Right in the heart of the city of Trieste lies a unique jewelry shop with a long history that is now the go-to place for contemporary wearable art pieces in town. GIADA is many things to its owner and curator, Silvia Vatta, it’s a life project, a family tradition and a research platform. Here in InconnuLab we are more than happy to host Silvia for this Creative Minds post, where she shares her experiences and useful tips on what a shop curator is looking for in a product. Artisans, designers and creatives, read on!

Silvia has a keen eye for art, she studied visual arts and she has been working for several years in the contemporary art field. She gained a vast experience in organising exhibitions and displaying art works in galleries and cultural institutions.” When I decided to take over the family business, a very classic jewellery shop called GIADA founded by my grandmother almost 50 years ago, I put together my past experiences and passion for quality in manufacturing, clothing and of course jewellery with a contemporary approach.”

That’s how GIADA of today was born and Silvia is working with artists, designers and fashion visionaries, proposing new and original products, while respecting the history and the heritage of the space and relating to its city, Trieste. ”I like the idea that there isn’t a precise definition for my space, it leaves many possibilities open and stimulates the imagination.” says Sivlia. Occasionally, GIADA hosts exhibitions and art events, which more than a shop, make it an important cultural reality in the city.

Here are Silvia’s tips for designers and artisans who want to see their products in a shop :

1. Keep your product quality high.

The first thing that attracts me when I choose a designer for my store is the quality of material, both in jewellery and clothing. I really couldn’t sell something that I don’t think is made in the best quality possible and I that wouldn’t wear myself.

2. Be professional in what you do.

Another fundamental point is that I don’t work with hobbyists. Professionality is definitely one of the most important features I look for in a designer or maker. It took me a long way to form myself and be ready to open my own space and business growing with experience, abilities and with personal maturity, so I need to have an equal exchange with people I work with, no matter what their age. Of course, it doesn’t matter if they are at the beginning of their career or they are established, but I need to work with people that put all their life in what they do, just as I do.

3. Clarify your ideas and be unique

I appreciate designers and creatives in general with a clear idea and with a real personal project. They need to be able to communicate why their product is special and what makes it different from the rest. I love experimentation with materials and techniques, I really value those who are brave enough to dare something new. In my opinion original ideas win against the ones that choose to follow a trend.

4. Be honest and sharing

Last but not least, humanity in this business is much more important than most people think. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to become friends with the people you are working with. But I’d say a spontaneous honesty and simplicity in what you do can make the difference.

 

Find GIADA:  on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and don’t forget to visit its beautiful website.