Entryto the course is assessed by Giusi (above right), along with the
company’s human resources team. From around 300 applicants, ten
are usually selected. So, what is the key quality that they look for?
‘Passion,’ says Giusi. ‘You have to see it in their eyes when they talk
about the work. Particularly ahead of fashion week while we work
on the catwalk collection – it can be very hard and tiring, and you need
the will. I can teach anyone the sewing skills, but not the love.’Towardsthe end of the training, the students
are let loose, making real prototypes using
real fabrics. The entiresartoriais divided into
tailorswho only work by hand (for elements
like buttons, embroidery and finishing
details), and those who only work using
machines (the first stage, where the main
pieces of the item are sewn together). The
studentsare assessed and put in the relevant
groupby Giusi when they start, and will only
work on those skills.Student Giulia, 28 (above left),
graduated in conference interpreting
and then worked in an office. ‘I was
bored,’ she says. I bought a sewing
machineas a hobby, and it was like love
at first stitch. I decided I wanted to sew
every day, so I quit my job, did a fashion
course and then applied for this
training. My grandmother is a tailor,
but she always refused to teach me.
She wasn’t happy when I told her – she
wanted me to do an office job. Manual
crafts aren’t very common among
peoplemy age. It’s the tactile nature of
it that I love, feeling the fabric and
seeingthe garment take shape. It’s the
most satisfying thing in the world.’■PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRIS ATOMIC