Antonio Berardi

Antonio Berardi biography

Born: Grantham, England, 1968

Although Antonio Berardi’s family originated from Sicily, his father moved to England during the fifties. Growing up in Billingborough, Berardi had an interest in fashion as a child, At nine years old, he was saving his pocket money to buy Armani shirts.

Berardi decided to pursue his interest in fashion and studied Fashion Design at college. After graduating, he applied to Central Saint Martins to study for a BA in Fashion. However, he  was rejected from this prestigious school.

Wanting to continue in the industry, Berardi applied elsewhere and was offered a job at John Galliano. Whilst at Galliano, Berardi developed his knowledge and skills and again applied to Central Saint Martin’s.  Finally, on his third application, he was accepted in 1990.

Berardi’s graduating collection caused a lot of attention from London buyers including Liberty and A La Mode. Liberty decided to financially back Berardi and, with their help, he launched his first professional collection the following season. Kylie Minogue was the show’s main model, and Manolo Blahnik and Philip Treacy designed the accessories.

In 1997 Berardi found Givuesse. In 1998, Berardi designed for Italian label Ruffo Research and the following year became Italian label Extè’s main designer. Berardi left Extè in 2001 and using his own label formed a new partnership with fashion group Gibo, to provide him with financial stability.

In 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow wore a Berardi dress to a film premiere. The dress was named ‘Dress of the Year 2009’ by Harper’s Bazaar magazine the following year.

Stating Galliano as a profound influence and mentor, Berardi has also cited his mother’s impeccable ladylike fashion as his design philosophy. With a natural feel for materials, Berardi’s style displays original shapes that enhance a woman’s form.

Antonio Berardi biography