Meet Fiorella Ghignone CEO of Avant Toi, Italy

Fashion background: Born into it! My mother founded the company 70 years ago, and I grew up surrounded by yarns, knitting machines and fashion shows. I then studied business and have been managing the company with my family ever since.

Your first fashion memory: Helping my mom sort yarns by colour when I could barely walk.

Vintage or new: A mix of both. Our signature Avant Toi quadrello scarf represents this philosophy: we give a vintage silk foulard a second life by bonding it to a new cashmere and silk base, before transforming it with our signature hand-painting.

Style icon: Giorgio Armani. I've always admired his ability to build a timeless style without chasing trends. He proved that consistency, quality and authenticity can become the strongest form of innovation.

Who inspires you: women like my mother, who were able to create something from nothing through perseverance and passion.

Favourite Museum or Art Gallery: Peggy Guggenheim, both in New York and Venice! I love the dialogue between contemporary art, light and architecture.

Best pasta in Milan: A simple plate of spaghetti al pomodoro. When the ingredients are exceptional, simplicity is the ultimate luxury.

Favourite piece in the next Avant Toi collection: A cardigan inspired by the colours and atmosphere of Provence. It combines a vintage-inspired floral silk foulard on the front with 100% silk knitwear on the back, creating a unique contrast between materials. Like all our signature pieces, it is then finished with our hand-painted spray technique, making every garment truly one of a kind.

Secret Address: The small streets of Boccadasse in Genoa. It's where I can disconnect, breathe the sea air and find peace and inspiration.

Your favourite song: Sky and Sand by Paul Kalkbrenner. It's one of those songs I never get tired of listening to. It has a unique balance between energy and emotion.