Italian Festivals: IL Palio di Siena

One of the most popular Italian festivals is Il Palio di Siena. This medieval race has its roots from medieval times and is celebrated twice a year in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first one is held July 2nd in honor of the Madonna of Provenzano and the second one on August 16th a day after the Feast of the Assumption, in honor of Madonna dell'Assunta. The festival is so famous that even foreigners would visit Siena just to witness this horse race and all the pageantry that goes with it.

The Palio culminates the ongoing rivalry between Siena's 17 contrades or neighborhoods. The contrades have their horse riders or jockeys. The ten contrades will be selected by a drawing twenty days before the race. The ten contrades will participate for the July race and the other seven contrades (who were not picked up for the July race) will compete for the August race with three other contrades from the first race held in July. Horses are assigned to the riders by a draw three days before the race. The horses should be of mixed breed and no purebred horses are allowed.

The event takes place in Piazza del Campo, it starts with a mass, a trial run and blessing of the horses. The race starts with the marching of the Corteo Storico all dressed in medieval costumes playing medieval music and bearing and waving flags. At about 7PM the race is set to begin, the riders will race around the Piazza del Campo for three laps. The racetrack is covered with dirt, tuff and padded crash barriers. The line-up of horses is decided by lottery and when the starting rope is dropped the race officially starts. The race is usually finished in 90 seconds. Surprisingly the winner of the race is not the jockey but the horse who first crossed the finish line, regardless if it finished with or without its jockey.

The winning horse and jockey of the contrade is awarded the palio or victory flag, it is a banner of handpainted silk. Winning the palio gives pride to the contrade for which the horse and its jockey belong too. This festival is the pride of Italy's Tuscan region and the medieval town of Siena.

Photo Credit: The Race of the Palio
Photographer: Jakried
Photo Stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/53769668@N06/

Photo Credit: The Corteo
Photographer: Sylvain Boursot
Photo Stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26600187@N08/with/4738866372/

Italian Festivals: The Ardia di San Constantino in Sardinia

The Italians love life. They celebrate life and their Roman Catholic faith with festivals. One of these events is the Ardia di San Constantino which is celebrated in the town of Sedilo in Sardinia. This festival and religious feast honors Saint Constantine (the first Christian Roman Emperor). The Ardia is a competition and devotion all wrapped in one. In the Ardia the local horsemen of Sedilo will be the "defenders of Christianity and the guardians of the Sanctuary." Three men will play horsemen and will be escorted by three men who will also be riding horses. Each three horsemen will be given a flag they would carry as they ride their horses. One will receive a white flag, the other one a red flag and the last one a yellow flag. The other three men acting as escorts will be provided with lances and banners to protect the yellow flag bearer from the red and white flag bearers. The escort's job is to prevent the other horsemen from moving beyond the flags.

The three horsemen will then prepare themselves to race once they reach the steep slope in the area of the sanctuary. The horseman carrying the yellow flag will be the one to abruptly decide when the race must start without giving any warning to the other two horsemen. The two horsemen carrying the white and red flag will do their best to win the race and prevent the yellow flag bearer.

The horsemen will race for the Arch and will do the ritual rotations around the church for about three to seven times for which the yellow flag bearer will again abruptly decide without warning the race towards the rotunda with an iron cross. Then again the whole ritual will be repeated from the start. The spectators may simply watch the event and some will do their the ritual turn by foot or on their knees around the Sanctuary showing devotion to St. Constantine.

Photo Credit: Ardia di San Constantino Festival
Photographer: Cristiano Cani
Photo Stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cristianocani/

Italian Cuisine

Saltimbocca

 As famous as Italy is known for their wine they are also famous for their contribution to international cuisine. Most people basically think that Italian food is all about tomatoes, olive oil and pasta but there are a lot more to these. We should always remember that Italy has many regions and each region (like any other countries) have certain food that is distinctive to another. Trying to make this blog short we will just go through quickly on the regional cuisine of Italy in general.

