Today we’d like to introduce you to Ester Gattuso.
Hi Ester, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey in fashion in Italy, where I was born and raised. I have an academic background in the field, having studied Fashion Communication at the University of Bologna, completed a specialization in Fashion Marketing at IED in Barcelona, and continued my training at Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in London, where I focused on Fashion Styling. These experiences gave me a well-rounded perspective, from visual storytelling to market dynamics.
My early career began behind the scenes, working with Italian fashion houses, mainly as a product developer. These roles taught me the importance of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and how a garment is truly constructed, not just designed. But I was always drawn to the more visual and expressive side of fashion. During that time, I also worked as a fashion writer, which helped me sharpen my ability to interpret trends and communicate them in a clear, editorial way.
After moving to Miami a few years ago, I transitioned fully into styling, a space where I could bring everything I had learned together: creative direction, storytelling, and a deep understanding of both product and image. Today, I collaborate with brands, magazines, e-commerce platforms, and private clients, working across editorials, commercials, and personal styling. My aesthetic is rooted in European elegance, but I love blending it with modern boldness and global influence. Every project is a new opportunity to help people and brands express their identity through style.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. In Italy, I worked incredibly hard to build my career within fashion companies. It took dedication, long hours, and constantly pushing myself to grow in a very competitive environment.
Then, moving to Miami was a whole new chapter. Starting over in a new country, without an established network, was a challenge, especially at the beginning. I had to adapt, find my place, and prove myself all over again. There were moments when I felt discouraged, when giving up seemed like the easier option. But I didn’t, because I was clear on my goals. I’ve always known what I wanted to do, and my passion has been my constant motivation. Looking back, I feel proud of where I am today. The difficult moments made every little accomplishment along the way feel much more meaningful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a fashion and personal stylist, and what I love most is the variety. One day I’m styling an editorial or campaign, the next I’m curating a wardrobe for a private client. But no matter the project, my approach is always the same: I use style as a form of storytelling. I want the clothes to say something about the person or the brand, to feel intentional, not just beautiful.
I think what sets me apart is the path I took to get here. My background allows me to understand the language of fashion on many levels, and what truly drives me is the human connection, the moment when a client feels confident or a brand finds its unique visual identity. That feeling of transformation and trust is what I’m most proud of.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
For me, what truly helps me bring my best to work isn’t just a single app or resource but the rich mix of cultures I’m immersed in every day. Growing up in Italy, my roots gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless style. Now, living and working in Miami, I’m constantly influenced by a vibrant, diverse environment with different aesthetics.
This blend of cultures broadens my vision and keeps my creative approach fresh. It allows me to combine tradition with innovation and see style from a more global point of view. So, in a way, my greatest resource is this cultural mix, the stories, people, and environments I engage with, and how they continuously inspire my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.estergattuso.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ester_gattuso/
