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Celebrating Italian Creativity and Ingenuity

THE IWG BLOG

Chiara Quintavalle, the passionate Director of Helpcode Switzerland, recently shared insights into the organisation’s inspiring mission, impactful projects, and future goals in an interview that highlights its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children worldwide.





‘A future that didn’t exist before. For every child around the world.’


“Helpcode’s mission is to support children’s education and well-being while strengthening the communities around them,” Quintavalle explained. Operating across 10 countries, Helpcode focuses on critical areas such as education, health, gender equality, and climate resilience. Guided by values like transparency and innovation, their vision is clear: ‘A future that didn’t exist before. For every child around the world.’




Every Helpcode project has a profound impact, but some stand out for their innovation and reach. “In Yemen, we’ve been supporting women-led micro-enterprises, training them in skills like hairdressing and pastry-making, which transforms their lives,” shared Quintavalle.


The organisation is also addressing urgent challenges like climate change. In Cambodia, they provide swimming lessons and drowning prevention education, a response to severe flooding that claims many young lives annually.


children, pool, drowning prevention, swimming lessons, helpcode
Drowning Prevention Education - Cambodia

“In Mozambique, we run a sewing workshop offering training and employment opportunities. Seeing the lives we touch, from Yemen to Gorongosa, is incredibly rewarding,” Quintavalle reflected. These efforts demonstrate Helpcode’s adaptability in tackling the unique challenges each community faces.





"Using technology to make education and training accessible,”

Looking ahead, Helpcode plans to deepen its impact. “We aim to reach more children and communities, especially in remote or underserved areas, using technology to make education and training accessible,” Quintavalle revealed. Strengthening partnerships and fostering global collaboration remain central to their strategy, ensuring sustainability and lasting change.


Creative Platforms and Collaborations for Social Good

Speaking about Helpcode’s participation in the Italian Creativity on the Runway 2024 Edition Quintavalle explains how it offers an exciting opportunity to expand its reach. “This event connects us with a diverse audience of industry professionals and philanthropists, showcasing how art and creativity can drive social change,” said Quintavalle. She emphasized the importance of demonstrating how organizations like Helpcode turn passion into action, inspiring attendees to contribute to meaningful change.




One collaboration that embodies Helpcode’s innovative spirit is with AETALIA, the Italian bag and accessories brand.

One collaboration that embodies Helpcode’s innovative spirit is with AETALIA, the Italian bag and accessories brand. “Federica Berselli, Aetalia's Founder and Creative Director, designed a line of leather bags lined with vibrant Mozambican fabrics, with proceeds supporting our sewing workshop,” Quintavalle shared. This partnership highlights how fashion can blend style with purpose, creating opportunities for artisans and promoting sustainable practices.


“Contrary to belief, the nonprofit sector requires results-oriented approaches and meticulous planning, much like the for-profit world,”

Quintavalle’s path to leading Helpcode Switzerland is as inspiring as the organization itself. Transitioning from a career in tourism to nonprofit work, she embraced the challenges and rewards of fundraising and project management. “Contrary to belief, the nonprofit sector requires results-oriented approaches and meticulous planning, much like the for-profit world,” she noted. Her advice for aspiring changemakers? Develop skills like problem-solving and project design while nurturing a genuine care for others.


Gorongosa ANE Project
“Change is possible when people come together to act.”

From donations to volunteering, there are numerous ways to support Helpcode’s mission. “Regular donations are particularly impactful, and businesses can sponsor projects as part of their CSR efforts,” Quintavalle highlighted. Sharing Helpcode’s message through social media or participating in fundraising events also helps expand their reach and impact.


Helpcode’s work demonstrates the power of collective action and the difference individuals can make in building a brighter future. As Quintavalle aptly concluded, “Change is possible when people come together to act.”


For more information about Helpcode or to support their mission, visit Helpcode Switzerland.



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craftmanship, artisan, naples, sandals, leather, colour,fashion
Veronica D'Ambrosio
“Tradition, uniqueness, and passion.”

Veronica D’Ambrosio, founder of the brand La Vera Capri, shares her unique journey in Italian craftsmanship and the passion that led her to create handmade Caprese sandals. Born in Naples, Veronica has always been fascinated by the old artisans of the Amalfi Coast. “Watching those elders create something so delicate and precious inspired me since I was a child,” she says. However, the path to realising this dream was not easy. After a period of burnout, Veronica decided to take a break, and thanks to a special encounter in England, she rediscovered her passion for Caprese sandals, choosing to turn it into her work in 2012.



“LAVERACAPRI is not just a small passion; it’s a project that goes beyond the sandal. It’s a tradition that endures over time.”

Without any family members to teach her the craft, Veronica had to pave her own way in a predominantly male environment. Through her determination, she found an artisan willing to teach her the art of sandal-making. “Each La Vera Capri sandal is unique because I know the product well, I wear it, I know its strengths and weaknesses, and I listen to my clients' needs,” explains Veronica, who personally selects the finest Tuscan leather to ensure quality and comfort.


Sandals, brown, Leather Straps
Sandals for Adults & Children

My sandals tell a story of quality, uniqueness, and originality—values I want to preserve,”
Sandals, Feet, Woman, Nails, polish, ankle bracelet, tan, legs, jewel
Coloured Jewelled Sandals

Her training took place in iconic locations such as Positano and Capri, the birthplace of Italian artisanal tradition, as well as her hometown, Naples, which played a crucial role in her work. For Veronica, being born in a city with a strong artisanal tradition means carrying on a long history of craftsmanship. “My sandals tell a story of quality, uniqueness, and originality—values I want to preserve,” she affirms.


