PODCAST: Umberto Giannini Co-founder, Claire Shread

Welcome to the latest episode of our Podcast series "The Beauty Edit" where we bring you inspiring stories, retail insights and conversation from the beauty sectors's most influential business leaders. 

Unusually for a leading beauty industry figure, Claire Shread, Co-founder of Umberto Giannini started her career as an artist and worked for many years as a mural painter, mostly for the nightclub industry.

It was during this time that Claire met the award-winning hairdresser Umberto Giannini, who in the mid-90s commissioned her to design his latest salon.

The rest is history as the pair went on to became partners and have two children.
In 1998 and with Claire’s help, the Umberto Giannini product range was launched, featuring the iconic lipstick shaped bottle designed by Vogue Creative Director Robin Derrick.

Soon after Umberto’s tragic death in 2001, Claire took over the running of the business, bringing to it her artistic flair as well as her strong vegan and ethical views.

In addition to being Vegan, Cruelty Free and PETA certified, all Umberto Giannini products are also UK-made, with sustainability front-of mind at all times.

In this episode Claire talks to TheIndustry.fashion's Contributing Editor Gaelle Walker about the brand’s colourful history and its recent achievement of BCORP status for demonstrating the very highest commitments to numerous social and environmental standards.

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