30. Soulful creation process
My first steps at the factory began with Stefano. Stefano’s mastery was understanding subtle things in production. Before I used to spend many efforts trying to explain to factories the idea of the importance of every millimetre of my creation. But I was not received. Stefano immediately recognised the essence of this creation. For the first time, I didn’t need to explain.
Stefano is the head of development for the renowned fashion house. Under his supervision, hundreds of new models get born every year. Stefano is at the epicentre of beauty and innovations, he knows everything about fashion objects of desires of millions of people in the world; he creates them. Since my bag required much attention, Stefano was assigned to manage my project personally!
Stefano is my teacher. To learn from him and receive his wisdom is a blessing. Once Stefano said: “There are millions of bags in the world. The world doesn’t need another bag to carry things. The world needs something else ... There must be your strong reason why ...”
Stefano assembles a team at the factory for my project. Because my project is a challenge, he invites outstanding creators to take part in it. This is how we create the unprecedented collaboration of unique craftsmen in Italy.
Every visit to the factory is a celebration. Every prototype is a joy. My favourite moment: I already really like the developed product. It has surpassed my original design. My soul is so happy! But Stefano keeps creating new levels, continuing to amaze me with his approach to perfection…
Once I sat down next to him and quietly asked: when will we get to the perfection, so I can show this bag to the world? Stefano replies, “I’ve seen a lot of bags in my life. I will know when we reach this point with your bag. I’ll tell you then.” He said nothing else ... And I remained with the energy of his words ... The way they create is another paradigm of thinking.
Meanwhile, Claudio visits us sometimes to check how things are going. He always expresses sincere interest. At some point, when we were puzzled with designing the bag’s pocket, Claudio rolls up his sleeves, immerses himself completely in this: he comes up with ideas, he dives into the depth of the archive to thoroughly explore all details. I witness, holding my breath, what is happening: the God of the industry invents the pockets for my bag. It’s priceless.
Another magic — lack of finance was not a limitation. When I entered the factory, I did not know exactly how I’d pay for prototypes, because I had spent all my money on past experiments. But my first invoice naturally arrived almost in a year, after we had created the perfect bag, and made the first production for customers. I know, it’s unbelievable. But this is how I paid for the development. If I had listened to my rational mind, I would never dare to even enter probably the most expensive factory in Italy.
In the process of creation, we constantly faced various issues, each was a challenge. Claudio always said yes. In fact, he never said no to the needs of my project. There was so much love, without conditions, that I felt from those creators... I didn’t have to be someone, or to meet certain criteria, to create the highest with the best. They took care of everything, leaving me only to create as I felt it, without betraying my vision. They provided the best in the industry for this creation. And most importantly, they did it not because of, but unconditionally. Because they are. The dearest great souls.
Being in the fashion industry, in the luxury segment, with huge production volumes, unprecedented budgets, where exterior things seem so important, I have gained invaluable experience: with one creation coming from the soul, I was given the precious chance to feel equally important as the most legendary fashion house.
One day I dared to ask Claudio: - Why did you say “Yes” to me? Why do you keep saying “Yes” to all my needs, doing incredible things for this project? “I don't know why. But I have not done anything like this for any other client. This product must be meant for something really great.”