VENTOSA (Gust of Wind)

Can design today unite people and put the dignity of work into circulation?

Simona Giovannetti, creative soul of Dampaì, and the ex director of the prison of Porto Azzurro Francesco D’Anselmo  have created a project that goes beyond commercial interest and becomes a social enterprise, because it focuses on the relationships between people, who together create objects with strongly characterized lines.

Our design and fashion brand founded on the island of Elba in 2011 has always included current issues and actions outside the classic production schemes of its creations, often making people talk about themselves. Since 2017 Dampaì has had its warehouse inside the ‘Pasquale De Santis’ prison house. From this experience came the idea of opening a real artisan production laboratory. Two inmates were chosen both to manage the warehouse and to make the new fashion accessories. Dampaì carried out specific professional training for the chosen people, who were then hired and salaried by the fashion / design company. The path developed quickly, with particular attention to the managerial and human aspects triggered by the production process which must conform with the rules of a prison. The first precious result of this delicate team work was three models of bags entirely packaged inside the prison and marketed in the Dampaì Stores on the island of Elba and in some Italian retailers: the Two one hand bags with shoulder straps in foam rubber, and the Lilly bag which can be transformed into a backpack, or all handbag in rubber: Plautilla n°1, Plautilla n°2, Plautilla n°3, Pouch, Pouch for Phone Mobile, and Home baskets in leather and in rubber.