Celebrating Artisans

The art of design is a deeply human discipline that has been overshadowed by the age of immediacy and abundance. The tailoring skill that was once celebrated has slowly become a forgotten craft. The Atelier is devoted to reviving the love for tailor-made garments and recognising the artisans behind them.


Meet the Artisans of Gallello Atelier, the masterful creators who revive the art of bespoke garments with passion and dedication.

Antonella, Master Pattern Cutter Antonella, Master Pattern Cutter
Antonella, Master Pattern Cutter

Master Pattern Cutter:

Antonella

Antonella holds the esteemed title of Gallello's Master Pattern Cutter, entrusted with the refined art of transforming conceptual designs into intricate forms. With an acute understanding of garment draping and construction, Antonella ensures that each pattern meticulously accounts for fabric properties, garment structure, and wearer comfort.

In homage to Antonella's esteemed craftsmanship, the Atelier named its signature skirt after her.

Meet Antonella

What’s your definition of style?
Style is the expression of one’s personality through details that distinguish us from others.


How have you gathered your knowledge of Tailoring & Pattern Cutting?
From a young age, I followed my calling for this job by helping a tailor. Later, I attended professional courses and specialised in pattern cutting.


Why did you become a Pattern Cutter and what do you love most about your job?
I love my job because it turns an idea into an emotion.


Are there any cultural influences or personal experiences that have impacted your Pattern Cutting techniques?
I look for inspiration in everything around me, whether it’s a movie, a book, or a trip. For example, I learned origami and moulage techniques from a Japanese master.


Tailor’s atelier is a world of creativity. How does the setting of your workspace contribute to your artistic process?
Our atelier is the reign of creative chaos. It’s a space of freedom, where everyone can achieve their goals following their own technical/artistic inclinations. Music in the background always helps.


In your expert opinion, what aspects of Italian tailoring set it apart and contribute to its global acclaim?

Italian craftsmanship prioritises the individual seeking a garment that reflects their identity, independent of fleeting fashion trends. Utilising premium fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship, experienced Italian tailors ensure every detail, shape, and fit harmonises perfectly. The result is a flawlessly refined garment that embraces the wearer's physique and movements, becoming a timeless companion. This distinction defines the essence of Italian artisanal attire, setting it apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Antonella wearing her namesake skirt to the Gallello Atelier Salon Presentation in London
Francesca, Master Flou Tailor  Francesca, Master Flou Tailor 
Francesca, Master Flou Tailor 

Master Flou Tailor:

Francesca

Franceasca is the esteemed Master Flou Tailor at Gallello, specializing in the intricate craftsmanship of fluid, evening wear and draped pieces, such as dresses and skirts. Yet, her versatile skillset extends to tailoring a diverse array of garments.

In the 'Inside Gallello Atelier' video, Francesca is showcased skillfully crafting the Elena Jacket.

Meet Francesca

What's your definition of style?
For me, style is a conscious expression of oneself through clothing, accessories, and demeanor. However, style shouldn't be a constructed or fake attitude. Style is about being able to communicate one's personality naturally.

How did you acquire your knowledge of Tailoring?
I've always been passionate about creating clothes and accessories that could express my personality. I learned to sew as a child with the old sewing machine we had at home. After graduating in set design from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, I casually came into contact with small clothing production companies which helped me refine tailoring techniques. My determination to be precise and attentive to details led me to tackle increasingly important challenges.

Why did you become a Tailor, and what do you love most about your job?
I didn't plan to become a tailor. I started by chance, following a natural inclination for creation. What I love about this job is both the creative side, creating something from nothing, from an idea, and the technical side of finding constructive solutions or precious finishes to give personality to the garment.

Are there cultural influences, personal experiences, or adventures during travels that have left a mark on your Tailoring techniques?
I've always liked unconventional garments with unique details. When I discovered Japanese designers, it was love at first sight; even before becoming a tailor, I started collecting Japanese sewing books.

