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

Sforza Castle Art vs Fashion: Studded Red Bottoms

Oh the wonderful world of Christian Louboutin, killer stilettos with that fierce red bottom, who would not want a pair?! Like these studded 6 inch heels in his February 2011 line, any girl with these is bound to turn heads. And perhaps the inspiration for this exquisite heels developed from the Crab Sculpture found in the Sforza Castle found in the Ducal courtyard exhibit. Amongst other furniture decor, the Crab has inspired some incredible pieces of fashion!

www.christianlouboutin.com

www.milanocastello.it

Che il Giorno?!

What an adventure today was, part pleasant and part a disaster. We started off so beautifully, arriving at the Sforza Castle with beautiful sculptures created by Michelangelo, and some neat dinner ware. We also checked what some interesting instruments in the castle, instruments that when you see them you ask yourself, "how in the hell did they play that?!" But it was all so beautiful!

The next part of the adventure began at the Il Teatro Alla Moda....one word SBALORDIRE!!!!!! This is a theater costume museum filled with some of the most gorgeous costumes from designers such as Gianni Versace and Giorgio Armani. Looking at the pieces just same so surreal, it's you're in a dream staring at creative beauty. Unfortunately I couldn't take pictures inside the museum but check out the link below to see the creativity.

Il Teatro Alla Moda

So after the ending of the museum my group and I begin to head to our clue for the first culture assignment of the program. And that's where it began to go down hill.....First, after we arrive to where the clue was located we realized that it was right there behind the castle we were at that morning, complete OMG moment. So we take our picture with the mounment, which was the Arco della Pace. Check it out: Arco delle Pace. It was built by Luigi Cagnola in 1806 when Napoleon asked for a celebrative arch, but not completed until 1833 after the death of Cagnola.

After finding the mounment we began to head back home.....well we thought we were. As soon as we started walking the rain started....oh wait, "is that hail," why yes it is. It started to hail the size of pennies. So as we're waiting for it to stop we realize it was going to continue for a while and then booked it to the metro station. And just when we thought everything was good, we run into the Isreal protest in the metro station....and there goes our wth moment. As we're creeping pass the protest to get on the metro everyone is nervous and thinking to worst is going to happen but thank God we made it to our train and arrived to the hotel in one piece!

The Duomo Art vs Fashion: Metallics

Smooth, Sparkle, Shine! Metallic has been a huge hit this season from Jean Paul Gaultier to Marc Jacobs, ladies will be hitting the streets in lamé with a slick and sophisticated look. This Donna Karan evening gown from her Resort/Cruise 2012 line is the perfect example. But where did the inspiration come from, perhaps the Madonnia statue in the picture above. Created by Giuseppe Prego and goldsmith Joseph Bini in 1774, the Madonnia is a copper statue of the Virgin Mary, that gives the fashion industry an insight to shiny looks!

http://www.albumviaggi.it/milano.htm

www.donnakaran.com

Style Sight

Lake Como Art vs. Fashion: Rose Circle

The Como Cathedral, located in Como, Lombardy, Italy, was a cathedral built in dedication to Santa Maria Maggiore dated from the late 14^th century under the construction of Lorenzo delgi Spazzi di Laino. The Gothic style cathedral can be used as inspiration to many designers, but one thing I found to be inspirational is the rose circle that can be found in many lines and collections. Such as Rocco Barocco Fall/Winter 2011 collection featuring a rose circle in his jewelry line. But not only does it take the shape it also take on the goth look that the cathedral presents.

www.roccobarocco.it

http://www.historic-places.com/italy/como-cathedral

Sentire Come a Casa

Salve Tutti!! Have you ever walked into an office and it felt like home?? Well guys let me tell you how AMAZING it felt to walk into the office of Vogue Italia....that's right Vogue Italia!!! Other then the offices walking through the halls felt just like home. The workers were socializing, probably working but they seem of carefree and blissful. There were clear plastic walls covered in writing with different quotes and sayings, it was a thrill to be there. But wait, I haven't told you the best part.....I was in the office of the editor and chief Franca Sozzani, yes I said editor and chief, how awesome is that! We were given a tour by Senior Fashion Editor Sara Maino, which was the second best thing about today. As we were talking with Sara, that's right we're on first name basis, she reassured me that Vogue is where I want to be and I would love to start in Milano. The style of the magazine is for the passionate fashion lover. They reach many demographics by presenting issues such as this month’s plus size issue and an all African American that was done last year. The magazine is presented with an edge but still has the sophistication of Vogue.

That was just the beginning of my day.  After the visit to Vogue we attended a photo shoot that was a real eye-opener to what goes on behind the scenes of the magazine. Students at the Milano Istituto Europeo di Design were given denim as a trend for a photo shoot, in which they had to find a topic and incorporate denim, and some of the shoots they talked about were fascinating, and the one we saw today was really impressive. The topic for the shoot we viewed today was of a pin-up girl, very sexy, right? It was so much fun being on the shoot and seeing the model interact with the photographer and camera; I was truly intrigued. The day didn't end there...nope...after the shoot we headed to the exclusive Tommy Hilfiger Denim Store Premier party! Sexy models, cocktails, being the first to view the collection great way to end the day, right?!

So our day closed with a great party and more incredible food! Well I'm signing off, tomorrow the Duomo, super excited to climb to the top! Vederla domani!! 

P.s. french fries in Milan are the same as those in the states...lol!

Piacere Paolo!

Buonasera! Have you ever been in a place where you felt so welcome and over joyed to be in good company? Today, myself and seven others got that feeling while we were enjoying the BEST lunch EVER on Lake Como! As we walk into the restaurant we were greeted by the chef of the kitchen, whom was extremely thrilled that we chose his restaurant and the waiters was more then generous as they sat us. And while sitting and chatting about the awesome view and how we're all moving to Italy, in come Paolo. Paolo, great friends with the chef instantly comes to our table and begun to talk with us, and as we all butchered the Italian language he continued to talk with us. We all told him why we were in Italy and he begun to give us some great information about where to go for some fashion adventures, offering to take the time and show them to us. And needless to say, one day in the future of the program we will take Paolo up on his offer!

Before I go I want to just share with those that have not yet visited Lake Como in Italy.....BEAUTIFUL, no AMAZING, or maybe EXTRAORDINARY!!!!! I haven't seen a lake so amazing in my life and with so much history around it. As we walked we came across two Duomos (Churches) the were absolutely gorgeous, and we got the chance to enter one. And when I walk in the church I'm pretty sure my eyes popped out for a second, the sight was so heavenly and it's unfortunate that I couldn't take pictures to share. There was also the silk museum, that shares the history of silk production from the silk worm to the printing and dyeing. And the coolest thing about it was seeing the Luigi Cerati exhibit, whom used wood to create a printing method for silk and turned in to art, which is the beginning of we come to Italy to learn, that fashion actually is an art!!

So tomorrow is VOGUE ITALIA!!!!!! You definitely don't want to miss the deats on that!!

Arrivederci!!!