The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1540346
With a signature blend of timeless craftsmanship and modern elegance, Vitalina Ghinzelli has redefined what it means to wear a hat as a statement of confidence and individuality. From her earliest days—shaped by family, heritage, and a passion for artistry—to her handcrafted collections that marry delicate textures with bold silhouettes, Vitalina invites us into a world where every piece tells a story. As the leaves turn and fall's rich palette unfolds, we sat down with Vitalina to explore her journey, inspirations, and the seasonal magic woven into her latest designs. Q: Where did you grow up, and how has your upbringing and family history influenced the creative vision you have today? A: I was born in Antonio Prado, a small town in southern Brazil known as the most Italian town in the country, nestled in Rio Grande do Sul. Growing up surrounded by vineyards shaped my creative vision in profound ways. I have vivid memories of helping my grandfather collect grapes during harvest season. He'd pay me for my efforts, and I once saved up 28 units of the local currency—though I can't recall its name now—to buy a Barbie doll. at Barbie became a canvas for my early creativity. Even as a young child, I was handling real needles and scissors, transforming fabric scraps into dresses for her. I also learned cross-stitch and fabric painting, which felt like magic to me.One memory stands out: when I was eight, a kind woman named Adelaide Favretto, now 94, gave me kitchen and bathroom towels to paint. I poured my heart into decorating them, and when I returned the finished pieces, she paid me. at moment made me feel so valued, and it sparked a lifelong passion for creating with purpose. I still visit Adelaide when I return to Antonio Prado, and those early experiences continue to inspire me. My roots in this tight-knit, cra-loving community have deeply influenced my work. I'm currently collaborating with talented women from my town who create beautiful cras. I'm incorporating their techniques into a new hat collection, blending the traditional artistry of Antonio Prado with my modern vision. ose early moments of stitching and painting are part of the many experiences that shape my creative work today. VUE ON | VITALINA GHINZELLI 60 VUELONGISLAND.COM