Where Avant-garde meets Sensitivity — Giorgia Mattioli’s Fashion Archive
“We enrich lives with exceptional pieces.” This has been Her-Age’s motto since its launch back in 2021. While the luxury online site has meticulously curated over twenty thousand pieces throughout its journey, it was Giorgia Mattioli’s exceptional designer archival that inspired the initiative. Mattioli’s identity extended beyond fashion—she was a football enthusiast, a visionary, and a mother. And so, her style reflected it all.
Born in 1958 in the picturesque city of Bologna, Italy, Giorgia Mattioli’s ties to fashion were only through family business. Her father, Franco Mattioli, co-founded Gianfranco Ferrè namesake brand alongside the legendary designer in the late 70s, together shaping it into an era of Italian luxury. Despite this close connection to fashion, she started her studies at the public University of Bologna to major in medicine. However, due to unexpected life events, she changed career paths and embarked on the business to dive deeper into the chaotic world of fashion. Alongside her father and Ferrè, she played a pivotal role in cementing the house as a pillar of Made in Italy excellence.
According to family members, Mattioli and Ferré developed a deep bond during their twenty-year collaboration. She quickly became his right hand, translating his creative vision into tangible designs and shaping the brand’s vision. Beyond their close relationship, it was their sensitivity that truly connected them. Giorgia, just like Ferrè, was admired for her tenderness and warm-hearted nature.
As the technical force behind Ferré’s work, Mattioli's work in the studio consisted mainly of refining sketches, altering designs, and developing the original prototypes. Since her early years in the brand, she worked in production along with a team of seamstresses and pattern makers. Her inner circle expressed that she truly was the link between creativity and craftsmanship, ensuring each piece came to life seamlessly.
Despite her laid-back, carefree personality, Mattioli was described as a punk when it came to her daily outfit choices. Her style embodied a rebellious sensibility. From Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld to the early stages of Rick Owens, her closet blended elements of edge, grunge, and sensuality. While she appreciated colorways and architectural tailoring, Giorgia’s signature color was black, as it is mostly seen in her archival. The disruption in her clothing, where contrasting pieces came together to form romantic silhouettes, mirrored both her love for the unconventional and the way she lived life
SOLD PIECES FROM mattioli's archive
While certain pieces reflected her rebellious spirit, others highlighted a classic side, as seen in her collection of timeless Chanel designs. In the '90s, Lagerfeld excelled at the powerhouse by flawlessly merging elegance and edge in each of his designs. His influence on Chanel captured Mattioli’s signature style, characterized by chunky gold jewelry, black leather, and sheer mesh. She also scouted a collection of pieces from designers that were just emerging back in the day. Among her favorites were Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens, and Junya Watanabe. Amidst the '90s fashion revolution, where grunge and experimentation developed, Mattioli thrived. The intellectual aspects of fashion, deconstruction, conceptuality, and romance perfectly represented her personal style and approach to dressing.
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She often incorporated Ferrè pieces into her everyday wardrobe. As she also helped in the design of the pieces, she added vibrancy to her wardrobe by introducing eccentric prints, colorful jewelry, and a lot of fur. While she maintained her love for black hues, juxtaposition, and androgynous fashion, she occasionally embraced a more feminine side. This was evident in silhouettes like blazers with cinched waists, embroidered silk dresses, and classic suits. Giorgia Mattioli’s wardrobe was truly a beautiful intersection between rebellion and sensitivity.
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As Her-Age was born from the desire to honor Giorgia's legacy, it becomes more than just a marketplace; it is a celebration of her vision for timeless fashion. Her son, Alessandro Berna, and his partner, Alba Figueras founded the brand and curated Mattioli’s wardrobe which was composed of more than five hundred one-of-a-kind pieces. This became the reservoir of the company.
Today, thanks to our sellers across Europe, Her-Age has expanded its archive to offer a broader selection of luxury pieces. Our goal is to continue raising awareness of circular fashion by building a community that enriches lives with extraordinary items, just like those Mattioli, Her-Age’s first community member, left behind.
14/03/2025
