Céline Claire & Federico Gastaldi

ScarletVirgo

Bag maker

©Giulia Frigerio

©ScarletVirgo

When two work as one

ScarletVirgo is a brand of handmade bags launched by Céline and Federico
They handcraft about a thousand pieces per year
All items are made with Italian materials and can be customised

It all began with love. Federico Gastaldi and Céline Claire have been a couple in real life for years: they were in their twenties when they started sewing little purses and other small gifts for each other. In no time, their friends caught on and began asking for the same little items because they liked them so much. When Federico and Céline’s creations finally hit the local craft markets, it was a success. They decided to quit their jobs and in 2012 ScarletVirgo, their brand of handcrafted bags, backpacks and accessories, was officially born. Nowadays, the duo makes about a thousand pieces per year in their workshop and boutique outside Milan, where customers are welcome to go and watch ScarletVirgo pieces being carefully created.

Interview

©Giulia Frigerio

©Giulia Frigerio

What are the main characteristics of your creations?: Federico: They are handmade, practical, durable and fully customisable. We only use high quality materials. Our imitation leather, cotton and even zippers all come from our trusted Italian suppliers. As for our fabric designs, they are made by young illustrators exclusively for us and printed in Como.
What’s the starting point of every new model?: Céline: We always start from a real need. If we are designing a bag for everyday use, we study its characteristics, volumes and materials so that it will be strong and comfortable as well as beautiful. Then we make a sample, test it and make all the necessary changes until we are satisfied.
What do people love the most about your products?: Federico: They have a very distinctive identity. Our bags and backpacks really stand out for their uniqueness. If two people wearing a ScarletVirgo meet, they instantly recognise each other as part of a community.
What makes your bags and backpacks sustainable?: Céline: For one thing, we promote short chain, selecting Italian materials. And then, we do our part to reduce waste and counter fast fashion. Our items are made to last and endure.

Céline Claire & Federico Gastaldi are expert artisans: they began their career in 2012 and they started teaching in 2021