In the northern region, the people use less olive oil, tomato sauce and pasta but more butter, rice, chesse. Meat would be from rabbit, quail or grouse and shellfish from the coast and carp and trouts from streams. Some of the North's cuisine are: Prosciutto di San Daniele - a sweet cured ham, Boreto Graesano - a fish and white polenta soup, Tomaxelle - veal rolls and Coniglio in Umbido - rabbit stew, Costoletta alla Valdostana - a veal chop covered in Fontina, Minestrone alla Milanese - made with vegetables, rice and bacon, Risi e Bisi - rice and peas), Fegato alla Veneziana - calf's liver fried with onions, Cardi alla Bagna Cauda - dish of locally grown chard served with hot sauce, anchovies, garlic and white truffles. These are only some of North Italy's delicious cuisine.

In central Italy comes the olive oil, cheese, rich tomatoe sauces and cured meats. Meat would be from wild boar and beef and assorted shellfish and seafood from the coasts. Some of Central Italy's cuisine are: Fagioli all'uccelletto - beans sauted in garlic and sage with tomatoes, Cacciucco alla Livornese - fish soup, Panforte - a cake containing almonds, honey and candied fruit, Brodetto - fish stew with oil, garlic and saffron, Spaghetti alIa Carbonara with creamy egg and cheese sauce dusted with black pepper, Saltimbocca - a fillet of veal rolled in ham and flavored and served in a Marsala sauce and a lot, lot more.

Finally the southern region for rich and spicy tomatoe sauces and the best olive oil, pasta, wheat and rich seafood variety. Some of South Italy's famous cuisine are: Capretto Ripieno al Forno - a roast kid stuffed with herbs, Nduja - a soft spicy salami that can be spread on bread, Orecchiette and Bucatini pasta - both served with tomato sauce or with olive oil, garlic and cauliflower, Caponata - an antipasto made with eggplant, olives, capers and celery, Spaghetti con Bottarga with dried gray mullet roe shaved on top, Culingiones - round ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese and Porceddu - suckling pig or suckling goat roasted outdoors over aromatic woods, and that is only to name a few.

Italians are really very passionate about their food and knowing some of them is a good start to learn more about their lifestyle. I would say I like the cuisine of the southern region but since seafood is my favorite I am open to tasting any seafood from all regions of Italy. How about you?

Photo Credit: Saltimbocca
Photographer: Celeste "Little Waltz"
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bankevair/

Italian Wine

Barbaresco Grapes

There are many amazing things that Italy has contributed to the world and we all know that one of them is the Italian wine. Italy has one of the best wine varieties in the world. The Italians has been producing wine since ancient times as early as second century B.C. introduced by the Greeks to Southern Italy and by the Etruscans to central Italy and from there the Romans developed and enhanced the wine-making process. That consistency of excellence in wine processing has been carried throughout the centuries to present day Italian wines.

Aging wine has been practiced by the Romans, usually aging it for ten to twenty-five years shows best results. It makes the wine smooth and delicious. They also learned to store them in wooden barrels. Today Italian winemakers should pass the strict guidelines with regards to the production, quantity, alcohol content, aging and wine taste. Grapes and cherries are the basic fruits used in winemaking. Blessed by nature, the Italian soil is a very fertile ground for vineyards and the climate is just perfect for grapes and cherries. The Northern, Central and Southern regions of Italy  never fail to produce the best grapes and the best wines.


Tuscan Vineyard


Italy is known for the best red wines and white wines. Italian wines of superior quality are Chianti Classico, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Barbaresco which falls under the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita classification. To discuss Italian wines and to break them down by quality, by taste, by region etc. will take us forever. Wine has been part of the country's culture and lifestyle and it is one product that Italians are proud of. Here's a toast to you and to Italian wines. Salut!


