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Lifestyle // Women's

Gucci’s Frida Giannini Takes L.A.

Frida Giannini and Jennifer Lopez

Gucci creative director Frida Giannini heads to Los Angeles this week for the Grammy Awards festivities and to be honored by UNICEF. Jennifer Lopez will present her with the inaugural 2011 Women of Compassion Award at the UNICEF Women of Compassion luncheon.

NMdaily: What do you enjoy about Southern California? Does being there affect your perception of fashion there?

Giannini: I actually shot the Spring/Summer campaign in Palm Springs. When it comes to Southern California style, I like that there’s a real sense of ease, but also glamour to the way women dress. Growing up in Rome, I became very fond of the sun and natural light, so I certainly appreciate California’s sunny weather. I am constantly being inspired by my surroundings.

NMdaily: How was shooting with Jennifer Lopez and her kids?

Lopez and Giannini on set for the Gucci children's shoot.

Giannini: Just fantastic. Jennifer is an amazing woman, mother and artist. It was a great pleasure watching her in action on the set, tending to Max and Emme, and making the shoot come to life as only she could. She and Marc were very generous with their and their children’s time. Of course for all us this shoot had special meaning, given that the campaign is helping to raise awareness of Unicef’s Schools for Africa program. We were also very pleased to make a donation to Jennifer’s own Maribel Foundation.

NMdaily: How was designing children’s wear for the first time?

Giannini: It’s something I wanted to do for a long time. Children are full of energy and joy, and have their own wonderful personalities. These clothes have all the hallmarks of Gucci but are designed to allow children to really express themselves, and you know, nothing is as much fun as watching a child be themselves.

Boy's look by Gucci

Girl's look by Gucci

NMdaily: How important is the partnership between Unicef and Gucci? How has it influenced you?

Giannini: My trip to Malawi in November 2009 was extremely emotional.  I was able to visit some of the projects Gucci has been supporting through its six-year relationship with UNICEF. You cannot help but notice the huge number of children without parents. It is as if a whole generation was missing as a result of the AIDS epidemic. Despite this all of the children were so happy and welcoming.  They all greeted me with beautiful smiles and open arms. It was incredible to feel this warmth in the face of such challenging circumstances. It was incredibly inspiring and really gave me perspective on life. I take this partnership very seriously as UNICEF’s work is so important. Hopefully the contributions that we have made to UNICEF in the last six years – over $9 million to date – will inspire people to not only be aware, but also get involved.

NMdaily: You are a great music connoisseur. What music are you inspired by right now?

Giannini: I am so passionate about music that there is never a set playlist – it really depends on my mood. I am fond of the 70s and the 80s and enjoy the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, as well as new music. You can find many of my favorites on the Gucci app. [Download from iTunes.]