giu giu — joo - joo — is the creative vision of Giuliana Leila Raggiani.
Giuliana Leila Raggiani was raised as a first generation Italian in Boston, Massachusetts & Falmouth, Maine. Since the age of 3, Giuliana Leila has always shown self—expression whether through dance, visual art, or design. As the granddaughter of Palmira Giglia, owner of Settebello boutique in Boston and designer of the coveted Vaccaro Turtlenecks (circa 1960s—early 90s), it was only a matter of time until she followed her Nonna’s legacy.
In 2008, Giuliana moved to New York City to begin her studies at Parsons School of Design, and in 2010 completed the knitwear program at Central Saint Martins in London. After graduating in 2012 with a BFA in Fashion Design and the award of “Designer of the Year” in Childrenswear, Giuliana started her own creative vision — a knitwear–focused label.
giu giu, established in 2013, is primarily based out of her Los Angeles studio, though, Giuliana balances her time between Paris & New York. Her signature piece, called the Nonna Turtleneck, is a contemporary reproduction of her grandmother’s original piece.
Through her previous work experiences with various labels (including “Giuliana Leila” × Anthropologie, Tess Giberson, Alexander Wang, and Calvin Klein), travel, and dedicated yoga practice, she has developed her individual aesthetic in design; a constant contrast.
With a nostalgic point of view, giu giu has evolved into a product of a unique and mindful lifestyle bound by simplicity; a reflection conveying the playful humor and offbeat freedom that life should embody, with no limitation to age or gender.