Last Updated on April 4, 2025
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Whether you’re just starting out in the fashion industry or are a seasoned expert, hearing motivating insight from another perspective could feel like a breath of fresh air.
Valentina Perissi, founder and designer of DAFNE Italy, is someone I’m always excited to chat with since her collections are so inspiring and tell a story. All of her designs carry the message of empowering women to follow their dreams.
We met back in 2019 when her hand-painted leather jackets caught my eye at Miami Art Basel. Here, she shares her top fashion career tips on how to excel in this ever-changing industry.
5 Fashion Career Tips from Valentina Perissi of DAFNE Italy
1. Believe in the Power of Your Dreams
At age 11, Valentina visited New York City for the first time from Florence, Italy. She came with her father, who worked as a fashion photographer. “I fell in love with the energy of the city and knew that if I were to ever do something big, it would be in New York,” says the designer.
Over the years, Valentina worked at the Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli for a decade, starting as an intern and then working her way up to managing design, prints, and embroidery.
She then decided to take a risk and moved to Milan, followed by Tokyo, to work with other companies. But for a while, she knew she wanted to start her own brand.
Eventually, she moved to New York to pursue that goal. “I think when you feel something from your core, you just have to do it,” says Valentina.
2. Venture Outside Your Comfort Zone
After moving to New York, Valentina started her first solo venture: DAFNE Italy. With her brand, she combined her love for design and hand-painting.
Her pieces include handbags, wallets, backpacks, and her signature hand-painted leather jackets. Many designs include quotes like “Believe In You” and “Women of Power” with colorful graphics and embroidery.
Back when Sex and the City aired, and Patricia Field styled the show, Valentina’s designs for Roberto Cavalli were often worn by characters Carrie and Samantha.
Coming full circle, the designer later worked with Field on her ArtFashion collection, featuring original pieces by a select group of artists. Behind the scenes, it took years of reaching out and persistence before the collaboration came to fruition.
“I know it’s hard sometimes, but what I hope is to teach people to never give up,” she says. “And if you really, really believe in yourself, you can make it.”
3. Practice Gratitude
Focusing on gratitude can bring many benefits not only to your career but also to your overall life and well-being.
Looking on the bright side lets us appreciate what we have and realize how far we’ve come.
“In New York, you have to fight every day and remind yourself why you’re here,” says Valentina. “Some days are hard, some days are amazing. The highs and lows are extreme, but the highs are what make everything worth it.”
4. Self-Motivation Is Key
The first step in growth is realizing that your dreams are well worth it.
Self-motivation is the driving force that keeps us moving forward — to create, share, and continue evolving.
On the origin of her brand name, Valentina says, “Dafne is my middle name. My parents were supposed to call me Dafne, but in the ‘80s it was a bit too different, so they named me Valentina.”
Dafne is a Greek name, a nod to her mom’s roots. The “A” in the DAFNE Italy logo is a triangle with an eye inside, symbolizing Valentina’s most valued sense: vision. “To me, the eye is about discovering your vision and meaning in life. “I always say, you only have one life—keep living and growing every day.”
5. Embrace the Idea of Women Empowering Women
Coming together as a community to motivate and inspire each other is so important in this industry.
We all need a support system because the truth is, it takes a team to grow and scale any business. There will be hardships to any venture, but having empowering women by your side can make the journey so much better.
As for Valentina’s future goals? To sell DAFNE Italy at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, and more.
You can find her one-of-a-kind hand-painted designs now at dafneitaly.com, which ships worldwide and is available at select stores in New York, Italy, and Miami.
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