At WESH, we’re always on the lookout for brands that embody creativity, boldness, and an undeniable sense of individuality. When I first came across Maiale, it was clear this brand had all that and more. Nina Gianturco, the creative mind behind Maiale, brings a fresh perspective to fashion that is rooted in personal history, Italian heritage, and a love for celebrating life’s little moments. I’m thrilled to share her story and bring her designs into the WESH family.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Family

When I first spoke with Nina, I was captivated by her story. Her passion for design started early, influenced by her mother and grandmother, who were constantly surrounded by discussions of fashion and interior design. She told me that her great-grandmother called her “shadow” because she never left their side. It was these formative years spent in creative environments that set the stage for her future in fashion.

After working in fashion PR and at Sotheby’s, she gained a deeper understanding of the interplay between art and fashion, which eventually led her to pursue her own brand. Growing up in an Italian-American family, her summers spent in Sicily shaped her approach to style. "One of the things I love most about Italian culture is how every day is honored with creative ensembles," she shared with me. This idea is the core of Maiale—a brand that blends the carefree spirit of Italy with the boldness of New York City.

The Meaning Behind Maiale

I’m always fascinated by the stories behind brand names, and Maiale has a particularly charming one. It turns out that Maiale, which means “pig” in Italian, was her childhood nickname. It’s a term of endearment that has stuck with her throughout the years, and she felt it perfectly encapsulated the playful, loving, and creative environment in which she grew up. It was the obvious choice for her brand name, and I think it speaks volumes about her lighthearted yet thoughtful approach to design.

Aesthetic and Inspiration

At WESH, we appreciate designers who bring something unique to the fashion landscape, and Maiale is a perfect example of this. Nina describes her aesthetic as “celebration, whimsy, and maximalism,” which really resonates with the ethos of our store. Her designs are meant to magnify the joyful, effervescent energy inside all of us. When she spoke about her inspiration, it became clear how deeply she is influenced by interior design, particularly the work of Miles Redd and Kelly Wearstler, who use contrast and texture in fascinating ways. These influences shine through in her collection, which pairs bold accents with intricate detailing.

Balancing Creativity and Wearability

One thing I always look for in new designers is the ability to balance creativity with functionality, and [Designer’s Name] does this beautifully. While her designs are playful, filled with ruffles and embellishments, they are also highly wearable. She uses practical fabrics like denim and satin blends, and I was impressed with how her jackets can double as standalone tops. This versatility makes her pieces perfect for the WESH customer, who values both style and comfort.

A Perfect Match: WESH and Maiale

The moment Nina walked into WESH wearing her Mandriana set, I instantly knew it was her design. Her pieces have a distinct energy that aligns perfectly with the creative spirit of our store. At WESH, we celebrate bold, imaginative brands, and Maiale fits seamlessly into our eclectic, Studio 54-meets-Alice in Wonderland vibe.

We connected immediately, especially over our shared love for interior design, and it became clear that our visions aligned. Bringing Maiale into WESH felt like a natural choice, and I’m excited for our customers to experience her playful, whimsical designs firsthand.

The Debut Collection: A Celebration in Every Piece

When I first saw Maiale’s debut collection, I was struck by how every piece felt like a celebration in itself. Each item is full of personality, but one standout is the Nastrino Corset. With its moldable panels that create a dancing, rolling effect, it perfectly embodies the playful spirit of the brand. This first collection is only the beginning, as she’s already working on her next, which promises more of the same whimsical charm with fresh patterns and creative designs.

Looking Ahead

As we head into the holiday season, I couldn’t be more excited to showcase Maiale at WESH. It’s a brand that feels perfectly at home here, and I can’t wait for our customers to discover and fall in love with her unique designs. Nina has a rare ability to merge joy, creativity, and functionality, and I’m confident that Maiale will make waves in the fashion world.

xxx

N