Maddalena comes from a generation of Italian tailors, she could thread a needle before she could read. Having been surrounded by fabrics throughout her childhood, she used fabrics, as a child would play with toys.
Cutting and putting shapes together became second nature. After finishing school there was only one route to take, go to college and do the City and Guilds in Tailoring at London College of Fashion (now the University of the Arts London). After studying at London College of Fashion for three years, the next step was to go into industry.
With 35 years of experience in creative cutting and sewing across the industry, in contemporary, tailoring, couture (Franka couture house Dover Street) and costumes for West End theatres and film, including the Royal Opera House and English National Opera, she has had an extremely diverse career.
In the autumn of 1999 she was approached by a lecturer at London College of Fashion to teach on the tailoring course. This started her part time teaching career.
Which consists of 10 years teaching tailoring at London College of Fashion, 5 years teaching at University of West London on a fashion and textile course, followed by teaching at Central St Martins School of Art and Design for the past 5 years.
Her weeks are now divided into teaching and running her personal business. When the university is closed she focuses completely on her business.