The Dawn of Chrysalya
"One thing leads to another" is perhaps the simplest and most direct way to describe the beginning of this project. It all started when, as a child, I loved buying vintage jackets and customizing them to give them new life. These garments, transformed with passion, were gifted to friends and family, becoming unique little treasures. Fashion has always been an integral part of my journey, and when I began studying, I created a second Instagram page to showcase each of my new creations. That small virtual space became a window into my creative world, a place where I could share my vision, one piece at a time.
I always nurtured the desire to establish my own brand, a personal and intimate space where I could express my creativity freely. I wanted it to be more than just a brand; it had to carry a special value, a deeper meaning. At some point, driven by an inexplicable inner energy, I realized that the true essence of my project lay in giving new life to what already exists. The beauty of transformation, of rebirth, was at the heart of it all.
I vividly remember a long conversation with a dear friend, where I shared my dream, and together we began putting our ideas down on paper. Each meeting brought new sparks of inspiration, excited eyes, and an unstoppable urge to keep imagining, planning, and dreaming.
Thus, Chrysalya was born, a name that embodies the concepts of transformation, growth, and rebirth. Derived from the word "chrysalis," Chrysalya represents the process of metamorphosis, not merely as a simple change but as a profound and radical evolution. It signifies the transformation of something raw and ordinary into something rare, authentic, and precious. The chrysalis is the perfect symbol of this idea: a seemingly simple shell that, beneath its surface, holds the potential for unexpected and unique beauty.
A key aspect of the project was also the desire to celebrate craftsmanship, as I have always admired the care and dedication with which artisans create something truly unique. Being of Neapolitan origin, I began visiting factories and craft workshops to share my vision. After many rejections, Mr. Michele, a blacksmith in my hometown, smiled at me and said, "See you Saturday at 4 p.m."
That day, I went to my grandmother and asked her for some old silverware to experiment with. After countless attempts, we managed to breathe new life into these forgotten pieces, transforming what seemed destined for obscurity into something extraordinary.
When I began planning a second capsule collection, I set out to find materials that could be repurposed. It was then that I realized glass could become the next protagonist. Through a collaboration with Mr. Gennaro, a master glassmaker, and after numerous prototypes, we were able to create a new capsule collection that perfectly embodies the concepts of transformation and rebirth at the heart of Chrysalya.
