Giani’s story is one of bold transitions and creative resilience, moving from the structured life of military service to the innovative world of fashion design at The New School in New York City. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Giani’s journey is marked by contrasts—deserts to skyscrapers, uniforms to high fashion, and aircraft boneyards to bustling city streets.

Today, as a fashion design student at The New School, he’s thriving in an environment that embraces creativity, freedom, and the art of self-expression while still bringing what he learned in the military, “The military has helped my experience at The New School by being able to be more detailed and thorough – making sure everything is in good order and that you have all of your deliverables, being very thoughtful and detailed.”

Giani served four and a half years in the U.S. Air Force as a force admin at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. Known as the “boneyard,” this base is home to miles of old aircraft – a stark and expansive desert landscape that contrasts sharply with his current life in New York City. His military experience, often defined by precision and discipline, laid a solid foundation for his transition into the arts, particularly fashion design.

“I always had my eye on top art schools,” Giani says. Even before the Air Force, he was captivated by the creative fields, initially exploring photography and film. However, his passion for fashion began in high school when he started selling t-shirts as a side hustle, using his designs as a canvas to express his artistic vision. “Clothes were a good way for me to draw whatever was in my mind and put it on a t-shirt and give it to a friend or sell it,” he explains. This early experience ignited a desire to elevate his craft from simple t-shirts to more complex designs like jackets and dresses, leading him toward a future in fashion.

When it came to choosing where to study, Giani had his heart set on The New School in New York City. “I was really set on The New School because I loved the amenities, internships, and opportunities,” he shares. After comparing top schools like FIT, Giani found that Parsons at The New School offered him the creative freedom he craved.

“The New School allowed me to gain tools and education in fashion without feeling like I couldn’t be free and express myself,” he says. Here, he’s not just learning the technical skills of sewing and fabric selection, but exploring marketing and the business side of fashion.

Giani poses with his creations in his studio space at Parsons School of Design

The military gave Giani an edge in his new field. He credits his service with sharpening his attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to execute projects meticulously—invaluable qualities in fashion design. He spent time in the military doing basic design work, like sewing and tailoring friends’ clothes, experiences that allowed him to refine his skills.

He even started his brand, experimenting with styles like athleisure and streetwear, which laid the groundwork for his current studies, and even drawing inspiration from his military background for his designs, “I think in terms of referencing our uniforms, using cargo pants as inspiration and the blouses that I like the look of. Incorporating our everyday uniforms and interpreting them as something more luxurious. I even reference an older military, 1960s Vietnam-era uniform.'“

New York City is more than just a backdrop for Giani’s education—it’s a vibrant, pulsating extension of the creative spirit that drives him. “It’s a cool place, and it’s also a hard place,” he reflects. The city offers endless opportunities to connect, network, and draw inspiration from the rich cultural landscapes of Brooklyn, Harlem, and beyond. “If you're creative, you’ll stay inspired,” Giani continues.

A significant factor in Giani’s success at The New School is the supportive community he’s found, particularly for veterans. “It’s cool to have a veteran center here, especially at an art school,” Giani says. He emphasizes how welcoming the environment is, “You can connect to others who want to help and who can relate to your experience. The New School is military friendly; I haven’t experienced negativity and only support because of my military background.”

Giani has simple but powerful advice to those in the military considering a creative path: “Follow your passion and see what the world has to offer beyond the military. Don’t be afraid to follow your passion, even if it’s more creative and offbeat.” He reflects on his journey with pride and a message to his past self: “Don’t be scared, and don’t be afraid to pursue your passion fully. You’re covered.”

Giani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions and the unique opportunities available at The New School. His journey from the Air Force to fashion design underscores the value of embracing change, finding community, and daring to be different in a city that celebrates creativity in all its forms.