OH MY EYES X MARCO GALLEANI
Oh My Eyes has commissioned renowned Italian eyewear designer Marco Galleani to interpret Scandinavian modernism. We met him in his hometown, Padua, Italy.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Creativity is made of curiosity, being curious brings you knowledge about the human being, and also about feelings and tastes.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST WITH DESIGNING EYEWEAR?
This job puts you in the position to express your feelings. It’s amazing to bring out your inner creativity. It’s a continuous chase for the image of beauty and perfection.
WHEN DID YOU DESIGN YOUR FIRST SUNGLASSES?
A long time ago, in 1983, I had graduated from the Institute of art Pietro Selvatico di Padova. I began to design jewellery but had a dream of designing sunglasses. The first pair was a mask actually, just one lens, The strange thing was that I had no clue how to do it. But I did this project and it turned out good. I was very intrigued and fascinated by this product so in the end, I made it very clear to myself: I was going to be an eyewear designer, even if I had studied jewellery design.
MARCO IN OH-13
DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON?
Yes, I’ve been particularly impressed by the French fashion designer, Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent. I believe he has consistently influenced the world of fashion in the twentieth century. He went into eyewear with a different perspective, trying to be hip and cutting-edge at the same time.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN YOUR HOMETOWN PADUA?
There’s a special spot where I usually have my coffee: it’s a bar downtown, near Prato Della Valle Square and it’s in the neighbourhood where I grew up, rich of memories and intimate flavours that brings you back to your roots. Then, I like to have a good time, to live life to the fullest! I like to enjoy good food and wine so a nice evening in a good restaurant such as Il Baretto is very welcome. I am also very fond of shows of contemporary art, with great works like Picasso-Méditerranée just held near Padua.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD TO HAVE ACHIEVED IN YOUR CAREER?
I have worked with many fashion houses over my career: Gucci, YSL, Ferrè, Polo Ralph Lauren, Dior, Balenciaga, Prada, Miu Miu, and many others. Somewhere along the way, I had an amazing experience with Gucci, such an elegant and stylish brand. I had a wonderful relationship with Frida Giannini who was very fond of eyewear. Also, a special note goes to Gianfranco Ferrè: an architect/designer who taught me a lot, with amazing and valuable job expertise and skills in design that gave me the real vision in the fantastic world of fashion.
MARCO IN OH-12
