LIVED-IN LUXURY
Maria Gangemi
Founder of m.gemi
Italian craftsmanship is renowned for its quality and artistry. What drew you to Italian shoemaking, and how does M.Gemi honor those traditions today?
Growing up in Italy, I was fortunate to experience the rich culture of small, local shops that made and sold handcrafted shoes and handbags. Everything was very small and very local. And after my parents and I immigrated to the U.S., I’d come home from visits to my grandmother with these really unique shoes that always sparked curiosity. Over the years, many of these family-run shops have sadly disappeared as global brands dominate the market. M.Gemi is my way to help preserve the traditional craftsmanship and livelihoods of the artisans, allowing them to continue their legacy and share their artistry with a new generation.
Italian artisanship is built on tradition. How do you maintain that legacy while adapting to the modern needs of today’s consumers?
That’s the question at the heart of M.Gemi. We seek out the experts in the kinds of shoes we want to make, and we partner with them to design, sample, and produce shoes in small batches. Where most brands produce four seasonal collections per year, we work year-round, releasing new styles every week. This model is better for the artisans’ businesses, and it better reflects the way women shop for the season they’re in. It also gives us the flexibility to incorporate real-time feedback, allowing us to make adjustments or introduce new designs based on what our customers truly want. We’ve been able to find the balance of giving artisans the time they need to handcraft shoes according to the traditional methods and reacting quickly to the evolving preferences of the modern customer.
M.Gemi x SFERRA HAVE PARTNERED ON A DIGITAL campaign FOCUSED ON “lived-in luxury.” How do you incorporate aspects of luxury into your daily routine, both through your outfits and in your home?
Luxury, for me, is all about quality materials and subtle design. In my wardrobe, I focus on pieces made from natural fibers like cashmere, silk, linen, cotton, wool, and of course, leather. I wear a lot of neutral and earthy tones—occasionally incorporating a rich color or subtle print—and create depth through layering and texture.
I take the same approach in my home. Natural materials, such as wood and marble, are the foundation. Then, I layer in texture with throw blankets and soft cushions to create a sense of warmth. My overall palette is very light and airy, but I add deeper tones through art and decorative vases to create a focal point that enhances, rather than overpowers, the space. The key to understated luxury is balance and harmony.
"The things you use everyday should make you feel great—whether that’s shoes or sheets. And they should be designed to last."
- Maria Gangemi, Founder of M.Gemi
Both M.Gemi and SFERRA celebrate Italian heritage. How does this shared appreciation for craftsmanship shape your design philosophy and the way you curate your home?
The influence of Italian craftsmanship and its emphasis on careful material selection drives how I design for M.Gemi and my home. In expert hands, high-quality materials are turned into something that will last a lifetime with the right care. I like the feeling of having something unique, which you get from handcrafted pieces, but I also want my designs to endure. I love beautiful shoes, but they have to be comfortable enough to wear everyday for a long time to come. In the same way, I want a beautiful home, but it needs to be designed in a way that makes sense for the way I live day to day. There’s also the fact that both the linens I use everyday and the shoes I wear everyday are made in Italy—it's a nice little reminder of home!
How do SFERRA linens fit into your lifestyle, helping your home transition seamlessly from day to night?
I’ve relied on SFERRA linens for years. Starting and ending my day in the exquisite bed linens is one of life’s simple pleasures. And I love how a crisply made bed makes my room look fresh and clean throughout the day. And once the sun goes down, I’m either reaching for SFERRA’s table linens to get ready for guests or one of the cozy throws I use to curl up with a good book.
Describe your ideal night in. How do you embrace relaxation and/or do you have any nighttime rituals?
There's something incredibly comforting about sinking into a cozy spot with my M.Gemi Felize Shearling loafers, a soft SFERRA throw, candles lit, and a great book in my hands. Right now, I'm engrossed in The Women by Kristin Hannah. And slipping into freshly washed sheets, especially after a long day, is one of my favorite small luxuries.
For you, what does "lived-in luxury" mean when it comes to both your fashion with M.Gemi and your home with SFERRA linens? How do the brands’ products help create that 24/7/365 sense of indulgence?
The things you use everyday should make you feel great—whether that’s shoes or sheets. And they should be designed to last. For M.Gemi, that means using the highest-quality materials to craft stylish-yet-comfortable shoes that effortlessly adapt from daytime activities to evening events. Our designs are timeless and will last for years with the right care. I want to show people that it’s worth investing in quality.
It’s the same with SFERRA linens. Rest is essential and so is gathering together. Our beds and our tables are exactly the places we should be indulging! There’s nothing like great quality linens to add warmth to your home, and it’s such a simple way to pamper yourself.
