Gigi Ferranti’s Portofino Collection Serves Up Penne-Inspired Jewels

For those of us who have been following the career of New York–based designer Gina Ferranti of Gigi Ferranti, her latest collection, Portofino, represents the fullest expression of her signature motifs: geometric silhouettes; crisp, clean lines and edges; and vibrant gems through the lens of the Italian resort town’s candy-colored buildings and picturesque harbor.

“I created this collection to introduce more substantial pieces in 18k gold, using larger stones than my usual pavé designs,” says Ferranti. “It’s for the woman who lives passionately and embraces gioia di vivere. I tried to capture the feeling of paradise come to life with pieces that mix with a variety of looks.”

Portofino was originally set to unveil at JCK Las Vegas 2020, where Ferranti was to show in the Rising Star arena. “Since that did not happen, I am currently showing the collection by private appointment, Zoom conferences, or sending the collection to retailers to view in person,” she says.

In addition to embracing the colors of the Italian Riviera’s architecture, sea, and flora, the collection also incorporates the form of something quintessentially Italian: penne pasta, with its angular, tubular shape and distinctive ridges. Ferranti has cleverly recast it as a bracelet link and pendant (both pictured below) and a more gestural motif throughout the collection, bringing a bit of levity and playfulness to the sophisticated pieces and color stories.

“The asymmetrical shape and lines are fluent throughout the whole collection, and I think it brings in a bit of my Italian heritage. Plus, it’s a cute take on all the chains that are trending right now,” says Ferranti.

Portofino also incorporates one of Ferranti’s favorite themes, the heart shape. Here it’s puffy and retro and evocative of 1950s glamour, à la Federico Fellini. Its companion flower ring has a similar vibe.

Gigi Ferranti bracelet — *Portofino Penne link bracelet with sapphires and tsavorite in 18k gold, $6,650*

Gigi Ferranti penne pendant — *Portifino Penne pendant with tsavorite in 18k gold, $1,350*

The pieces are available for delivery now. “My retail strategy has been to market this collection with social media and email campaigns both to retailers and direct to consumers,” says Ferranti. “I have been lucky during this tough time to actually see an uptick in my online sales, as well as via some retailers reaching out to me. I want to partner with stores that are like-minded and understand the value of what goes into designing and making a collection in the U.S. I don’t have to be everywhere, just in the right places.”

Below, more visions of Ferranti’s Portofino paradise.