The Chain That Binds Craft and Couture: Serena Uziyel’s Whimsical World of Wearable Art

The Chain That Binds Craft and Couture: Serena Uziyel’s Whimsical World of Wearable Art

From the ateliers of Florence to the fashion capitals of the world, Serena Uziyel has masterfully woven her own path—quite literally—one metallic thread and raffia braid at a time. With a design philosophy rooted in legacy and lifted by modern flair, Serena’s brand is a breathtaking blend of storytelling, craftsmanship, and feminine strength. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just another luxury label. Behind every sculptural heel and delicately embroidered clutch is a powerful movement: one that uplifts female artisans, honors ancient techniques, and turns accessories

into poetic expressions of culture and soul.

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In this exclusive interview with Miami Vibes Magazine for Miami Vibes TV, Serena opens up about the moment she knew it was time to launch her eponymous brand, her unforgettable lessons from masters like Giuseppe in Italy, and how her grand-aunts’ millinery legacy still whispers through her work today. We dive into the artistry, the emotion, and the empowering vision behind each creation—and discover what’s next for the woman redefining heritage in high fashion.

So sit back, sip something fabulous, and step into the enchanting world of Serena Uziyel. Trust us, you’ll never look at a handbag the same way again.

What inspired you to launch your eponymous brand in 2019, and how did your experiences at Judith Leiber and Escada shape that decision? My journey through the world of fashion, especially in the esteemed handbag and footwear departments of globally recognized brands like Judith Leiber and Escada, offered me valuable insights into the industry and, more importantly, into the kind of creative expression that would ultimately shape the direction of my own brand.The experience and knowledge I gained throughout this journey gently guided me to the realization that it was time to create something that truly reflected my own vision, values, and aesthetic.

My education at Parsons School of Design ignited my desire to explore the finer details of design and the art of texture. Later, in Florence, I had the privilege of learning from my mentor, Guiseppe, a true master of shoemaking. His refined elegance and architectural approach to footwear opened my eyes to a new way of thinking—one where design becomes a form of storytelling through structure and craft.

Later, in Florence, I had the privilege of learning from my mentor, Guiseppe, a true master of shoemaking. His refined elegance and architectural approach to footwear further shaped my perspective. It instilled in me a profound respect for craftsmanship and the delicate balance between technique and creativity. Every step of the way, from my studies to my time in the ateliers has deeply informed my approach and continues to influence the soul of the brand.

The process of creating a unique design language requires time, passion and continuous dedication. This path has been one I have embraced with patience, and it remains a work in progress.

Your designs are often described as a blend of femininity and whimsy. How would you personally define the Serena Uziyel aesthetic? Rooted in heritage and shaped by legacy, this vision reflects genuine authenticity and a deep reverence for nature, the environment, and humanity. It honors tradition while embracing the modern spirit, where timeless elegance meets ancient craftsmanship, and every detail upholds the highest standards of quality.

Can you share more about your time learning from master craftsmen in Italy, and how that hands-on experience shaped your creative process? Guiseppe’s mentorship has played a pivotal role in my journey as a designer, enriching my path with exceptional depth and experience. His mastery of traditional techniques and refined craftsmanship brought an architectural perspective to footwear, teaching me how to weave elegance into every piece. Working with various prestigious brands offered me invaluable experiences, enabling me to go beyond technical knowledge and develop an artistic and aesthetic vision that continues to define my work.

Family legacy plays a powerful role in your brand's identity. How do the stories of your grand-aunts as milliners influence your design philosophy today? The strong women in my family have always been a profound source of inspiration. Stories about my great aunts’ hat boutique on Istiklal Street in Istanbul during the early Republic, alongside archival materials, deeply motivated me while creating my own brand.

Above all, having a meaningful story and offering unique products has always been essential. I honor tradition while seamlessly blending it with modern life, emphasizing quality over quantity.

Collaborating with master artisans across our country, preserving and passing down ancient craftsmanship through the intricate embroidery in my designs, has received heartfelt admiration. This special collaboration is vital in presenting our heritage with a modern sensibility.

Your work showcases intricate techniques like metallic thread weaving and raffia braiding. What inspires the selection of these artisanal methods for your collections? Having lived in many places around the world, I have been shaped by a rich mix of cultures that leave a lasting impression on my work. The traditions, heritage, and art I have encountered continue to deeply influence my designs.

Istanbul, where diverse cultures meet and harmonize, inspires me every day, unveiling new colors, patterns, and textures to explore. This inspiration infuses my collections with depth and timeless sophistication.The dedication and skill of the artisans who bring these methods to life inspire me profoundly, turning natural materials into creations that are delicate, enduring, and refined. Through this, the collections celebrate beauty and the rich legacy of handcrafted tradition.Techniques such as metallic thread weaving and raffia braiding emerge from a deep reverence for ancient craftsmanship, carrying stories woven into every detail.

