Chanel, founder of Mia´ Musca, had a passion for design that began at the age of nine, when her grandmother, Anna Gazzo—a professionally trained tailor in Italy—first placed a needle and thread in her hands. Chanel was practically raised by her grandmother, who not only taught her to sew but also instilled in her the belief that fashion holds meaning both in the world and in the inner life of a person. For Anna, tailoring was more than work—it was a love affair, a vocation born from necessity yet embraced with devotion.

In 1950, Anna migrated to Australia with her sister, carrying her craft across continents and continuing her career in tailoring. Alongside her was Chanel’s great-aunt Severina, who, despite growing up too poor to pursue formal education, carved her own path through dressmaking. Severina went on to establish ARC, a small but successful label where she designed her own collections and ran a factory of twenty employees. She also produced samples for Myer and was contracted by Miller Clothing.

Anna and Severina’s story was one of resilience, shaped by post-war 1950s realities where sewing was the only training their parents could afford. Yet Anna often reminded Chanel of the privilege she now holds—the luxury of choice, of doing what you love. In teaching her craft, she passed down more than technique: she shared the joy, responsibility, and transformative power of fashion. It was a love that, slowly but inevitably, became Chanel’s own.