Ever pictured your favorite armchair transforming into a stylish handmade jacket? That’s the venture George Fredrick Hall started when he founded Gezzani in 2014. Evolving from aesthetic inspiration, Gezzani has grown into a sustainable brand, crafting wearable art pieces that are not only eclectic but also contribute to making a positive difference.
But why clothing? For Hall, the roots trace back to his mother, a skilled seamstress who could turn anything from drapes to clothing into works of art. “My mother was always making something,” reflects Hall. “Although I wasn’t hands-on, witnessing that had a mark on me.” Beyond childhood memories, Hall felt the desire for unique and accessible fashion. “In men’s shopping, finding cool, affordable items can be challenging. If it’s not there, you have to make it.”
Hall compares his life to last chance fabrics and scraps. Growing up, he didn’t have much and had to learn fast to make something out of nothing. With a little piece here and a little piece there, he managed to create something beautiful. This same principle is reflected in his artistic clothing creations—each piece, a mix of disparate elements, coming together to form a whole.
For Hall, being a creative is more than a profession; it’s a way of life. The constant flow of inspiration from the surroundings fuels his passion. Hall envisions Gezzani as not just a brand but a growing business, putting High Point and Greater Greensboro on the creative map.
“We are a creative state. We train artists here, and we want to keep them in our arts ecosystem.”
A Greensboro native, Hall spent numerous hours immersing himself in the arts scene, interning, taking classes, and exploring the organizations within the Greensboro Cultural Center. He proudly identifies himself as “a product of the arts scene of Greater Greensboro,” a driving force propelling him artistically.
Further solidifying his connection to The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, Hall secured an Artist Support Grant for the 2023-24 cycle. This grant will enable him to showcase his clothing at the upcoming spring High Point Furniture Market. “I appreciate organizations like The ACGG that help you leverage and excel in your business,” acknowledges Hall. To learn more about Hall’s work, explore his website at www.gezzani.com, witness his creations exclusively available at the Cohab Space, or join the excitement at this year’s High Point Furniture Market.
The Artist Support Grant is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
