Why an Italian suitmaker moved all the way to China

Gerrica Giachè finds stitch between two cultures

SHENYANG:

A year ago, Gerrica Giachè, an Italian fashion designer, left Naples, a Mediterranean style capital celebrated the world over, for Dalian, northeast China's port city. Her motivation was clear: to help Italian suits travel farther and fit better through smarter, truly customised production techniques.

In September 2024, the 52-year-old suit craft designer, along with two fellow Italians, joined Dayang Group, a clothing powerhouse in Yangshufang Town, Dalian City. Just an hour away from downtown Dalian by bullet train, the town instantly won her over with its local customs, the warmth of its residents, and its irresistible quiet charm.

"The people here are very friendly, and the working and living environments are very comfortable," she said.

Though the town barely registers on a map, its Dayang Group ranks among China's largest suit exporters, shipping 2.3 million made-to-measure garments last year alone.

"Soft, light fabrics and razor-sharp cuts have made Italian style the global benchmark," Hu Dongmei, Dayang's general manager, explained. "So we launched 'Italian Little Thread,' a micro-line of entirely hand-stitched bespoke suits, and invited three Italian designers to be our dream squad."

Each month the trio flies in for a week of side-by-side coaching. Giachè circles the floor, guiding some 40 local artisans in new techniques and finer finishes.

"Our team comes from Italy to work in this Chinese town for a week every month. Although the production line is not large in scale, with the joint efforts of everyone, it churns out beautiful, exquisite and unique suits," said Giachè.

The Italian designer team also offers daily masterclasses for the workers. "One simple stitch can carry a whole philosophy of the designers," a worker of the production line said. "Perfection is our only ruler."

Dayang began hiring Italian cutters two decades ago. Their know-how reshaped the company's craft, lines and brand culture. Today, that shared heritage underpins the new micro-line, according to Hu.

After shifts, Giachè says "see you tomorrow" in flawless Mandarin to her Chinese colleagues. "Chinese people, just like our Italians, are very warm-hearted and kind," she said.

Giachè has developed a special fondness for Chinese culture after living in this charming coastal town. "I often share the local customs and traditions here with my Italian friends."

Recently, Giachè dipped into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). "I took my pulse and did moxibustion. It was very magical, and I felt extremely comfortable all over," she said, adding that she has also learned that TCM emphasises therapeutic effects. It can not only treat symptoms but also regulate the whole body.