From the moment we saw the designs of Namu, we fell in love. We’ve been even happier to form a friendship over the years with the woman behind the brand. Paola has worked with prestigious designers, including Miuccia Prada, Giorgio Armani, and Vivienne Westwood, and has traveled to far-flung regions to create events, exhibitions, and installations. Paola is an advocate of fair trade and slow fashion and is passionate about all crafts and to maintain alive age-old artisanal techniques.

Where do you come from?

I come from a charming town called Alassio in the northern part of Italy. Alassio is located between Cinque Terre and the south of France and has a beautiful white sandy beach and lush green hills.

What makes you do what you do?

Curiosity, never wanting to stop learning and a real passion for the crafts and everything that is handmade and heritage.

How does Bali influence your designs?

The lush green of the rice fields and the different hues of flowers and leaves are a constant inspiration for my work. Bali’s culture and its skilled artisans will never stop influencing what I do and what I enjoy dedicating my time on.

When was the first time you ever touched fabric? And what excites you about your work at the moment?

I was surrounded by fabrics since my early childhood as my grandmother had an atelier and my mother had stunning dresses made by my “nonna” from jacquard to exotics silks and beautiful crepes encrusted with bejeweled embellishments. Since the lockdown, I have dedicated my time to learn more about natural dyeing techniques and which barks and leaves are available in Indonesia. I am trying to upcycle my collection by re-using leftover fabrics and create garments that are fun to wear both at home and out.

What are your favorite patterns and influences? Where are they from?

The Art Deco period will always be the main influence for my work - I love everything of that period from the ladies hair cut to the gorgeous jewels that the Indian Maharaja used to ask jewellery houses like Cartier to customise from themselves.

How do you measure your progress in life and work?

Good question! I measure my progress both in life and work by being serene and content with myself and securing that my team is happy and learning from what we build together.

Who were you as a kid?

Naughty! Never stop talking and asking why, why and why…I guess I am still a kid ;-)

What is your favorite event?

Difficult questions. As in my life I have been fortunate to organise many beautiful events across the globe for some of the most prestigious fashion houses but my favorite ever it has to be Holi Saloni in Udaipur in 2018, where we celebrated the Indian festival of colors.

Imagine you are there, what are your three favorite things about that event?

The explosion of color on Holi Day, the Indian craftsmanship to build Ad Hoc mud houses and intricate decorations and stunning venue Devigargh Palace.