CONTINUING WITH INDIGENOUS HERITAGE AND ITALIAN CRAFTMANSHIP
Each trip to Italy brings new lessons, new partnerships, and new opportunities to blend the rich traditions of Sámi craftsmanship with the unparalleled artistry of Italian design. The future of GÁBA is bright, and alongside our incredible team and partners, we are creating something new. I can't wait to share it with you.
The excitement of creating something new was palpable, but so were the challenges of traveling alone. The solitude of solo travel often weighed on me. Despite the warmth and camaraderie of my Italian partners, there were moments when I longed for someone to share my ideas with, someone to discuss the nuances of design and strategy, and someone to share the journey's highs and lows. I believe these are the challenges of a founder's life, where the journey is often as solitary as it is exhilarating.
As I look forward to continuing our work and collaborations, the excitement of launching the next GÁBA collection fills me with anticipation.
The journey is far from over; in fact, it feels like it’s just beginning.
The tradition of gondolas in Venice dates back centuries, symbolizing the city's rich maritime heritage and offering a unique, romantic way to navigate its historic canals.
The architecture in Venice is a mesmerizing mosaic of intricate facades, elegant arches, and winding alleys, each building telling a story of the city's cultural and artistic heritage.
My first visit to Italy april 2022 marked the start of a remarkable journey — there I discovered the artisans who would become GÁBA’s Italian partners. Last we met was in January 2023, and as always they were welcoming and unpretentious when we met in May 2024. We have exchanged stories — mine about the heritage of Northern Sámi reindeer herding, theirs about generations of impeccable craftsmanship.
Together, we’ve explored design sketches and prototype possibilities, overcoming language barriers to finalize a prototype that married Italian craftsmanship with Sámi tradition. This marked the beginning of multiple enriching trips to Italy, and four years later, the journey has been educational, challenging, and immensely rewarding.
This time, my mission was clear: to meet with the partners I had connected with back in 2022 and design a new collection. The artisans, now friends, greeted me with the same warmth and enthusiasm. Our collaboration picked up right where we left off, diving into the intricate details of the new boot design. Their expertise and my vision fused seamlessly, and their workshop buzzed with creativity as we refined the prototypes, ensuring every stitch and seam met the high standards we set for GÁBA.
A significant part of this trip involved expanding our horizons beyond footwear. I met with new partners specializing in clothing and accessories, eager to explore how reindeer leather could be incorporated into their designs. These meetings were filled with inspiration, laying the groundwork for an exciting new chapter in GÁBA’s story.
