Giamba Is Born

Giambattista Valli will launch a new label at Milan Fashion Week in September called Giamba (his nickname). The new line - which will exist simultaneously with his eponymous label  Giambattista Valli - will be more playful, according to the designer.

"It's another side of the same coin," Valli said. "There is also an underground and sexy side in me and in my designs that you will see in the Giamba line. I've been thinking about it for a while and waited for the right time, and now it's matured. I am really very happy. I feel the need to dress women in general, and Giamba is a little more intimate."

Giambattista Valli

On showing the collection in Milan instead of in Paris where he currenly shows his ready-to-wear and couture collections, Valli told  WWD: "France has given me a lot, but so has Italy and a part of me is returning to the country."

Born in Rome, the Italian Central Saint Martins graduate owns all of his label and has recently set up GBO, a company established in partnership with entrepreneur Mario Bandiera, to help him manage the growth and distribution of both Giambattista Valli and Giamba moving forward.