Mirial Creative Director Giorgio Ciccone sits down with DSCENE Fashion Director Katarina Djoric to talk about his passion for shoes, inspiration, as well as the craftsmanship and the importance of “made in Italy”.
INTERVIEWS
When did your love affair with shoes begin?
I don’t know when it started, but I can say for sure that I started collecting shoes and other accessories from an early age. The one thing that I certainly remember very well is that my mother once said to me – the shoes are like a business card, they can reveal the personality of those who wear them. From that moment it is the first thing I look at when I meet a person.
What made you want to start your own label?
I have been designing capsules for other fashion companies as an artist. During the first lockdown I decided to start the brand with two partners, Martina Mancini and Marco Ruggiero. Immediately afterwards I had the need to create shoes, so I started Mirial with Marco and Andrea Marozzi.
Who have been the biggest influences on you personally and professionally?
I’m kind of a fanboy. I have always been attracted to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the 2000s aesthetics, but at the same time to the magic of Studio 54. I would also say that artists and musicians inspire me a lot – from Picasso to Matisse, from Vanessa Paradis to Dua Lipa and Garbage and so on. I would say that my influences are a mix of different cultures that I’m surrounded with every day.
What have been the biggest struggles on this journey?
I must say that I was very lucky and I am very proud of my path. Certainly the biggest problem is social pressure and the feeling of never being enough, but over time I have turned this problem into a predicament. In fact, today I’ve turned that into a stimulus and an engine for my creativity to achieve my successes.
How would you describe the MIRIAL brand?
Sexy, funny, strong, effortless and chic.
What is the meaning behind the name of the brand?
Mirial is the historical name of the company that the Marozzi family has been carrying for generation and producing shoes for the biggest luxury brands (very institutional).
Do you have a specific woman in mind when designing?
Not really, I love all women in their diversity and facets, so I don’t focus on a specific aesthetic. I like to talk to women who are very self-confident.
I have the “made in Italy” very much at heart, both for production and for raw materials, and absolutely will never use fur.
How do you balance aesthetics and ethics?
I think it is a very hot topic in the fashion sector. Perhaps the first point that is addressed when you think about creating a collection. I have the “made in Italy” very much at heart, both for production and for raw materials, and absolutely will never use fur.
Who are the craftsmen you work with?
Mirial is not only a brand but a shoes factory, all the people that work there, have been in the factory since always. It was so cool when I meet them for the first time and got the chance to get to know everyone and see them working with passion and love.
What does your typical day look like?
I wake up at 8 AM, check my emails and messages between 3 coffees, I’m a coffeeholic. In the meantime my PA, Xlavinha, comes over so we can start the day by checking everything that is ahead of us. Sometimes we stay at home to respond to the mails and videocalls, other times we go out for research or shooting. Suddenly 8 it’s pm now, which means time for wine and hanging out with friends.
What’s next for MIRIAL?
BOOTS, cause boots were really made for walking.