By embracing these time-honored methods passed down through generations, my designs create a meaningful dialogue between history and the present. With each piece, I honor the artistry of the past while infusing it with a contemporary twist.

With up to 50 hours of work going into a single embellishment, how do you maintain such a high standard of craftsmanship across your brand? The creative process is one that requires dedication and effort. For a single design, our community of female artisans and I sometimes work in the Atelier for months. During this time, one of the things that nourishes me the most is touching and feeling the materials. Working with my hands, discovering surfaces, and exploring different techniques excites me deeply.

Every detail in my designs is crafted with careful attention and dedication, which allows each piece to embody its own distinctive spirit and exceptional quality, while continuously nurturing my creativity and inspiring new ideas.

With deep reverence for culture, history, and craftsmanship, we create collections where each piece tells a story through the art of craftsmanship.

How do you approach merging traditional craftsmanship with modern, fashion-forward design? To merge traditional craftsmanship with modern, sophisticated design, I draw from timeless techniques passed down through generations, blending them seamlessly with a refined and contemporary vision. Every detail is carefully considered, where heritage meets a desire for innovation and elegance.

This way each designs that honor tradition, bringing past and present together in a natural and graceful harmony.

You’ve built a community of over 200 female artisans across Turkey. What inspired you to make women’s empowerment through craftsmanship such a central pillar of the brand? Today, we are proud to have and work with a community of over 200 women artisans from all across Turkey. This diverse and talented group embodies the essence of craftsmanship and empowerment, each woman bringing her unique skills and passion to our work.We began by connecting with female artisans through local cooperatives, taking the first steps with my team to build meaningful partnerships. As this journey progressed, it grew into a significant movement, providing sustainable employment and empowering women through their craftsmanship. This initiative has flourished into a strong community of artisans, allowing us to create not only beautiful works of art but also tangible change. Our commitment to supporting and empowering women through craftsmanship has become a core pillar of our brand’s ethos.

The growth of this community has been a remarkable journey, one that continues to flourish as we build connections and create meaningful impact together.

Can you share a specific story or moment that made you especially proud of the artisan community you’ve cultivated? The presence of women and the power of collaboration with our female artisans continue to inspire me every day. This season, the Serena Uziyel collection is a tribute to women who carry heritage, tradition, and timeless values with elegance and purpose.Just as each link in a chain is both powerful and connected, every woman stands strong, united with others. Each piece in the Serena Uziyel collection blends a woman’s strength and elegance with the signature Catena chain: unity, connection, and loyalty. This collection celebrates the multifaceted essence of the modern woman, with a strong, grounded, and graceful female character at its heart.This year, we’ve reached a significant milestone with the opening of our atelier in Turkey.

Here, every intricate embroidery is meticulously crafted by skilled female artisans, with each piece then brought to life in Italy. Watching this process come together is nothing short of inspiring, as it seamlessly merges the rich traditions of craftsmanship with innovative design, weaving together the past and the present in each creation.

With pop-ups and boutiques around the world, from Paris Fashion Week to Art Basel, how do you maintain consistency while celebrating regional uniqueness?  As a global brand, honoring the cultural richness and aesthetic nuances of each region is essential to our identity.

Rooted in a timeless design and guided by a clear brand ethos, we weave each region’s unique spirit into our world through refined details and meaningful collaborations.

Whether in a boutique or a fleeting pop-up, every space is a reflection of both who we are and where we are consistent in identity, yet intimately connected to its surroundings.

What can we expect next from Serena Uziyel? Are there any upcoming collaborations or new techniques you're exploring? Learning and discovery are ever-present in my journey, constantly evolving. Every moment offers new sources of inspiration, and alongside my community of master female artisans, we consistently challenge ourselves to explore new creative horizons. unwavering dedication. The deep, ancient history of Mesopotamia ignites our imagination, guiding us as we create pieces that honor tradition while embracing the future.Alongside our core collections, we are delighted to introduce accessories such as necklaces and bracelets, with plans to launch small leather goods like AirPod bags and cardholders soon.

The new additions will embody the same core values of the Serena Uziyel, maintaining our commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Our aim is to craft pieces that exude a sense of timeless elegance, whether it’s a sculptural heel or a finely crafted cardholder. For us, luxury lies not just in exclusivity, but in the beauty and experience woven into every detail, across every category.

If you could describe the Serena Uziyel woman in three words, what would they be—and why Sophisticated, elegant, inspiring.