Collanine Colorate is a young brand with a fresh and engaging tone of voice. A case of entrepreneurial success by Giovacomo Giovagnoli & Lorenzo Franchini, who have been able to capture the attention of an audience looking for sharing and lightheartedness.
How did your passion for jewelry arise?
Our passion started differently for the two of us Founders: for me, Lorenzo, it began somewhat by chance, when I started creating the first accessories for myself during the summer of 2020. For Giacomo, however, it has been a lifelong passion — since he was a child, he loved making bijoux, which he would sell at village fairs. Looking back now, it’s incredible to think that this has become our job!
When was your brand born, and why did you decide to embark on this adventure?
Collanine Colorate was born in the summer of 2020, somewhat randomly. The initial idea wasn’t to create an actual brand but simply to make jewelry for friends and acquaintances who asked us to create our “collanina colorata” for them — our iconic necklace model, from which our name also originates. It’s a necklace made with colorful beads arranged in a characteristic and always consistent sequence.
What educational background led you to develop the skills necessary for your work?
We both come from a creative background — I studied Architecture, and Giacomo studied Design — but also a technical one, linked to the shape and structure of “things.” Giacomo is undoubtedly the more technically focused of the two of us, with greater manual skill. Over the years, to learn specific production techniques, such as pearl stringing, we also sought guidance from those who have been doing it professionally for jewelry stores and companies.
What is your brand’s mission and core values?
Our idea is to bring lightheartedness into people’s lives with colorful and simple accessories for everyday use. Over time, we realized that wearing our necklaces brings good vibes, and nothing makes us prouder than that.
What have been the biggest challenges for your brand?
The biggest challenge so far is definitely maintaining local production in Italy while meeting the growing demand. Craftsmanship is central to all our products, and currently, we’re collaborating with a nonprofit organization in our neighborhood in Milan. This organization has been helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people for over 40 years by providing work and support. This partnership makes our necklaces even more special to us!
What advice would you give to a young person aspiring to follow this path?
We recommend staying true to your ideas and maintaining a consistent vision and message over time. Nowadays, most people online aren’t just buying a product; they’re especially interested in a story.
What are your dreams for the future?
Our dream is to grow larger, primarily by expanding into distribution, while remaining committed to craftsmanship and local production.
