Girls we love is a collection of stories about a wild bunch of super women (girls we, obviously, fell in love): from the dearest friends to successful coworkers, students and mentors, influencers and followers. Stories of conscious women we appreciate for being inspired and inspiring every single day.


SAY HI TO MATILDE GALLETTI

TELL US ABOUT YOU

Hi, I’m Matilde and I’m almost 40. I’m an art historian and the mum of two beauties, Caterina and Ada. My life is divided between Torino, where I teach in the Academy of fine arts, Milan and Fermo, in Marche, where I live and where I’m trying to launch some cultural projects about contemporary art. I grew up in front of the sea, literally, and this thing is the foundation of my own essence: I need open spaces, no confusion, and a wide range of colours.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS MAGIC PLACE?

The print workshop 74/b is a special place… not only for the history that it contains in its archives – among others, they have all the graphic work of Fausto Melotti! – but especially for the energy that emanates and the rowdy conviviality that is created among the people that have worked here for a long time or who simply pass here temporarily: they have become like a family… or rather a tribe. It’s a bit like the extended family of the past or the Malaussène tribe!

ARE THERE SPECIFIC THINGS HERE THAT INSPIRE YOU?

The technical precision and visionary ability of those who work here enchant me! I believe these are important qualities in many areas and levels, not only in the cultural life of every individual.

HOW DO YOU KEEP THE BALANCE BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE / THOUGHT AND ACTION?

This is not a simple question… regarding my calling in contemporary art, I like to read, to study, and even to research in various fields that are not closely about art but with which it’s possible to discover connections between the one and the others. So I try to translate this approach in my projects and writings. Generally in my life, i like to balance the intellectual attitude/practice, with doing manual works from paint walls or solving practical home problems, to making little things that requires extreme precision… In my mind the chaotic active thought reigns (but not in a negative sense!!), while in practice I tend to be a very precise person…

WHAT DOES YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF CLOTHING SAY ABOUT YOU?

It says that I have a long stride and that I’m ready to run, here and now.

 WHAT IS YOUR DAY-TO-DAY GO OUTFIT?

It’s seasonal: pants and sweater during cold months, very light dress in warm ones (I never wear pants in summer, I do an exception only for your jumpsuites).

WE KNOW YOU HAVE AN ADDICTION FOR PROPORTION IN YOUR LOOKS, LET'S TALK ABOUT IT.

Ahahahah… ok, it’s about the right relationship between the measures (in cm) of what I wear. For example, how much of the feet that the shoes must show under a certain kind of pants? It’s something like architectural euritmia. I know, it’s a little bit crazy.

LET'S BREAK DOWN A MYTH ABOUT KNITWEAR

A knitwear piece is forever and for every occasion. Despite common stereotypes Knitwear is not only casual: I wear it for important suppers or openings. 

WHAT'S SURPRISED MOST YOU ABOUT SARTORIA VICO?

It’s the high quality of the materials and the right balance of proportions. 
It’s that every time you try a sartoria vico piece, you always feel you are wearing the right, cool clothes.
It’s something that’s about identity but not identification… if anything, a sense of belonging. If someone choses to wear your clothes, her identity emerges.
But you are the thing that has touched me most is you both, as people: you are so very special, I say it absolutely without rethoric, and I believe that everyone who knows you can agree.

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP/PROJECT?

I’m about to start a collaboration with a photographer for his archive, but we are still in the early stages of the work and the materials. However, last saturday I visited a special location where I hope to do some arts projects: it’s a 1400 ex-monastery church that until recently was a workshop where fishing baits were produced. It’s a magical place with an amazing light and aura.

Matilde Galletti | Art historian and curator of
"Playroom — Arte contemporanea in spazi privati" @playroom_redonda

All jewels worn by Matilde are designed by herself @fog_fullofgrace
Location @74b.milanoprintmakers

photo by @sylviatofany