A Luxury Jewellery Brand That Sees Strength in Scarcity
Through our ongoing Meet the Makers series, a collection of tales from Irene Forte Skincare, we pay homage to the Italian artisans and creatives whose dedication and artistry we admire.
In this next installment, we journey to Milan, with Maria Sole Ferragamo – the creative mind, founder and artistic genius behind SO-LE STUDIO: luxury jewellers who have a mission to transform leftover materials, such as brass and leather, into unique, yet practical, sculptural jewellery. Maria treats tradition with great respect, honouring her materials and following a precise creative process – from her first sketches to model making, until harmony is achieved.
In her signature style, Maria Sole transforms otherwise discarded materials into statement jewellery pieces that are bold in their design, yet unexpectedly lightweight. The brand releases two main collections each year, containing a mix of new styles and repurposed bestsellers.
Featured in leading magazines from The New York Times to British and Italian Vogue, Maria Sole Ferragamo was invited by Sotheby’s in 2022 to guest-curate The Luxury Edit – a live and online auction series spanning London, Paris, Milan, and New York.
We're delighted to have delved deeper into the tapestry of SO-LE STUDIO, and speak with Maria Sole Ferragamo, whose thoughtful portraiture is defined by a commitment to longevity and respect for heritage – values that find a natural reflection in the philosophy of Irene Forte Skincare.
This shared ethos inspired us to host a celebration of Italian craftsmanship through a pop-up and dinner at Brown’s Hotel earlier this year, bringing our two worlds together to showcase the artistry and luxury at the heart of our collaboration.
Inside the World of Maria Sole Ferragamo of SO-LE Studio
We journeyed through the rolling hills of Tuscany to meet Maria Sole at SO-LE Studio and witness her artistry firsthand, capturing the essence of her brand and creative process in a piece of visual storytelling, which you can watch here. To delve even deeper, we asked Maria Sole a series of questions to unravel the chapters that make up her everyday life – work, play, and everything in between.
What is a tool or material that you can’t live without – something always in your hands or on your workbench?
“It might be obvious for a designer to say “a pencil,” but in my process, scissors and a stapler come first,” says Maria Sole. “I cut, deform, and fix. I start with the material – physical, in my hands – observing and studying it before even thinking of drawing.”
Tell us about a corner of your studio or workspace that you love most
While Maria Sole is particularly fond of her workbench as a physical space she enjoys, she finds her best creative space in silence. “Phone off, music in my headphones, alone – that's when I enter a flow state, my bubble where thoughts take shape,” she shares.
What is a keepsake or heirloom that you hold dear?
Maria Sole isn’t too sentimental when it comes to keeping objects or souvenirs, but there is one thing that she holds dear – “a Minnie Mouse T-shirt that belonged to my mother,” she tells us. “I’ve always brought it with me for its utility. I don't cling to things – I let them evolve. That same T-shirt now reaches down to my daughter’s feet, and it makes me happy to see her enjoy it too.”
Do you have a favorite piece of art or decor in your space?
“A print by Carlos Cruz-Diez that hangs in my studio. It was a wedding gift from my sister Marti — she said it reminded her of me, with a play of color and illusion that inspires me every day”.
Is there a book or magazine currently on your shelf?
Once a year, Maria Sole pulls her grandfather’s autobiography from the shelf – Shoemaker of Dreams. No matter how familiar the pages, she always discovers a new detail or idea, as though the book unveils new treasures throughout time. She says “it never feels the same twice.”
Do you have a favorite place in Italy – somewhere that holds meaning for you?
Panarea, with its rugged landscape and barefoot summers, holds a special place in Maria Sole’s heart. “Bare feet, timeless summer days. Some of my most vivid childhood memories in Italy live there,” she shares with us.
Is there a new maker or artist whose work you admire?
“Francesco Doria Lamba,” Maria Sole states. “An artist and friend. We met at university and shared our creative journey. It’s inspiring to see his evolution – how he moves through photography, drawing, and design with such fluidity.”
Do you have a daily ritual, or a quiet moment you seek out each day?
Between her career and raising two young children, Maria Sole follows a daily ritual that helps ensure balance. “I try to carve out 15 minutes every morning just for myself,” she says. “In the early quiet, before the rush begins, I pause to gather my thoughts and start the day with intention.”
Lastly, what’s your go-to Irene Forte Skincare product?
“Irene Forte’s products feel made for me!” Maria Sole exclaims. “Quick to apply, easy to use, and truly effective. One of my favorites is the Aloe Face Cream: sometimes my skin gets really dry, and that cream works like magic.”
