Giuliano Calza, founder and creative director of GCDS, is one of the youngest Italian designers to have made his mark on the global fashion scene. His brand – now the acronym for Giuliano Calza Design Studio – has revolutionized the streetwear code, choosing pink as a signature colour and generating a creative universe that blends pop culture, luxury and Italian craftsmanship. Named one of the most influential figures in fashion by Business of Fashion, Giuliano’s multi-award-winning, ironic, sophisticated made-in-Italy style quickly won over an eclectic and enthusiastic community of celebrities and icons, from Beyoncé to Sophia Loren, thanks to collections that transcend pre-set definitions. His bold creativity comes across not only in ready-to-wear clothes and best-selling accessories, but also in cutting-edge projects: in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, GCDS was the first brand to put on a runway show in the metaverse, earning the digital cover of Dazed. Sealing the digital show’s success were Amina Muaddi, Dua Lipa and Hello Kitty, among others, sitting (virtually) in the front row.
After earning a degree in political science at the Università di Napoli L’Orientale and another in marketing, Giuliano Calza moved to Shanghai for further university studies, and went back four years later to work as an image consultant in various sectors. He analysed the Chinese market, learned Mandarin, and saw the future coming in the form of maxi-logo prints. In China, he conceived and created the first GCDS hoodies and socks; marketed online back in Italy, they sold out in no time, officially setting him on the path to his own personal Italian street style. He developed collections, garnered the attention of stars like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, and earned an invitation to New York Fashion Week. In 2017 GCDS had its international debut on a shocking-pink runway.
Through it all, Giuliano has always had his brother by his side. Giordano Calza, born in 1984 with an innate