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.

Visions of a Bride at White Sposa

White Sposa 29 - Photographer, Mauri Balleti - Exotic Issue
(My favorite editorial by far - Creates such an exotic message of "naturalistic shock" with all the tropical colors, while the dress is still the center of attention and looking white and vibrant as ever)

White Sposa Magazine starts with a theme in mind, thought up by one person, in which the magazine gradually evolves into special pages, full of editorials that reads like a story-book.  Editor, Simone Polli and fashion editor, Elena Todros of White Sposa, shared their thought process and growth along the way since the issuing of the first White Sposa bridal magazine. They have a very different perspective of how the bridal industry should be reaching out to there clients: the bride and people who follow new fashion trends for the bridal industry. There is a sense of direction and a substantial amount of quality that White Sposa applies to every little thing that they do with their magazine and it is safe to say that there are no other issues that is more suitable for the eyes of a bride. The attention to detail that they possess sets them apart from any other bridal magazine that is made available to readers who have interest in this market.

 White Sposa 28 Photographer, Marco Sanges - British Issue
(This issue is reminiscent of the old Hollywood times in plain old black and white that portrays a cinema theme where the camera captures a "still film" - The daring and bold side the bride comes out in this editorial.)

Who could have imagined that someone who had no desires for the framework of marriage would be such a trendsetter in this field: This is what makes the creative mind have the freedom to rise above it all. Elena Todros, the fashion editor, takes on many roles within the production of the magazine and she works a great deal with photographers that fits the part of her well thought out vision for on-coming editions. She has the responsibility of styling, booking models, and figuring out hair and make-up in order to bring her envisioned pictures to life. Her fashion editorials seeks the bride beyond the white dress; there is an emotion, vibe in which deeper feelings can be derived from the photographs that jumps out of the pages and captures the essence of how a bride can be viewed as in a different light.

Before coming to the headquarters of White Sposa Magazine, and aside from the research that I had done, I told myself that I had no interest in the bridal industry due to the fact that I am not a true believer of marriage. I was then faced by two women, Simone and Elena, who both were in the same mind-set as me, because they too do not think too much of marriage. At this point, I was able to see myself working alongside someone like Elena because I was able to relate to the way that she put together the fashion editorials. Being a fashion editor gives you the chance to take something as simple as a story-line and stretching it out to become something so much more. It takes such a strong-minded individual to come up with ideas that becomes recoginized as a form of art that reaches out far beyond the white dress: This is the type of person that I would want to learn more from and the footstep that I would like to follow.

Pitti Market: Cultural Group Assignment

When we arrived at Pitti Market at Fortezza di Basso our first impression was overwhelming but with a rush of excitement. Immediately we observed buyers with suitcases, photographers taking pictures, and an overall well dressed group of people. While inside we noticed that there were more men than woman and they were dressed more sophisticated. To our surprise the overall age group of vendors and buyers was a lot younger than we expected. Another observation we came across was that it was a family oriented atmosphere. The vendors invited the buyers into the booths as if it was their house, which allowed a very relaxed and personal feel. With knowledge of the Italian culture, with time being valued not spent we noticed that buyers and vendors spent a lot of time building a relationship. Going back to Retail Lab and Seminar we were able to recognize the process they were going through. In addition we were able to identify purchases being placed, buyers handling the clothing before making the purchase, and buyers negotiating the purchase.

Throughout the show we came across many trends in clothing, accessories, watches, and shoes. The colors that we saw the most were navy, pinks, greens, red, and oranges in various hues. Going along with colors we also saw textures such as lace, crinkle, and distressed. Some of the patterns that we saw were plaid, floral, stripes, and checkers. Overall the style of the clothing was very tailored which represented the Italian culture of always returning to their roots. 

  

Even though we all have a different bias on style, fit, and color. As a group, one of our self-inflicted prejudices is bright color on men. In our culture, men do not typically wear color; In the Italian culture, we see men wearing colors such as pink, purple, and green.  We have seen a lot of shorter hemlines on men. This style is not socially acceptable in the United States but is very common in Europe. Another one of our self-inflicted prejudices that made us uncomfortable is men carrying more feminine bags. Growing up in America we are not used to seeing men carry any another sort of bag besides a briefcase. Overall we have noticed that these trends will not make it to the United States, but if we were to become buyers or vendors we would not let our self inflicted prejudices get in the way. 

