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VIA Magazine

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Combining the spirit of Puglia and the treasures of the South Pacific, Manuela creates highly versatile and wearable pieces by contrasting raw materials such as hemp, silk, and linen with precious materials, such as pearls and semi-precious stones. In between studio time and family time, Manuela tells us what she loves about her homeland and her favorite spots.

Describe Puglia in one sentence. 

Puglia is a hidden treasure that reveals itself generously with just a bit of curiosity.

When do you feel most satisfied?

During sunset, it is the perfect time to take a break, recap your day, and enjoy a glass of wine.

How do you spend a day off?

By the sea, where you talk about how to relax and recharge.

Manuela Girone with her husband and business partner. Copyright Mela Jewelry

 

How do you think your best friend would describe you?

Real, without unnecessary refinements.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

We like to think of ourselves as self-made people. Where we are now. Is just the result of our own efforts and creativity.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs in Puglia?

Don’t be shy to try, work real hard, and, most important, love what you do.

Where can we find your jewelry in Puglia?

In our studio showroom in Bari.

How do you create your collections? Sheer inspiration or intention?

The magic is everywhere but first of all, it must be in yourself!

How does your jewelry express the spirit of Puglia?

We are children of this land…we don’t need to venture too far to find inspiration for our designs. Our motherland offers enchantment in spades. 

Any Apulian designers that you particularly love?

There are many talented Apulians working in the fashion world, photography, and the design sector and they all have that touch of genius that makes their work unique.

Eco-sustainability is an important aspect of your work; do you use every fiber of cashmere, silk, or other materials?

We have always used natural materials even when eco-sustainability was not an everyday term. We have always been fascinated by the contrast between the poor raw fibers and the rich luster of the pearls, the total handwork was our personal third ingredient

When you are out in the world, do people know about Puglia? What is their first impression?

When we started going around the world people were almost unaware of Puglia… right now they have discovered the secret and they are mad about it!

Where can we find you having coffee?

Our sweet spot for coffee is our studio’s terrace, a little garden on our rooftop to relax and enjoy a beautiful view not away from our working room. 

Your favorite dinner spot in Puglia?

If not home, we love small restaurants hidden in the country where you can have a taste of delicious traditional and genuine Apulian cuisine.

What’s next?

Project! Projects! Projects!

Summer carry-all
Cascading pearl necklace
Pearl bundles
Mela Jewelry

To book an appointment at the studio in Bari, contact her via e-mail.

Follow Mela Jewelry at instagram.com/mela_jewelry/

 

Related Topics
  • Apulian design
  • design
  • fashion
  • Italy
  • jewelry
  • made in Puglia
  • Manuela Girone
  • pearls
  • People of Puglia
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This week we're bringing something a little different to the table with a recipe that's wholeheartedly Italian but also infused with a Middle Eastern and Vegan spirit. Born and raised in Milan and having traveled the world before calling Tel Aviv 'home', Chef Nadia Ellis recently returned from an incredible trip to Italy that included several stops across Puglia in search of gourmet Italian vegan cuisine. She is the the first Vegan Host on the successful culinary platform that has conquered Tel Aviv, #EatWith and now has her on TV Series on Veganism, Travel and Sustainability in Italy.  This is Vegan En Vogue 🍷
Coming soon to Ostuni... a cultural renaissance in style, culinary aesthetic and service. Who said living in a film is no fun?
Hanging out.. Apulian style
Doesn't Puglia look great in white?
Victoria Episcopo has traveled to many places, residing in the New York, Milan, London, Paris, and Mexico, where she lived for six months while working on a contemporary art project... when suddenly the call arrived to return home to Puglia.
RECIPES FROM PUGLIA: Don't miss this delicious Mediterranean Swordfish Fillet recipe by the chefs at @tenutamoserelais. Served with love from Puglia.

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