Fashion vs. Art: A Love Affair with Shoes

Shoes, Shoes, shoes…..next to diamonds, a girl’s best friend, and quite frankly my best friend as well! Salvatore Ferragamo had a great love affair with shoes, and it shoes through his work. Ferragamo got inspiration for his designs from all over, whether it’s from ancient Egypt, nature, or Shanghai warrior uniforms.  But this red Swarovski strass heel really made me think, where did he get his inspiration??? Perhaps all the inspiration came from this textured work of art done by Enrico Castellani. Although I do have to say when I first saw the shoe I pictured a rose with raindrops to represent not only the color but also the texture.

"Own It"

Buonasera! Have any of you guys ever listened to the lyrics of the song “Own It” by the Black Eyed Peas?? Well this song is the perfect song to describe my day, “this is my chance to own it.” But what exactly is “it”, “it” is my future, my dreams, my goals….”it” is EVERYTHING I want out of life. I’m sharing this with you guys because what I experienced today was spectacular, and for me an awakening to something I would like to pursue in life. Today we had the privilege to attend White Sposa Trade Show, under Editor and Chief Simone Polli, White Sposa is Italy’s leading bridal magazine. Twice a year White Sposa hosts a trade show of bridal gowns, tuxedos, hats, Italian wedding confetti, and bridal shoes, and we got the opportunity to view Fall/Winter 2011/2012 collections of some haute couture bridal gowns along with meeting the designers. The gowns we saw were astounding and very unique, some with exquisite beadwork and other’s with stunning life-like flowers sewn into the gowns.

This experience was amazing for me because I’ve always been on the fence about going into bridal fashion. I definitely still want to do PR/marketing but I know for sure now that I would like to do it within the bridal industry. Maybe begin a career with Instyle Weddings or The Knot, I just know this experienced has helped me so much. And it’s not just the beauty of wedding that attracts me to the industry; it’s the emotions, the details, the art of it all. And I have give credit where credit is due; one of the designers we met was explaining his collection and the creativity he puts into it, from taking inspiration from the moon to sewing on every bead and crystal by hand, said “go after your dreams!” He also told as that if we want something that we have to go for and don’t let anything hold us back, which is why I’m entitling this blog “Own It,” which has a line, “if you’ve been dreaming your whole life, this is your chance….” So guys this is my chance and I’m taking it and with the grace of God every dream will be fulfilled and every goal will be reached!

Own It- Black Eyed Peas

(Unfornately I can't post any pictures of the gowns we saw today because they will not be on the market until September 2011)

Tomorrow Iceberg Catwalk!! 

Wedding in the Park!

Ciao guys! Today was a gorgeous day out in Milano we visited Milano Giardini Pubblici. A little smaller then Central Park but while we were walking through it felt the same. Dogs running around having a jolly time sniffing each other, and ponds filled with fish and turtles. But about the ponds….the fish, totally mutant, they were so big and weird looking, it was crazy. But the best thing about the park was the wedding, just in case I haven’t said it enough….I LOVE WEDDINGS!!!!! Now I didn’t get to see the wedding action but I got to see the bridal party take pictures, which was pleasant. But I was a little sad that I didn’t get to check out the ring…..which is the best part of the wedding.  I did get to see the second best, the dress, and considering the couple that was getting married, it was pretty nice. It was an older couple, maybe late 40's, early 50's and she wore a ¾ length yellow dress with a gold trim, gorgeous! But of course there’s always one person at the wedding that tries to out shine the bride at this wedding it was a total miss. This girl had on a grayish dress, that stopped right above her thigh….gross….and white pumps, how do you say disgusting in Italian!

After the walk around the park and taking pictures we walked around Buenos Aires and came across the prettiest courtyard EVER. It was amazing and I think I want my Milan vacation home there so I can wake up every morning to that view.

The next part of my day ended with some awesome Asian food and nice bottle of wine. P.s. the sushi here is so much bigger than the rolls back home!              

Tomorrow we’ll be attending White Sposa Bridal Show!!!!!

A Fashion Legend

Ciao! As many of you know Coco Chanel is someone that I greatly admire in the fashion industry. Women fashion would not be what it is today if it wasn't for her. But there is one more person that has paved the fashion road, and is a great legend in my eyes.....Salvatore Ferragamo. Born in Southern Italy Ferragamo, emigrated to the United States in 1914 beginning to build his brand of custom made shoes for women in Hollywood. Designing for the elite such as Marilyn Monroe, the Duchess of Windsor, Ava Gardner, and Audrey Hepburn, Ferragamo used his creativity and great talent to build a successful empire.

