Barbara Guarducci

Barbara Guarducci is a trend forecaster and accomplished creative director engaged in textile and craft design endeavors with a strong emphasis on social value. She leverages her professional expertise in projects where craftsmanship serves as a social and economic tool, contributing to the creation of high-quality ethically-made collections. Presently, her focus lies in supporting the textile craft supply chain through creative collaborations centered on a circular and design-driven approach, connecting artisans from her native country, Italy, and also from around the globe, to the mainstream industries of fashion and design.

For more than two decades, she has worked on international cooperation projects in creative direction and design training, fostering creative connections between artisans, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from various regions in the Global South, and the fashion industry. These efforts have involved significant collaborations with various UN agencies such as UNIDO, ITC, as well as international NGOs, and since 2010, the Zegna Foundation. Her extensive work experience spanning across Southeast Asia, Africa, Central and South America has shaped her concept of ethical design, honest fashion, and above all, reinforced her commitment to sustainability and humanity within her profession.
Barbara has cultivated a distinctive viewpoint encompassing the diverse facets of the industry, amalgamating her multidisciplinary experience. She has established a long-term role as an international lecturer, contributing to undergraduate and master courses on trends research, sustainability, and fashion future. Her teaching portfolio includes collaborations with various fashion academies and universities worldwide, notably Polimoda from 1999 to 2005, UC Universidad Catolica, Santiago, Chile from 2016 to 2021 and the Kent State University, Florence Fashion program since 2012.
Furthermore, Barbara is a long-term contributor and trend research specialist at VIEW Publications.

Driven by an enduring passion for implementing creative initiatives with positive social impact, Barbara spearheads ‘Mending for Good’, an innovative consultancy focusing on fashion upcycling, craftsmanship and social values.