Born in the UK to Sicilian
parents, Antonio Berardi studied at London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins
College of Art & Design while working as John Galliano’s assistant. His
final year collection in 1994 created a splash, attracting the attention of key
London buyers including those from Liberty and A La Mode. He launched his
first professional collection the following season.
Berardi quickly learnt the skills of the design trade, the
techniques of clothing construction and manufacture, and how to succeed in
business. He was determined to make his business independent so that his
reputation would never depend on outside investors. Today he is one of the very
few internationally influential designers operating a completely autonomous
company.