Orietta: Her Life as a Trendforecaster and Beyond

As a trend forecaster, one has the responsibility of taking on many different roles and spending ample time catering to compiling observations as to the direction that fashion is leaning towards from time to time. Orietta looks into design and reading people's thoughts and making sure that she is well immersed in old art and films as well as watching how people dress and buy in order to showcase Italian creativity and fashion design to the fullest. Milan, Italy is represented by international style and craves to be the trendsetter of the world. As of right now, Milan has embodied the "relaxed elegance" trend that strays away from the stereotypical tailored look that Italians wear so well.

 The Side Swept Tee is a versatile piece that can be worn during the day straight into the night. It can be dressed up or down and it is definitely a relaxed fit with effortless elegance.

In order to prepare for the field of forecasting trends and styles, a person needs to have a personality that exceeds the customers point-of-view. It is essentially in a trend forecaster's character to care about creativity, moods, attitudes, and to be fully aware of social aspects as well as being knowledgeable about the business side to everything. Fashion is said to be a form of self-expression, but in this case, it is better to become the person who does not follow trends or designers. Staying true to yourself as a person and being a clean slate with a simple mind yet still being very open to what the world has to offer: This is a trend forecaster.


"The place where people live, connects to the styles in which are worn."
[Practicality Combined with Atmospherics - Strongest latest trend]

All of the traveling, pictures to take, people to meet and places to stay. This is dream job to most but it takes a lot of time and dedication as well as some alone time away from home. When I was younger I always had a thing for predicting the weather and sometimes even telling myself that I can tell what the future brings: Why not forecast trends and styles! I am a religious observer of all my surroundings so what is better than to continue documenting what I see each day and turning it into a career that I know I will enjoy everyday.

Vladimiro Gioia's Cocktail Event

 It was a night to remember as well as a night to get up close and personal with the fashion industry itself. Maria Chiara Arona of Pink & Chic Communications along with her client Vladimiro Gioia and Fulvio Aniello and Elyse Lefort of Fashion Times - Magazine di Moda, have contributed so much with presenting valuable insight towards the multi-faceted fashion empire which overflows with so many existing career choices. There is a plethora of opportunities made available everywhere and it is only in the hands of yourself to reach out even further to the career path of choice as well as making the right connections and networking. This mind-opening and attention-grabbing European journey is the start of a new perspective on life and it is crucial to take everything that was absorbed in Milan and applying it to future endeavors that seemed so far of a reach before setting foot on the grounds of Italy.

 During Vladimiro Gioia's event, I got the chance to speak with people who were in the industry since they were little. Many were lucky enough to be brought up in a family that was active in the production of clothing. I also met a sales representative who came from Russia, who had to learn the Italian language in order to work in sales and promoting designer clothing. It was  incredible to speak with someone who was able to adapt to the language and culture because I got to learn from their experiences of how they broke into the fashion industry; It is in my best interest to educate myself vicariously through other professionals. My observations in life have only taken me so far and I know that I need to vocally express my desires for this industry because I know what I want to do and it is only a matter of making it known. Slowly but surely, I am learning things about myself that I never knew existed before and I want to keep molding myself to the person that I want to resemble, in order to get to where I want to be in the years to come.

In this photo: Designer, Vladimiro Gioia & Anne Rusteika
 Congratulations to Anne Rusteika, the Winner of the Web Reality Contest

3 Rows Back and Starry-Eyed

Runway Highlights for:

Iceberg 

Spring/Summer 2012
Milano Moda Uomo 

From eccentric blues, greens, reds to deep plums and rich whites and grays; this collection was strikingly inventive in a classical way with the use of settle details. There were appearances of extra strips of fabric down the center of collared shirts and on the inner flaps of jackets and blazers. 

Runway Highlights for:

Gazzarrini
Spring/Summer 2012

Runway Highlights for:

Enrico Coveri
Spring/Summer 2012

Signing up for fashion promotions class was when I realized what my niche was in the fashion industry. This  class not only prepared me for my first viewing of a real live runway show but also made me appreciate it even more. In class, I took on the role of being the lead stylist and runway choreographer. I was able to take what I learned and apply my knowledge to the art of producing a fashion show. While in class, I became aware of all the work, time, and all of the people and the kind of team work it takes to successful gap together parts and pieces in order to satisfy the designer's vision and what the collection entails. The work that is done before the runway production fascinates me and it is something that I can see myself being a part of. Runway shows to me, are like bodies of walking art, tying in theatrical effects with music choices that embodies the mood of each and every show. Nothing is more rewarding than to see all of your hard work unravel successfully. 

In this case, the Iceberg Spring/Summer 2012 collection brought chills down my spine, and at that moment, I knew that this was something that I would dedicate my life to. In the near future, I want to eventually put together a runway show of my own, displaying my clothing line. This has been an on-going ambition of mine since I was a little girl.