Veronica’s workshop in Portici, where she works closely with other female artisans, is a true source of inspiration. Together with two other Neapolitan entrepreneurs, Veronica created OltreForma Lab, a co-working space that offers customers the experience of buying unique, high-quality products, born from an environment of experimentation and collaboration.


shop, naples, italy, chair, t-shirt, bags, heart
Veronica D'Ambrosio in the Store She Shares with Other Artisans

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of La Vera Capri. Veronica uses only certified Made in Italy materials from environmentally-conscious suppliers. “Italian craftsmanship is synonymous with quality and tradition, but today it’s also moving toward environmental awareness,” she explains. Her vision for the future is to promote sustainable luxury without compromising on quality.

Animalier, leopard spots, brown, sandals, toe
Animalier Print Sandals
“Italian craftsmanship is synonymous with quality and tradition, but today it’s also moving toward environmental awareness,”

This year, La Vera Capri will have the opportunity to showcase at the Italian Creativity on the Runway event in Geneva, an event dedicated to Italian talent and creativity. For Veronica, participating in this event is a dream come true: “La Vera Capri is not just a small passion; it’s a project that goes beyond the sandal. It’s a tradition that endures over time.”

tasel, sandal, blue, white, silver, stitches, leather
Tassel Detail on La Vera Capri Handmade Sandal

Looking to the future, Veronica hopes that La Vera Capri can bring young people closer to craftsmanship, reopening workshops and breathing new life into ancient values. “I want my brand to be a spokesperson for a return to tradition,” she says. And, for those looking to pursue a similar career, Veronica’s advice is clear: believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take risks.

“I want my brand to be a spokesperson for a return to tradition,”

When asked to describe La Vera Capri in three words, Veronica responds without hesitation: “Tradition, uniqueness, and passion.” With these qualities, she continues to create unforgettable moments for her clients. The most rewarding moments of her career was when an American client took off her CHANEL shoes to wear one of her made-to-measure sandals. The client described the experience as "priceless, incomparable, and truly a unique magical experience," that she would never forget.



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We are thrilled to announce that TUCANO, an iconic Italian brand known for its innovative designs and eco-friendly approach, will be joining us at the Italian Creativity on the Runway on December 5th, 2024, in Geneva. With a rich history rooted in Italian style and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, TUCANO is set to make an exciting impression at this year’s show.





A Legacy of Innovation and Italian Design

Founded in Milan, TUCANO has been a leader in producing stylish, functional bags and accessories since the 1980s. Originally focused on creating practical yet elegant cases for tech products, TUCANO quickly gained a reputation for blending Italian design aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality. Over the years, their product line has expanded to include backpacks, laptop bags, tablet cases, and travel accessories, all reflecting a modern and practical approach to style.


Through continuous research and development, TUCANO has stayed ahead of the curve, integrating technology-friendly features and materials into their designs. Today, the brand is beloved worldwide for its clever innovations and thoughtful design, making it a go-to choice for professionals, travelers, and creatives alike.




Commitment to Sustainability

In recent years, TUCANO has embraced sustainability as a core value, demonstrating its commitment to the environment through its Tucano for Planet initiative. This program focuses on using eco-friendly materials in their products, such as recycled plastic, organic cotton, and other sustainable fabrics. The brand's Eco-Friendly line of bags, including the Tucano Loop backpack and Tucano Compatto collection, are made from materials derived from recycled PET bottles, reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.


Their focus on eco-conscious production doesn’t just stop at materials. TUCANO has also invested in sustainable packaging solutions and energy-efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring that their impact on the planet is as minimal as possible. By combining sustainability with their hallmark Italian design, TUCANO has created products that are both stylish and responsible, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers.



Italian Style Meets Functionality

What makes TUCANO truly stand out is its dedication to the Italian ethos of style and quality. Each product is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, blending elegance with the functionality needed for modern life. TUCANO’s designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly practical, featuring protective elements, ergonomic details, and multifunctional compartments.


This commitment to design and functionality has made TUCANO a popular choice for people on the go. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a traveler, TUCANO’s products are designed to meet the demands of a dynamic lifestyle, without ever compromising on style.




Recent Highlights: Partnership with the Stake F1 Team Sauber & Support of the Venice International Film Festival

TUCANO Trackside Azerbaijan 2024 Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Alpineracer

TUCANO recently partnered with the Stake F1 Team Sauber, blending Italian design with Formula 1’s high-speed performance. This collaboration, which provides the team with eco-friendly, custom-designed bags, highlights TUCANO’s commitment to sustainable innovation in even the most demanding environments.


TUCANO x Biennale

Additionally, TUCANO celebrated its 20th year of supporting the Venice International Film Festival, where art meets sustainability. This longstanding partnership reflects TUCANO’s dedication to cultural initiatives and eco-conscious practices, reinforcing its role as a leader in both Italian design and responsible production.


TUCANO at Italian Creativity on the Runway in Geneva

As TUCANO joins us at the Italian Creativity on the Runway show in Geneva, guests will have the opportunity to see firsthand how the brand embodies the essence of Italian creativity, innovation, and sustainability. TUCANO’s display will include some of their latest eco-friendly collections, showcasing their unique blend of Italian elegance, practicality, and respect for the environment.


We invite you to join us on December 5th at the Maserati CAR AVENUE Showroom in Geneva to celebrate the spirit of Italian design and craftsmanship. TUCANO’s participation promises to be a highlight, demonstrating how Italian brands can lead the way in style, innovation, and sustainability.


Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to register early to experience TUCANO and other remarkable Italian brands on the runway!

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