Parma-born Pia Zanardi grew up in an art-obsessed family, and at an early age found herself enamoured by her family’s collection of Chinese antiques and couture garments, many of which belonged to her grandmother. The following years saw her continue to nurture her creative streak, whether through working with curator and gallerist Sandra Gering, or the time she spent surrounded by 1990s punk graphics at a skate shop in Brooklyn. Her founding of Yali Milano in 2017 put all of these adventures and experiences into practice, as every process starts with an idea, feeling or sensation that is then translated into something tangible by craftspeople in her Portuguese workshop. Here, artisans expertly manipulate the fabrics – hand-selected by her dedicated production team – utilising techniques such as quilting and embroidery. From Pia’s perspective, wearing her pieces is akin to “embracing a lifestyle”.