I’m not a particularly materialistic person, I promise you. But sometimes, the emotions attached to something really special—a bracelet in my jewelry box, sunglasses in my bag, even the stitching along the trim of a suede glove—it can be such a sweet reminder, a touchstone. Suddenly an object's value has nothing to do with its price or its brand name, and everything to do with who we are, how we define ourselves, and how we are experienced by others. It's about style, of course it is. But then style can also be about something deeper than style. Individuality, confidence, freedom.

mymondello is a simple idea, I know it. Beautiful, no, special accessories for the people I love, and for the people that they love ... and hopefully for the people that those people love. I’m proud of the brands I’m introducing to America. Sharing this inspiraton has been wonderful.

For more than thirty-five years my family has been accessorizing our favorite people in Italy, the kind of people you'd love to know. First with the finest eyeglasses from other manufacturers, and more recently with our own line, dedicated to an ever-growing family of Mondellianis. Chic and warm-hearted, elegant and fun, trendy but loyal. Smart. I was born and raised in it. The style, the history, the craftsmanship, the attention to detail, and yes all the dedication and hard work that hides beneath the surface of anything worthwhile that looks effortless.

Life is family and friends. It’s about our challenges and our joy, the memories we make together. Love isn’t why I came to America, but it’s why I’m still here. It’s why I began a business here, trading on my Italian sensibility, on my experience in the European fashion industry, on optimism as much as on taste.

I was taught to work hard, to be strong, and to always save room for a smile and a hug. Life moves quickly, so not much time to waste. When they tell our story, let's hope they'll say, Those ones really lived.

— Francesca Romana Mondello