Interviewed by Holmag.INC

Hello everyone! My name is Gianna Pignatello, I’m 29, and I’m all the way from New York! Before the pandemic, I worked in the event planning industry for 10 years. But when work stopped, it gave me a chance to think about what I truly wanted. That’s when I decided to pivot away from events and pursue fashion design. It started simply—just writing blog posts and trying to be a fashion blogger. I officially resigned, applied, and joined the Fashion Institute of South Florida. Getting that formal education was the direction I needed to go. Post-pandemic, I took the opportunity to relearn skills from high school and middle school. I learned how to sew, pattern-make, and study trends, history, and business. I’m loving every minute of it.

From Corporate to Confidence

I actually never thought I would be a fashion designer; it was never my dream as a little girl. As an adult, I began to realize my struggle. Clothes that fit my petite frame properly were so hard to find. They needed to feel both young and stylish. It was around that time I noticed this was a problem other people faced, too. I felt excited and started taking pictures of garments that I liked. I put them in a folder labeled, “One day I will make this better.”

My favorite part of designing right now is the pattern-making process. I’m still figuring out my design aesthetic. Trying to translate a vision to paper feels like solving a puzzle or a riddle. I love that challenge. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding and, in my eyes, a crucial part of becoming a good designer.

I was so nervous to tell my family I was leaving the stable corporate world, but thankfully, they completely understood. Their encouragement honestly gave me the confidence I needed to take the jump. I’m so grateful for the support system I have in my parents, sister, and husband.

Tackling Industry Difficulties

The difficulties I’ve encountered are actually why I got into the industry in the first place. It feels great when you have a purpose. I truly believe my purpose is to promote realistic sizing and curves. This is especially important for petite bodies. The fashion industry often ignores our body type, which is why I struggled. I came to realize that super cool, trendy clothes would never look the same on me. They appeared differently on me than how I saw them online or in stores. I felt overlooked, and having to constantly get clothes tailored really took a toll on my confidence. I wanted to feel sexy and like a woman, but I always looked “cute” or “spring.”

I even had a quick story recently. I was given the opportunity to partake in a fashion show. The first thing I told the agency was not to put my petite models in the show. That decision, coming from the agency that was providing the runway models for everyone else, reinforced my drive. It made me feel like people in the fashion industry don’t see petite bodies as equal or beautiful. This strengthens my mission to create a space for petite women. If I can do that, I’ll conquer what I’ve set out to do.

Style and Influence

My design tastes are influenced by the top high-end houses like Dior and Versace. I’m enamored by their runway collections. I also admire their ready-to-wear collections. I look at celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. For petite style, I look to Ariana Grande and Nicole Richie. For social media inspiration, I follow Rachel Proctor (Summer of Danes) for boho style. I follow Blogger Natasha for a more tropical luxe vibe.

I’m pro-both casual and red carpet! I love dissecting red carpet looks, noting the designer, the trends, and the silhouettes. Yet, my own designs will have more meaning and purpose, which is what I value most in my day-to-day life.

Right now, I am enrolled at the Fashion Institute of South Florida in Miami. Having that structure was definitely necessary for me. I love being in a classroom with a mentor face-to-face. I know I have self-taught. Still, I learn so much better when I can talk to an expert. I also gain more confidence. The teachers at FISF are great. The structure helped me focus on my sewing and pattern-making skills. Now, these skills are my first priority.

What’s Next

In the coming years, you can expect a few things from me:

  • Graduation! For graduation, I’ll have the opportunity to be in my first runway show.
  • Collaboration with more designers and petite women on social media and beyond.
  • Activism in the fashion industry through writing on my blog and having interview-like discussions.
  • Wearing and sharing more of my own designs! I’m trying to change the hassle of tailoring patterns by creating my own patterns specifically for petite women.

You can keep up with my journey:

  • Blog/Website: republicofg.com
  • Instagram & TikTok: @republicofg
  • Email for collab: republicofgblog@gmail.com

As always, it’s a pleasure to be here! I can’t wait to share my growth in the fashion industry with you.