GIUNIA
What’s your name, and where are you from/based?
My name is Giunia. It comes from Latin and means “June.” In my 30 years, I’ve never met anyone else with the same name. As a child, that uniqueness wasn’t always easy; other kids teased me, and I was quickly labelled the “strange one.” With time, though, I grew to love my name and its one-of-a-kind nature, so I wanted my brand to reflect that same energy.
I was born in Naples, Italy, but I’ve spent the last 10 years living abroad. Today, Amsterdam is both my home and the base of my brand.
Can you describe your practice in a few words?
Artisanal, punk, romantic. Raw, earthy, authentic, versatile.
What first inspired you to create GIUNIA, and how did you know you had to bring it to life?
I’ve always known I wanted to create something of my own, but I wasn’t sure when it would happen or what form it would take. I started experimenting during the COVID period, but didn’t feel it was the right time. Then, about two years ago, I found myself in a job that was “only” four days a week. That extra time and energy allowed me to really reflect on my identity outside of working for others. It was surprising to me, since graduating in Fashion Design in 2018, I hadn’t pursued any personal projects aside from sewing my own clothes and small experiments.
I chose to focus on jewellery, even though I’m not a maker myself, but rather a designer and treasure collector. I wanted to create something that could stand the test of time, something enduring. Jewellery felt like the perfect medium, because it’s forever.
Unlike traditional campaigns, a journal suggests continuity. How does this format allow you to tell stories differently?
Exactly, that’s the idea. My collections follow my personal journey, growth, and train of thought; there are no set themes because life itself is the theme. Objects found in markets, dreams, or memories are reimagined in metal, and each drop is a continuation of the last.
The journal format also allows us to tell the stories of our muses. There’s no standard approach; it varies with each person and what they want to share. Sometimes it’s a poem, sometimes it’s capturing her in a place that’s dear to her, simply doing her thing.
Why is it important for you to root the making in Naples?
As I mentioned, I haven’t lived in Naples for long, and I know it’s not the place I want to settle. But that sense of disconnection I’ve felt since childhood is something I wanted to address creatively. My family is still there, and now, whenever I go back, we work on the pieces together. It’s been a lot of fun and a meaningful way to bond.
Another reason is that Naples is booming with tourists, yet many don’t realise the city has an incredible heritage in jewellery and leather craftsmanship. These crafts are fading because they’re time-consuming and people often choose cheaper alternatives, but I believe it’s essential not to let them be forgotten.
You draw from heirlooms and everyday objects. What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration that has influenced a design?
One of my favourite pieces was inspired by a psychedelic mushroom that my boyfriend harvested on our balcony. Once dried in the oven, it already looked like a jewel.
Another unexpected source was an antique brass weight scale, the kind fruit vendors still use, or keep as decoration, in small shops around Naples.
What do you think makes a muse, not just someone who wears the pieces, but someone who embodies the stories you want to tell?
For me, muses are pioneers of a movement that doesn’t yet exist, their own movement. They have a personal style that isn’t influenced by the masses, and there’s something in their expression, a detail in their face or presence, that makes them truly unique.
What role do natural forms play in your work?
I’m a hiker and a nature lover, and spending time outdoors is where my inspiration unlocks. Rock textures, earthy tones, streams of water, moss, stars—they all find their way into my work, blending with objects to create pieces that aren’t fully abstract but carry a subtle, organic essence.
If GIUNIA were to expand beyond metal and leather, what object If we were to expand beyond metal and leather?
I’d be most curious to explore homeware and furniture. It would allow me to work directly with my sources of inspiration: wood, stone, and natural materials.
I’ve also discovered that I love curating experiences, because music and connection are such important parts of my work and persona.
Where can people find you?
I started online, but I quickly realised I thrive on connecting with people in real life. In Amsterdam, I often meet customers through DM for private appointments, and I love bringing the brand to life through pop-ups. There’s one (in Amsterdam) to be announced in late October to try on and pre-order the new drop, and another is planned for December. For daily updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and all things GIUNIA, @giunia.journal on Instagram is the place to be!
