Written in partnership with Anne Schulze
Like maestros, designers guide fashion harmony. This is precisely what Clio Barcella, founder and CEO of ClioK does around the clock.
Before ClioK became a renowned style haven in Italy and New York, it was a bare concept with a plan of action.
“Fashion may appear delicate and glamorous on the outside, but the backstage processes are more cutthroat than they seem. Despite this, I took a leap of faith to improve the style industry,” shares Clio Barcella, talking about breaking through into a high-risk, high-return industry.
A Vision Into a Mission: From Bergamo to the Big Global Stage
The idea for ClioK began in the charming town of Bergamo. Here, Barcella conceived a fashion house that would operate without mass production. Reflecting on the inception, Barcella shares, “I do my best to stay true to my original plan of building a fashion empire that sticks to sustainability and exceeds the standards of creativity.”
With a background in fashion marketing from Parsons School of Design and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design from Istituto Marangoni, Barcella set out to make it happen.
Redefining Fashion: Sustainability, Craftsmanship, and Innovation
In an industry riddled with fast fashion and environmental concerns, ClioK embraces sustainability while being stylish. Mass production, though efficient in some ways, dramatically contributes to global warming. As ClioK progresses toward a more sustainable industry, on-demand apparel production will become the standard.
In addition to their eco-friendly efforts, ClioK offers the quality and style that Italian fashion houses are renowned for. Its signature style mixes the essence of femininity, masculinity, and playful childlike wonder.
From the Drawing Board to the Runways
As ClioK gears up to become a bona fide fashion authority, one thing becomes clear: it is only the beginning.
With a global clientele, it is clear that Barcella’s innovation resonates with consumers. As she continuously builds the future of fashion, Clio Barcella remains inspired by her new way of producing luxury apparel. “My goal is to inspire people to see fashion as an avenue to express their individuality; a place where being beautiful and sustainable can happen all at once”, she asserts.
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