Srta. Galante marks 15 years with conscious production, waterproof furniture line and network of artisans generating income and financial autonomy

Sisters Anne and Ana Galante founded Srta. Galante in 2008, a São Paulo-based artisan knitting and crochet brand positioned against the fast fashion production model. Over 15 years, the company has developed a collection of furniture for outdoor areas with waterproof technology, created a manual arts school and maintains a network of artisans to ensure sustainable growth and income generation.

Anne Galante was born in São Paulo in 1985 and learnt to knit at the age of 12. Graduating in Fashion Styling from Senac in 2008, she worked for various companies in the sector and produced original pieces for well-known brands in the Brazilian market. During the period she worked for third parties, she took advantage of long hours on public transport between home, work and university to knit.

Her experience with major brands showed how unsustainable the fast fashion model is. Anne decided to create her own business focusing on conscious production and consumption. “I didn’t agree with the form of production,” says the artisan, who defined her purpose as preventing knitting and crochet techniques from disappearing.

Ana Galante, born in 1984, holds a degree in Textile and Fashion from the University of São Paulo. She built a career in advertising, working with major brands. Over time, she began to feel a lack of greater purpose in corporate work. She decided to use her experience in production and communication to promote her sister’s creations.

At Srta. Galante, Ana is responsible for the brand concept, marketing and management of special projects, including the Manual Arts School and the Laços Unidos contra o Frio (United Ties Against the Cold) project. Anne dedicates herself to creating and developing pieces, production, courses and training artisans. “Ana keeps things grounded, counterbalancing Anne’s intensity at work,” states the brand’s institutional material.

Outdoor line

The Outdoor Collection comprises poufs, beds, cushions, deckchairs, rugs and planters made in knitting and crochet. The pieces are produced with nautical yarn, a 100% waterproof polypropylene material with ultraviolet protection and resistance to external factors such as rainwater, wind and sunlight. The material was specially developed by the brand to meet this need.

The filling uses C-Core technology, made of high-density polyethylene, with anti-mite, antifungal and antibacterial properties. The system provides hygienic and comfortable seating without deforming over time, and offers ergonomics.

The fabric is soft and pleasant to the touch, without a plasticised appearance, despite being waterproof. The covers have zip fastenings for removal and washing, facilitating maintenance.

Network of artisans

To grow sustainably, Srta. Galante created a network of experienced knitters and crochet workers. The partnership with the brand offers professionals the opportunity to gain financial autonomy. The production model values handmade work and seeks to empower small producers, generating income and development opportunities.

Beyond commercial production, the brand maintains the Manual Arts School, which offers courses and training in knitting and crochet techniques. The Laços Unidos contra o Frio project distributes pieces to people in vulnerable situations.

Anne seeks to rescue the health benefits of manual work, promoting wellbeing and reflections on conscious consumption and production. The artisan, who describes herself as a Gemini constantly seeking innovation, has expanded the brand’s work beyond fashion to include decoration and art.

“To change the world, you need to be ready for anything. Have attitude, get up and do it. And if the change is made with our own hands, even better,” states the brand’s manifesto. “Each person has the power to weave their own timeline, give it whatever shape they want, and together we create the fabric we want for the future.”

Srta. Galante constantly tests the limits of what can be done with needle and thread, seeking to create pieces that allow people to enjoy life better, with more freedom and less consumption, according to the founders.