 years, no one expected the evolution it has had, it’s become more inclusive and, thanks to digital communication, it has expanded its user base. I believe that much has been done, but there’s still a lot to be done.

“Fashion is made to become unfashionable.”

How would you define your personal style?

I change my look a lot depending on the occasion, but I have to admit that I’ve preferred wearing high heels ever since university, even though I feel perfectly comfortable wearing riding boots as well. My personal style could be described in two words: Boho-Chic. Fringes are my passion.

What’s your every day look like, instead?

In winter, I couldn’t go without an oversized jumper, that’s the reason why I’ve included one in my collection, and I’d match it with a pair of skinny jeans and biker boots. A practical, but at the same time fashionable look.

In your closet, there are too many…?

Shoes. I will never have enough and I can’t go without them.

What’s on top of your fashion wish list right now?

The Mini Kelly bag by Hermès, for sure, and the classic black 2.55 by Chanel. Two iconic and timeless bags.

What does it mean to you to feel comfortable in your own skin?

You don’t always feel comfortable in your own skin, you certainly need to work on yourself on a constant basis, each of us is different, and it’s this very diversity that makes us special and unique. When we’re young, we don’t understand that and we try to homologate with our peers’ behaviors, but, with the passing of time, the more we become conscious of who we are, the stronger and the more self-confident we get. This is what feeling comfortable in my own skin means to me.

A look (from a movie or TV series) that left you speechless. 

I attended the premiere of “House of Gucci” and I was super impressed by the choice of the garments, first and foremost the vintage Dior snowsuit worn by Lady Gaga as Patrizia Reggiani, on St. Moritz ski tracks.

“You certainly need to work on yourself on a constant basis…”

“…Each of us is different, and it’s this very diversity that makes us special and unique.” 

The latest thing you’ve discovered about yourself. 

If you’re determined, you can do it all and perfectly dovetail everything, a bit like when you play Tetris.

The book on your nightstand right now. 

“The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama – years ago, I started my journey towards Buddhism, and this has certainly been one of the keys that opened up the doors to my serenity and inner balance.

Your everyday must-have.

An ever-present accessory is sunglasses, I never go out without them. In winter, my must-have is an oversized sweater, while in summer, a maxi white macramè dress.

What are your next projects for the Virginia Varinelli Label?

At the moment, I’m working on the SS22 summer collection. Many people are asking me when I’ll be launching a men’s collection… Let’s see, maybe in a few years.

Photos & Video by Johnny Carrano.

Follow Virginia here.

Makeup & Hair by Claudia Raia.

Thanks to Excelsior Hotel Gallia.