Moving back to Italy in 1927, settling in Florence, Ferragamo opened his first workshop and his clientele enlarged. And now his store and museum sits in the space of his first workshop, and standing in it was phenomenal. Seeing everything that he put into his work from creating a model of his clients foot to his abstract designs was amazing and it gave me even more inspiration to my goals in life. And it also showed me that doing what you love will bring you success. Salvatore Ferragamo and the Salvatore Ferragamo brand is the epitome of passion.

Shoes designed for Judy Garland

After the visit to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum I walked around Florence for a bit more to take in the beauty and eat one more delicious Florentine pizza! So whenever you guys are in Florence you HAVE to go to Gustapizza, the pizza I had there was the BEST I’ve had this entire trip here in Italia.

All the Possibilities......

Salve! One of the reasons why I love fashion is because it never stops and there are so many possibilities, especially career wise. I've always said I NEVER want to be a buyer, first it takes to long to reach the level of a buyer and second it's too much number crunching. But after being a part of Pitti Immagine, I feel a little different. Observing what goes on at Pitti is a eye opener to what anyone, or I can do in the fashion industry. The building was filled with enjoyment and not so much stress, I'm assuming they haven't gotten to the number crunching yet, but everyone was very excited to be there. And OMG the collections, I WANT IT ALL!!!!! I can't want for some of the lines I saw to hit the market.



Although I feel different about being a buyer, Pitti was an affirmation to my thoughts about going into marketing/public relations and visual merchandising. I say this because, as I was walking the aisles I was mostly observing the phenomenal display setup of the designers and lines. They were all so creative, with they're own individual style and flare, and no two were the same. It would be amazing to have that job, and it's so me, it would be my creativity at it's best! So taking part in Pitti definitely have me thinking...what direction do I want to go in??? But wherever I end up I just know I'll be happy and love the job.

Be on the look out for more information about Pitti and the culture of a trade fair in my cultural assignment.

After leaving Pitti we got to walk around and see more of Florence, well some of it was unnecessary walking being that we walked the wrong way after stepping off the bus to the hotel. But when we finally realized the mistake and made it back to the hotel we enjoyed a night of pure bliss and ended the night with gelato!!

Arrivederci!!!

Under the Tuscan Sun

So can I just say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE FLORENCE!!!!!! Although it's a very tourist city. it's amazing, so much to see, so much to eat, and so much to buy!!! As we walked along the canal, we were plotting our escape from America to live under the Tuscan sun, in one of the beautiful villas. Everything here is just so....I can't find the words....it's just so enchanting. From the beautiful architecture, to the great detail put into the buildings, everything is brilliant. And did I mention Florence is THE place to buy leather....oh yes, leather, and at a reasonable price, from shoes to coats. And don't get me started on the leather handbags, a bit more pricey but ladies they are a must have!


And then there's the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) and it's completely glorious.  The 140 years it took to build the Gothic style cathedral was completely well spent, because the outcome is nothing less then magnificent. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is located in the same Piazza del Duomo is the Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistry of St. John) and Giotto’s Campanile. Built between 1059 and 1128 the baptistry takes on a Florentine Romanesque architecture style and is renowned for its three sets of divine bronze doors, one of which was dubbed by Michelangelo himself, which was entitled "The Gates of Paradise."
I can't talk about Florence with mentioning the amazing outdoor market, filled with some really cool crafts, from jewelry to leather goods to handmade mask from Venice. The best thing about it is that they love to bargain so you can easily walk away paying little to nothing for something. And looking for a gag gift, you'll definitely find one in the market. But along the some street of the market is different shops with jewelry, handbags, shoes, and scarves...all handmade in Italy.

It is amazing how beautiful everything is here in Italy, and with so much detail. And I get to see it for the next couple of weeks. Jealous yet.....you should be!!!

Tomorrow is Pitti Uomo market, super excited!! So until tomorrow, Arrivederci!!