Tailoring requires balancing technical skills and artistic sensitivity. Do you consider yourself more of an artist or an engineer?
I think an artist must first and foremost be an engineer! Mastery of technique gives you the tools to create what you have in mind. My creativity goes hand in hand with what I learn; every new technique acquired gives me the creative impulse for a new project.

Francesca at the Gallello AtelierSalon Presentation in London
Lidia, Master Tailleur & Flou Tailor Lidia, Master Tailleur & Flou Tailor
Lidia, Master Tailleur & Flou Tailor

Master Tailleur & Flou Tailor :

Lidia

Lidia is a Master Tailleur & Flou Tailor at Gallello Atelier. Proficient in both tailleur and flou techniques, she excels in crafting tailored, structured pieces as well as fluid designs. With extensive experience in both womenswear and menswear, Lidia applies her sharp precision to craft jackets with mastery, drawing from her expertise in both realms.

Meet Lidia

How did you acquire your knowledge of Tailoring?
I learned the most from my mom. She was a seamstress who worked at home, so I began picking up sewing skills in elementary school, even in kindergarten - I hand-sewed clothes for dolls from rags and assisted my mom. And, of course, later I learned from school as well.
However, I didn't sew exactly like my mom. She encouraged me to figure things out on my own and come up with my own solutions.


Why did you become a Tailor?
I wanted to have cool clothes. At the beginning, I sewed only for myself. I cut without patterns, by hand, drawing with chalk on the fabric... I started very creatively and did everything by hand.


Tailoring requires balancing both technical skill and artistic sensibility. Do you consider yourself more of an artist or an engineer?

An engineer. I don't even have time to come up with things; I'm beyond that. I'm an engineer.


Are there any forgotten techniques that you have rediscovered and reintroduced into your work? Are there any techniques you would like to revive?

In London, I noticed a different mindset. In Poland, at school, they taught us to calculate using percentages and fractions - everything was methodical. My mom, on the other hand, taught me to sew based on human measurements. Being in London opened my eyes anew; here, they sew from mannequins, from silhouettes. It's a different approach.

Lidia at the Gallello AtelierSalon Presentation in London
Anna, Atelier Premiere Anna, Atelier Premiere
Anna, Atelier Premiere

Atelier Premiere :

Anna

Anna, who in a Founding Member of Gallello Atelier, in her role as Atelier Premiere, carefully supervises all aspects of garment creation, from design to fabric selection, in close collaboration with Artisans. With her extensive experience working with Tailors and a profound passion for artistry, she ensures that each project is executed with elegance and precision.

Meet Anna

What is your personal definition of craftsmanship?
Determination, detail and time. To me craftsmanship is synonymous with genuine beauty made by human hands. It is a time consuming endeavor, not for the sake of it - but because it is required to allow things to evolve and be created slowly and patiently. It is a kind of beautiful obsession and it is a privilege to be able to work alongside individuals demonstrating such levels of craftsmanship.   

How does the Atelier ensure skills and techniques of its artisans are preserved and passed down to future generations?
This is a long-term plan but we are willing to commit a chunk of our energy and time to allow young generations to spend time with truly amazing Artisans and Tailors, as that will surely inspire them and show an incredibly rich side of creativity that is behind the scenes. I believe there is more true creative fulfillment in the role of the “maker” than in the role of a designer as such.  

What are some of the unique challenges you face in maintaining high standards of craftsmanship in today’s fast-paced fashion world?
This might be an unpopular opinion in general, but I think we should stop adhering to the  “this is the way the things are done in the industry”. Changing the “expectations” of the Clients is the most challenging part, but as an optimist I choose to believe that the beauty of genuine craftsmanship is too powerful to ignore and that it will grow in strength, if we continue to advocate for it. 


What advice would you give to young Tailors who aspire to focus on craftsmanship and artisanal techniques in their work?
Spend time practicing and I mean - hours and hours. There is joy and great satisfaction to be found in improving artisanal skills, but it comes with long (and super creative, sometimes truly frustrating) hours of practice. If you want to become great at anything I believe that is the only path - with your own hands.

Anna at the Gallello AtelierSalon Presentation in London