From the quaint, Italian-rooted town of Antônio Prado in southern Brazil to the international spotlight of Cannes and beyond, Vitalina Ghinzelli—affectionately known as Vita—has transformed a childhood love for handcrafts into a flourishing luxury millinery brand. Her journey, marked by courage, creativity, and unshakable resolve, is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion.
Humble Beginnings in Brazil
Born Thais Maria Vitalina Ghinzelli, Vita grew up in a close-knit community steeped in Italian heritage. Her name itself is a tribute to her grandmothers—Maria from her mother’s side and Vitalina from her father’s. Though traditional academics never captured her interest, Vita found her voice in the world of creativity. As a child, she hand-stitched dresses for her dolls using leftover fabric scraps, guided by her mother’s teachings. This early immersion in textiles planted the seeds for her future in fashion.
“I was never someone who liked to study,” she recalls. “But I always loved handcrafts.” That sentiment fuels her belief today: children should be empowered to pursue their passions early on, free from the rigid expectations of societal norms.
Chasing Dreams Across Continents
At just 18, with her Italian citizenship in hand, Vita moved to Italy to explore new opportunities. Financial difficulties soon forced her return to Brazil, but her dreams remained unbroken. Her next chapter took her across the Atlantic to New Jersey, USA, where she joined extended family and began a new life—this time, with little English and a job as a waitress.
The transition was difficult. Over 12 years, she worked tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs while navigating cultural challenges and personal setbacks, including bouts of depression. Yet, through it all, she clung to a mantra: “This is just temporary.” Her optimism, grounded in grit, became her guiding light.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
Before moving to the United States, Vita had briefly studied business and administration, but soon realized her true path lay elsewhere. After years of relentless work, she achieved financial independence and began reclaiming her artistic identity. Determined to master the art of millinery, she traveled to the south of France and London, training under two of the world’s most renowned milliners. Combined with self-teaching and countless hours of practice, Vita honed her skills and laid the foundation for her namesake brand: Vitalina Ghinzelli.
Her handcrafted hats—crafted from premium materials like parasisal straw—are celebrated for their refined elegance and bold individuality. From the light blue silhouettes that evoke airy sophistication to structured pillbox styles reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s timeless fashion, each creation is a piece of wearable art.
Global Recognition and A Growing Legacy
Vita’s creations have captured attention on the world stage. Her standout piece, the “Fingerprint Hat,” was worn by supermodel Magda Swider at the Cannes Film Festival, and her designs have appeared in high-profile outlets such as Thailand Fashion Week Magazine, CanvasRebel, Bold Journey Magazine, and the New York Style Guide.
Now based in New Jersey, just outside New York City, Vita’s reach spans continents—from France and Italy to the UAE, Thailand, Australia, Russia, Brazil, and beyond. Her adventurous spirit also plays a key role in her artistry. Travels to remote locations such as the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, and the North Pole enrich her creative vision, while her compassion for animals—including her care for a colony of feral cats and love for horses—informs her values.
Sustainability is central to her mission. She actively seeks out eco-friendly, cruelty-free suppliers, ensuring that her commitment to beauty never comes at the expense of ethics.
The Heart Behind the Hat
What sets Vitalina Ghinzelli apart is not just her talent, but her deeply human story—one rooted in perseverance, identity, and authenticity. Holding triple citizenship—Brazilian, Italian, and American—Vita represents a truly global perspective. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “The best decision you can make in life is to do what you love doing.”
For Vita, every hat is more than an accessory—it’s a statement of empowerment. Her mission is to ensure that every woman who wears her creations feels confident, radiant, and unstoppable.
As she continues to shape the future of luxury millinery, Vita Ghinzelli stands as a beacon for artists, dreamers, and women everywhere: proof that elegance begins with authenticity, and that true style is born from the courage to follow your heart.
