Giovanna Manfredi

Born in Rome on August 30, 1961, Giovanna studied languages at the Institute for Translators and Interpreters in Rome, also spending long periods in Germany and in USA. She entered the fashion world when she opened her own atelier on Via del Babbuino in Rome in 1985. She initially focused on sartorial production but launched her own ready-to-wear collection two years later with the “LE MANFREDI” brand, which was distributed in Italy. When Giovanna's partnership with Brunello Cucinelli began in 1992, she changed her company's name to Gunex s.r.l. and, subsequently, to Gunex S.p.A., when it became a joint-stock company. Specializing in the design and production of skirts and trousers, the company became renowned worldwide for the high quality of its style and manufacturing. Over the next 22 years, Giovanna developed Gunex collections in close cooperation with the Brunello Cucinelli style team, coordinating the stylistic image of the lines and continuously building a unique product perception aimed at establishing a specific stylistic approach on a group level.

After the merge of Gunex s.r.l. in the Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A., Giovanna is directly involved in the creative development of the women's collections and she heads the team of designers and tailors of the Rome style unit. She often takes part in research trips abroad to study distinctive intercultural trends in the fashion industry, which allows her to fine-tune her ability to study the themes of inspiration for the new collections. Giovanna represents the Company at major trade fairs, collection presentations and in meetings with investors and suppliers with whom she has established long-term relations. Since June 2011 she has also held the position of Director.