Milan's Lasting Impression

Milan comes to an end, but my experience lives on... on Prezi

In the beginning, I had a set image in my head of Milan being fashion driven and one of the leading fashion capitals of the world. I found myself only viewing Italy in a stereotypical way and not paying any attention to the actual cultural aspects of Italy along with the Italian's profound artwork, famous museums, extravagant cathedrals, architectural structures and language that is poetically spoken. There is history in every place that you go and every step that you take and I have grown to appreciate the beauty of it all. I can say that my views have changed in a way that made me realize how deeply rooted the Italian culture is, and I was surprised as to how much I managed to take in, with the given amount of time that I spent here.

Milan, Italy will be seeing me again...
Ciao for now.

Art vs. Fashion: Bob Krieger Photography

Art

Veruschka 1974

Bob Krieger

Bob Krieger is a photographer that is known internationally. From the faces of people in politics, entertainment, culture, sports and fashion: He does it all. Being a descendant from Egypt, he has taken with him his mother's artistic talent that was inherited by a household of painters, actors, and artists. Bob Krieger also has adapted to his father's rigorous character which shows in his captured photos.

http://www.bobkrieger.com/KRGR/profile.php 

The photograph entitled Veruschka embodies goddess appeal, with an overall structural approach. Her bow and arrow shows that she is a strong and determined and that she is bounded by her confidence and poise. She has the freedom to explore her strengths.

VS.

 

Fashion

Irina Shabayeva

Fall/Winter 2011

New York

Irina Shabayeva is a New York based fashion designer and the recent winner of Project Runway of season 6 and continues to design headstrong with the aspects of art, nature, world travel, and fantasy.

In this particular Fall/Winter 2011 debut collection by Shabayeva, freedom was the one word that describes the direction of her clothing.

 The Veruschka photograph can be interpreted in so many different ways. In this leather piece, the center of the jacket represents the form of the bow and the arrow is shattered into little bits at the shoulders. There is symmetry in both the Veruschka photograph and the garment as well as in the body language accompanied by many triangular shapes. To me the fashion side is an abstract representation of the bow and arrow. When viewing the jacket straight on, an arrow can be seen, and as you tilt your head sideways, you can see an actual bow.

Reliving Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper

Glass doors close right behind you and after three stops, you enter the secured sanctuary where Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper lives. My thoughts as to how I would be viewing this highly talked about work of art is that it would be in smaller form, framed and simply hung on a wall. It was nothing to that extent, because it was a massive piece that was painted on a cascading wall above an arched walkway that is now closed off.

This image of The Last Supper does not do it any justice, it is a whole different story up close and right in front of your eyes

His artistic techniques involves an innovative drying process that is unique of its own kind, which gives the painting a rustic feel; almost in resemblance of a mosaic. When walking towards The Last Supply, there is an emotion that projects from the painting and your attention gravitates towards the center where Jesus is. The colors were still vibrant yet muted and every little detail in the painting made it come to life before your eyes. Your can't help but to be mesmerized and sit in complete silence and fall into a meditative state-of-mind.

Seeing this piece for myself made me think about so much buried history that was revealed through the many layers that have been restored to keep its originality. The history that the Italians have made through paintings and art in general still remains throughout Italy and to be able to experience their past and learn about their culture more closely makes it that much more captivating.

Grand Opening of Foot Locker in Milan, Italy

 Even though it was a scorching hot day, as night fell, events were launched. I had the chance to attend the grand opening of Foot Locker with Quateshia Marigny. Located conveniently in the city center with so many interesting people around and many opportunities to network (Quateshia worked her magic and we ended up speaking with a creative individual, the DJ).

The DJ at this event originated from New York and studied at FIDM and now he is living in Milan to carry out his own boutique for urban sneakers and underground fashions. There are so many hidden gems throughout Milan and you have to talk to the right people in order to unleash that kind of secret shopping destination. I was also introduced to people within the Foot Locker company who came all the way from Britain, Holland and London.

 Foot Locker Milan, largest flagship store in Europe 

 While in conversation, I was told that I had a strong accent and I was so amused to the fact that my accent to them was far better than theres (this was quit shocking to me because to me I don't feel that I speak any differently). This was such an intriguing part of my night, and being that I only have two days left to spend in Milan, it was a night well spent.