Hmmm.....Interessare

Ciao Everyone! So yesterday was probably one of the coolest visits, and it was completely unexpected. We visited Alibi Fabrics, sounds like a bore right...totally not, it was quite fascinating. Getting the chance to see what fabrics designers are buying for the next was really cool and talking with the owner and representatives gave insight on a new career idea. We talked with Walter the American agent, the owner Marco, and Samantha who worked as the mediator between clients and the factory. They shared with us that Alibi supplies fabrics to most of the American designers such as Alexander Wang and Derek Lam. They provide these designers with fabrics for mostly pants and outerwear, and all these fabrics has many textures and patterns to them. The fabrics are shown twice a year and along with America, Alibi sells to Canada, France, Japan, and Korea. Other designers that purchase with Alibi includes Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Salvatore Ferragamo.
After talking we got the chance to tour the factory and see the production of the fabrics, from the computer to the shipping. And if it wasn't already exciting, the fascination really hit when we saw a pattern put in the computer and sent to the looms. Although if was extremely loud seeing the looms go was quite interesting especially seeing the beautiful fabrics that come out. Walter mentioned to us that a order usually takes 4-8 weeks and the minimum order has to be 300 yards. The mill puts out an average of 200-250 fabrics are collection and sometimes over 1000 fabrics. 

Although I walked in totally not wanting to go in this visit I walked with an idea of becoming an agent for a textile mill or maybe even a pattern designer...the possibilities are endless in the world of fashion, we'll see where God lead me!

10 Corso Como= Favoloso!!

So our culture bonus assignment lead us to a Milano hidden treasure, that is stylish and chic. 10 Corso Como is the name of this fabulous destination. From Louboutin to Manolo Blahnik, Valentino to Dior, if you love fashion like I do, it's THE place to go! But it's tucked away and you don't realize you're their until you're standing in a garden of honeysuckle. And the price point is somewhat higher, I mentioned Louboutin right?!But wait before you completely shut down on the thought of going......THERE'S AN OUTLET!!!!!! Even better, get your Red Bottoms at a super discounted price along with a Prada dress, guys Prada loafers and D&G jeans and you're good to go! And after shopping til you drop at the main store you can enjoy a panini and cappuccino, add back some of the calories you burned shopping! So instead of me leading you to this heavenly destination I'll just leave you with this, follow the smell of honey!

Inspired by Independence

Hello all, so today we got the chance to meet Vladimiro Gioia and there are really no words to describe what I think about him and the line, awesome just isn't enough! To give you guys a little background, Vladimiro started off as a child working in the leather and fur market with his family, and at the age of 19 he began working with designers, such as Dolce and Gabbana. And has he grew in his career he began his own line of leather and fur goods, creating a stunning line that represent independence and luxury. He doesn't like to follow trends when creating his collection, he goes through his own inspirations, saying "the most important thing is to follow what you feel!" Inspired by designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Gianni Versace, Vladimiro innovates the leather and fur for fashion. And as he designs and create his own line he still does work for designers such as Burberry, Iceberg and Valentino. And when asked, "in a couple of words, how would you describe your brand?," he answers, "different from others, luxury, very new, and brave!"

The Vladimiro Gioia collection is targeted to women in their 30's, in the upper middle class. He also would like to reach a younger demographic but the price point he sells at would be a little difficult for him the reach them. All of his pieces is made of fur, leather, or silk, and all of his pieces are STUNNING!!! Beautiful bright colors, intricate patterns, and form fitting, and that's not even the half of what he designs. And as of now sorry ladies it's not sold in the States but he is hoping to reach the US in the near future. He also has a goal set to create a men's line.....so I'm super excited about that.

As of now everything is made-to-order but be on the look out for his collection in the States. Later I will post his website, right now it's under construction.

I don't know about you but this trip and program has been AMAZING and I'm not looking forward to coming home next month. Tomorrow we leave for Florence, THRILLED!!!

Ciao!

Il Teatro alla Moda Fashion vs Art: The Dream of Valentino

"Abito da Sera," simply translate to I Live for the Night! And this Valentino gown, entitled "The Dream of Valentino" was worn the the opera singer and star Jean Acker in the opera "Abito da Sera," debuting in Washington DC National Opera House. How awe-inspiring is that?! The beautiful gown is made of satin and chiffon, and an embroidered decoration in the shape of a snake, and it's definitely an one of a kind. So what was possible inspiration for this gown? Perhaps the "Astarte Syriaca" painting created by Dante Rossetti. There are many elements in the painting that Valentino could have pulled inspiration from, such as the draping of the dress and the off the shoulder element. There is also the form of the dress, like in the painting the dress takes on a free form, flowing, but also shapes the body of the women. Or it's possibly the story behind the painting that gave inspiration. The painting is a symbol of the "divine power of women". But whatever was used as inspiration for the design, the dress is gorgeous!!

Click here for more information about Astarte Syriaca