At MGLA, we love connecting with creative entrepreneurs who merge tradition and innovation — people who bring soul into international trade.

This month, we are delighted to introduce Aurora Pica, founder and designer of Api, an Italian brand that celebrates femininity, craftsmanship, and timeless Mediterranean elegance. From Rome to the world, Api represents passion, heritage, and the art of tailoring applied to contemporary beachwear.

MGLA: Aurora, tell us how your brand was born. What inspired you to create Api, and how did your family’s tailoring experience influence this journey?

Aurora: Since I was born, I’ve always lived inside my mother’s workshop. At first, it was almost like a game — I’d take pieces of fabric and make small cuts with my imagination. Over time, by working alongside my mother, I realized how much I enjoyed observing her and thinking about how I would modify each garment. About a year ago, during a difficult period, my mother and I decided to organize a small fashion show as a way to escape reality for a bit — and from there, the idea came to launch a brand under my name, born from both of our collaboration.

MGLA: “Made in Italy” is more than a label — it’s a philosophy. What does 100% Made in Italy mean to you, and how do you keep craftsmanship at the heart of your collections?

Aurora: All of our materials come from Italy, and production happens directly in the workshop my mother opened independently in Rome in 1994. I started working with her about four years ago and learned many things — above all, how important it is for each garment to leave the studio in the most precise condition possible. We’ve built an assembly process with our team, where every employee carefully checks the product at each stage before it’s completed.

MGLA: Your collections radiate emotion, color, and attention to detail. Where do you find inspiration for your bikinis and resort pieces? Are there places, eras, or emotions that shape your creative vision?

Aurora: My main inspiration is that I want my pieces to always be elegant, never vulgar. There isn’t a single place or moment that defines it — inspiration can come from another garment, a swimsuit I’ve seen, or even a random moment when I’m doing something else and suddenly imagine an idea that could work. I sketch it quickly, then discuss it with my mother, and together we try to transform the drawing into reality.

MGLA: Family seems to play a special role in your story. What is it like to work with your mother, and how has her presence influenced the growth of the brand — both creatively and personally?

Aurora: Working together isn’t always easy — sometimes our ideas clash, and each of us thinks hers is best. But because we can freely create and refine things as we wish, we always find a common ground. I also believe her experience is a huge advantage for me, since I’m still at the beginning of my journey — not only in terms of craftsmanship but also in customer relations and professional attitude.

MGLA: Every piece on your website reflects passion and precision. Can you describe the process — from idea to finished bikini — and what makes Api pieces unique compared to mass production?

Aurora: First of all, every piece is designed directly by us, which gives us the knowledge to create something innovative yet realistic to produce. Then we create the pattern, cut the fabric, and move the piece through each sewing stage — each machine and person with a specific task. Finally, during quality control, every thread is carefully trimmed, each seam tested for durability, and the entire piece is checked for imperfections before being packaged and prepared for the customer.

MGLA: Italy has a long tradition in luxury fashion. How do you see Api within this new generation of Italian brands — modern, feminine, yet still rooted in tradition?

Aurora: That’s always unpredictable! We love to travel and keep our minds open, so who knows — one day we might surprise everyone with something completely unexpected.

MGLA: Api represents elegance, but also empowerment. What message do you want to share with the women who wear your pieces?

Aurora: For me, it’s very important that whoever wears my designs feels valued and confident. That’s why I love creating garments that anyone can wear. Of course, there are pieces that look better on slimmer figures, just as there are designs that flatter curvier women — the same goes for our swimwear. I want every woman to find something that makes her feel beautiful.

MGLA: MGLA International works to build bridges between cultures and markets in wellness and design. Which countries or regions are you already collaborating with, and which new markets would you like to explore in the future?

Aurora: Through our workshop, we currently collaborate with London and Los Angeles, but we haven’t yet had the chance to officially launch Api abroad. I’d love to collaborate with anyone who appreciates our creations — as I said, we’re very open-minded and welcome any opportunity.

MGLA: Sustainability and long-lasting quality are important parts of your story. How do you approach responsible production, material choice, and timeless design in a world dominated by fast fashion?

Aurora: I believe it takes patience and time to prove the value of our materials. Nowadays, people are used to buying inexpensive clothes and discarding them after a few months when they wear out. That’s absolutely not what Api offers — on the contrary! Our pieces are designed to last for years, as long as they are cared for properly.

MGLA: Finally, what can you tell us about the future of Api?Are there upcoming projects, collaborations, or new collections you can share?

Aurora: Absolutely — our collections will continue to grow and will always be published on our website for every customer to explore, showing the full elegance of our work. There are no major projects at the moment, but we’re always ready for any opportunity that comes our way.

All images are a courtesy of Api by Aurora Pica

At MGLA, we believe that the most beautiful products carry the energy of the people who create them — and Api is the perfect example.
Aurora Pica’s brand reminds us that authenticity, family roots, and craftsmanship can still define the future of international fashion.

📲 Follow them online:

Instagram @apifashion @au_roraa
Website https://aurorapica.com/

💌 Want to share your story with us? Write to info@mglainternational.com. We’d love to hear from you.

MGLA x Api: The Heart of Italian Craftsmanship in Beachwear