Art vs. Fashion: Agatha Meets Amore e Pisiche

Art

Benzoni Giovanni Maria
Amore e Pisiche(1809-1873)

Giovanni Maria Benzoni was born into a a family of poor peasants who enlightened himself with his talent as a neoclassical sculptor who got his further experience in Rome and eventually opening up his own workshop. He became recognized at a young age when he used to make wood carvings. His sculptures closely reflects the person that he was: relaxed and original.

http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/giovanni-maria-benzoni_(Dizionario-Biografico)/

Amore e Pisiche (Cupid and Psyche) is well known in art and literature and holds a deep underlying story of love. Psyche is the mortal beauty who becomes the bride of Love-Cupid, only to be seen when darkness comes.

VS. 

Fashion

Agatha

Spring/Summer 2012

Rio de Janiero

 This collection is based on natural beauty and and purity of the woman's mind, body and soul.
The color palette consists of white, tan, brown, and gold, along with emerald green textured prints that look light and airy.

 The story line of the sculpture emulates the detailing in the
dress and necklace by Agatha. 

When I saw this particular dress I envisioned Amore's (Cupid) angel wing and the draping of Pisiche's (comparable to the goddess Venus) sarong. Imagery of the angel wing can be recognized in the dress itself because of the textured pattern incorporated on the fabric. To top it all off, the feather and stone embellishment combined in the neck piece symbolizes the marble/stone of the sculpture and the feathers in the wings.   

 See more of the Agatha Collection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIvuDQPYKI

Scuola di Moda: Istituto Carlo Secoli

The president of Istituto Secoli, Stefano Secoli, taught me a lesson on how the Italians go about their way as to what the fashion industry needs. This school of fashion design, and the production that goes into a runway show, is very close in line with the industry where students are able to go from drawing boards to pattern making leading to designing collections that are viewed on an actual models on the runway.

Instituto Secoli

"Great Minds Think Alike"

 Two runway shows put on by graduating students at the Istituto di Carlo Secoli with such new and innovative designs that are foreign to the eyes and giving fashion a new meaning.

 Sectors make fashion; but what is fashion? Fashion can be what people are looking for such as the quality, fit, or an overall innovative and refreshing unique piece of garment that suits a person's image. There are two parts in which fashion breaks in two: Atelier and industry. Atelier being the couture side with its 1-by-1 production as opposed to industry which produces more than one piece of clothing at a time that are made "ready to wear." Both sides share the common ground of putting on runway shows: It is only way to present collections to people in the industry and it is a key point in making it less easy for others to imitate.

The world of fashion design is what makes this industry grow and evolve to where it is today. I want to be a part of this kind of work where I am able to influence the way that people dress. Fashion design can take on many shapes and forms: it can be anything that you want it to be.

Cultural Assignment: The "4 Store" Hunt

Our cultural group was sent on an adventure to find 4 selected stores that were unique to their own kind. The purpose of our visit was to seek out why we were sent to these stores and the kind of impact it will have on the industry that we are entering.

The stores all showed different form of craftsmanship, which allowed us to get a better understanding and appreciation for Italian goods. From visiting the stores we recognized that fashion just isn’t in the form of clothing but also found in hardware, home goods, and other necessities.

In the industry today fast fashion and poor quality over powers unique and good quality items. In each store we were exposed to high quality merchandise and elements of handmade products. Uncovering the difference poor quality and good quality will benefit us in any field of the industry we choose to follow.

 Location 1: Angela Caputi

 This small quaint jewelry store holds many beautiful handmade pieces. Accessories and jewelry are two categories that would sell well in any culture. We envision this store being in the Soho area of New York City because the pieces are creative and arts.

Location 2: Venini

Venini was filled with colorful vases, lights, chandeliers and figurines all made of Murano glass. The unique technique of the designs is hand blown in Murano, Italy.

We could visualize the modern environment of the store belonging in an urban city filled with unique architecture and an appreciation for art. 

  Location 3: Lisa Corti

 Lisa Corti has two parts to her store. The first part features a designer to showcase their collection. The other part of the store offers textiles in the form bedding, books, tablecloths and clothing. The textiles were very colorful, lightweight and presented distinct patterns.  The one of a kind prints and colors are desirable, but because of the price points and quality, the location must be in an affluent area in America to survive.

Location 4: Bellora

Bellora is a boutique that carries bed linens, bath décor, baby bedding, sleepwear, and bedroom furniture. The atmosphere of this store gave off a very country and classic feel. The storefront caught our eye because it was bright, breezy, and refreshing. Since 1883, Bellora has been “ the master of linen” and it was evident when touching the product. The authentic and classic look that Bellora portrays would work well in America because many people aspire to have this image. Also, this justifies the Milanese tradition with their second homes often on the beach or lake similar to America.