Interview with Ilaria Norsa, co-founder of the INAN STUDIO brand

We had a chat with Ilaria Norsa, co-founder of the INAN STUDIO brand, a brand of belts attentive to sustainability with an innovative and functional design.

“Hi Ilaria, thank you very much for accepting our invitation. Would you like to tell us about your path and how you came to become co-founder of the Inan Studio brand? “

Thank you. I began my career in fashion as a stylist and fashion editor in the field of independent publishing in 2006. Since then I have pursued this profession as a freelance, dedicating myself, in addition to publishing, to consulting for brands.

Thanks to this work – and to mutual friendships – I met my partner Giulia, founder of the jewelry brand anGostura. After collaborating on some projects, we came up with the idea of creating something new together: Giulia wanted to expand her business to the universe of accessories and for years I had the dream of creating a brand of “multifunctional” belts inspired by world of nightlife.

In October 2019 we began to develop the idea and at the beginning of 2020 INAN was born.

“Inan is a Made in Italy brand and attentive to sustainability. Where and how are your products made? “

Our products are made entirely in Italy, to be precise in Florence. We decided to rely on a production that cares about sustainability and craftsmanship as much as we do. We personally follow the research of materials and the development of metalwork, with an entirely artisanal approach to the product.

“Why did you choose the belt as an accessory?”

The belt is a versatile accessory that can add value to an even simpler look. We wanted to create products that were felt special our customers, even with jeans and a t-shirt. In addition, the concept of multifunctionality intrinsic to our product allows you to replace the belt with the bag: most of the models are equipped with pockets designed to hold iPhone and personal items. To be able to dance with your hands free!

“What are your reference icons and where do you get your inspiration from?”

Our inspiration has roots in the world of night life: the influences range from the world of techno clubbing to that of festivals. Music in general and its icons offer us constant inspiration.

“This is the very first collection for Inan studio. How would you define it? “

No season, Genderless, Sexy, Nocturnal, Bold.

“What is this winter’s must-have piece?”

The Multi belt is the absolute star of INAN, the undisputed and super requested best seller.

“How are you facing the difficulties of the period?”

It was certainly not an easy time to enter the world of fashion and business, especially considering that the opportunities for use for a product like ours are quite limited. But the fact that we have focused on the strong identity of our products is allowing us to emerge by making our voices heard.

“If you could collaborate with any brand, which one would you choose?”

Probably more than with a brand we would like to collaborate with characters or realities related to the world of music, art and entertainment. We have ideas but out of luck we prefer to keep them to ourselves.

“What do you think are the essential conditions, from production to digital communication, for a brand nowadays?”

Sustainability, quality and identity of the product.

“How do you see yourself and your brand in 5 years? Do you already have plans for the future in mind? “

In 5 years I personally hope to be able to manage the brand by returning to live in my favorite place, Ibiza. And I hope there are so many people involved in our business that I will be able to afford to devote myself only to style.

“What would you recommend to a young designer approaching the world of fashion?”

I would recommend focusing on your own identity without fear of being a voice “out of the chorus”.