Simonetta Gianfelici is more than a model – she is a storyteller, a mentor, and a champion of creativity in its purest form. In a world that moves at breakneck speed, she stands as a reminder that true artistry often emerges in moments of stillness. For her, fashion is not just about aesthetics but a language of self-expression, a bridge between past and future, tradition and reinvention. She believes that inspiration does not always come from relentless activity but often from the luxury of doing nothing – a concept she has embraced throughout her journey. ‘Sometimes, doing nothing is where real inspiration comes from’, she reflects. ‘That’s when the mind has space to wander and discover new ideas.’
Her career, which took off in the 1980s, was built on more than just striking beauty – it was shaped by character, resilience, and an unwavering passion for creativity. ‘I was never a conventional beauty’, she admits. ‘At first, it was difficult. But eventually, I realized that being different was my strength.’ Designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Romeo Gigli sought models who could embody their artistic visions rather than simply wear their clothes, and Simonetta became one of their muses. ‘They saw something in me that wasn’t just about appearance – it was about attitude, about presence’, she explains. ‘Walking for them wasn’t just about showing a collection; it was about bringing their vision to life.’
But beyond the glamour and the energy of fashion, she has always understood the importance of stepping back. She values introspection, advocating for moments of pause as the birthplace of true innovation. ‘People think inspiration comes from constant activity, but sometimes you have to let yourself get bored, let your mind wander. That’s where the best ideas come from’, she insists. In a world obsessed with productivity, she sees leisure not as idleness, but as fertile ground for imagination. ‘When I was younger, I spent hours daydreaming, observing, absorbing the world around me. That shaped who I am more than anything else.’
Throughout her career, Simonetta played an active role in the creative process, collaborating closely with designers, stylists, and photographers. ‘Back then, modelling was about more than just standing in front of a camera. We were part of the creative process, we exchanged ideas, we experimented. It was a moment of pure artistic expression.’ Today, she laments the pressure for constant visibility and instant output driven by social media. ‘There’s an obsession with being seen all the time, but real creativity needs space. It needs silence. It needs time.’
Simonetta has carried this philosophy into her work as a mentor, guiding emerging talents beyond mere aesthetics. She helps young creatives find their unique voice in an industry that often dictates identity rather than nurtures it. ‘I see so many young people who have the passion but don’t know where to start. My role is to help them find their own identity, their own path. If you don’t define yourself, someone else will do it for you – and that can be dangerous.’ She encourages them to resist the pressure of speed, to embrace moments of pause, and to truly understand who they are before they let the world define them.
Beyond mentorship, she is deeply invested in sustainability and ethical fashion, seeing them as necessary evolutions of the industry. ‘We have to rethink everything – how we produce, how we consume. The system as it is now cannot last’, she states. ‘Fast fashion has taken a toll not just on the environment, but on creativity. If we don’t prioritize craftsmanship and quality, we lose the very soul of fashion.’ She supports designers who prioritize craftsmanship and conscious production, believing that fashion must reclaim its soul by valuing quality over quantity.
The digital age has transformed fashion in ways she finds both fascinating and concerning. While social media has created opportunities, it has also introduced new pressures – visibility, numbers, and constant exposure. Yet, for Simonetta, true style transcends fleeting trends. ‘Fashion should remain an art form rooted in authenticity and depth, not just a game of instant gratification. Trends come and go, but style – true style – is about knowing who you are.’
One of the most unexpected developments in fashion is the rise of digital and AI-generated fashion. While technology has revolutionized the industry, she firmly believes that fashion will always need a human touch. ‘When I started, we could never have imagined something like this. But even with all these advancements, I believe fashion will always need that human touch. Technology can create images, but it can’t replace emotion, the way fabric moves, the way clothes make you feel. That is something uniquely human.’
Simonetta’s journey is proof that fashion is not just about clothing – it’s about the people who bring it to life, the creativity that fuels it, and the legacy that remains long after the spotlight fades. From the runways to mentorship, from being a muse to guiding new generations, she remains deeply engaged in the creative process. Her advice to young models is simple yet profound: ‘Know yourself. Stay true to who you are. Don’t let the industry define you – define yourself’. She urges them to use their platforms for something meaningful, to see their careers as more than just a series of images. ‘Fashion gives you visibility. The question is, what do you want to say with it?’
Her philosophy is a reminder that true inspiration often comes not in moments of frenzy, but in moments of stillness. ‘Let yourself be bored’, she tells me. ‘That’s when the magic happens.’
