The Artisan Spirit of Monnaluna

At La Faccia Bella, we are endlessly inspired by the artistry behind the products and people we bring to you. From the latest in clean beauty to treasures discovered in Europe, our mission is to share not only skincare and style, but also the stories of the remarkable creators behind them.

In this month's SkinEdit, we’re honored to spotlight Giovanna Flavia Bruno, the visionary designer of Monnaluna, whose handcrafted jewelry captures the soul of Florence and the essence of modern femininity. Her journey from Canada to Italy, and her devotion to authentic artisan craft, make her pieces not only beautiful to wear but also deeply meaningful to own.

A Legacy of Florence, Reborn in Luxury

The Monnaluna project was born in Florence, Italy in 2009, under the vision of designer Giovanna Flavia Bruno. Her work draws deeply from the humanistic spirit of the Florentine Renaissance, reimagined for modern women.

Giovanna herself is a woman of striking energy and creativity. Born in Calgary, Alberta, she was the eldest of three children in a family that valued travel and cultural discovery. Those journeys, often taken together, awakened in her a love for faraway places and diverse experiences.

Elegance of yesterday, vision of today.

She recalls childhood summers in Florence with vivid emotion:“I felt as though I had stepped into a magical world—ancient, sometimes crumbling, even neglected in parts, yet infused with an aura of beauty, romance, and a joy that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been here. Florence, and Italy as a whole, are forever tied to those memories.”

Today, Florence is not just where Giovanna resides, but where her heart and her creative vision truly belong. “This is where I found the right ambience for my project: Monnaluna.”

Monnaluna was created to meet the needs of contemporary women—women balancing careers, elegance, comfort, and identity. “Nothing should be sacrificed,” Giovanna insists. Her jewelry offers women the freedom to express their individuality, their stories, and their essence. Inspiration comes daily from Florence itself, its marvels woven into each creation.

A humble artisan.

Monnaluna’s boutique is nestled in the Oltrarno district, the vibrant artisan quarter “beyond the Arno.” While the other side of the river is home to landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, Oltrarno is where authentic craftsmanship thrives, among treasures such as Piazza Pitti, Santo Spirito—and Monnaluna. Giovanna describes her atelier humbly: “I am an artisan, really, like so many here. My passion is rooted in direct contact—with the people I meet, with my clients. Every piece is created to fulfill their needs, often in unique, personalized combinations, becoming a design just for them.”

Monnaluna jewels have found admirers across the globe, from the United States to India. Each creation carries the brand’s hallmark: originality, versatility, and an unwavering expression of authentic femininity—whether casual, elegant, or boldly unique.