Photo Credit: Barbaresco Grapes
Photographer: Jan-Tore Egge
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jan-tore/

Photo Credit: Barbaresco Wine
Photographer: JBonne
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbonne/

Photo Credit: Tuscan Vineyard
Photographer: Rokheart
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjaehnigen/

Italian Beauty



Sophia Loren

  As we are still on our Italian sojourn let me just touch base quickly on Belleza Italiana, Italian beauty. Ever since I can remember and until now, I still believe that the Mediterranean face of the Italian female is one of the most attractive in the world. I am mostly talking about women during or at their youth and at their prime. The Italian women's lovely dark features and curvaceous or slender body has been celebrated throughout the centuries. In this super short blog I would just like to acknowledge the beautiful women of Italy in my list: they are Monica Belucci, Elisabetta Canali, Isabella Rossellini, Claudia Cardinale and the very Italian Sophia Loren. That's all.


Monica Belluci

Elisabetta Canalis

Photo Credit: Sophia Loren
Photo Courtesy:  Marpa 1
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marpa1-s1030/2437220994/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Photo Credit: Monica Belluci
Photo Courtesy: Mauro Juliani Cogo
Photo Link:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/majc/

Photo Credit: Elisabetta Canalis
Photo Courtesy: David Hierro
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ib5583/

Italian Fashion Empire

If you have been following my blog for October, it is obvious that I gave special attention to Italian fashion designers. Actually there are a lot more of them that I should have included but perhaps I will work on that next time. It was really great to study and write something about the fashion houses of Italy. I get to learn how these designers started their businesses and how they made it flourish and thrive for so many, many years and the drama behind it all (at least for one fashion house).

To sum it up I would say that Italian fashion stands out by itself, it is different from the French, Japanese or American style. In my own opinion Italian fashion is reserved and stylish, it can be severe but it still retains its own appeal, it is an original and I believe only a true Italian designer would be able to grasp it.

The Italians have long been stylish and fashionable. Since ancient Roman times the use of opulent garments and accessories was part of their life. Check out the illustrations and sculpture of Roman art and read the history of Rome's everyday life and you will learn that Romans can be very particular with their clothing, jewelry, hairstyle and even the garish makeup and hairpieces they wear. During the Renaissance, the men and women of Italy were as elegant and stylish as they were during the Roman times. Though this time the materials they used for clothing were much better, silk, satin and dyed fabrics. Accessories galore and imported fashionable goods were in vogue that time as it is now.

Fast forward the 21st century and there is no way of stopping Italy as one of the world's fashion capitals. Italian fashion designers as competitive as ever. Great tailoring and romantic style truly belong to the Italians. Unlike the fall of the Roman Empire, the Italian fashion empire will keep rising and will forever hold its spot in the world of style. Oh what a dolce vita!

Valentino

Just like the title of the documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor I must agree that Valentino Garavani is truly the Emperor of Italian High Fashion and international trends. As I mentioned in my Giorgio Armani blog the two top Italian designers in my list are Giorgio and Valentino with Valentino being number one. His design and style throughout his four decades and a half in fashion is all about class, romanticism, elegance. His creations are so classic that one can wear them over the years and still be in fashion. As an observer of couture I always check the material and the way the clothes hangs and falls on the body, how the fabric moves and if the design can withstand the test of time and short-lived trends, and indeed Valentino's creations passed all of these things in flying colors. I can go on and on praising his talent and designs and I know it would be endless.

Chiuri & Piccioli Collection for Valentino S/S 2010

Valentino Garavani was born 1932 north of Milan. At an early age he knew that he would like to be a fashion designer. With the encouragement of his parents he went to Paris at 17 to study fashion design. In Paris he apprenticed with Jacques Fath, Balenciaga and at Jean Desses where he learned a lot of things from fashion sketching to assisting clients. It was also great that he apprenticed at one of Paris' great designer Guy Laroche. It was late 1950's when he went back to Rome to establish his own fashion house simply called Valentino. It was in the early 1960's when he met his life partner and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Their business partnership and bond as life partners made his clothing business stronger. His international haute-couture show in 1962 in Florence catapulted Valentino to fame and fortune. His brand became a worldwide name and royalties, celebrities and influential women all over the world became his faithful clients. The rest is history!

The 1970's saw his fashion house designing ready-to-wear clothing for men and women, plus accessories, jeans, perfume and decor line. 1989 his boutique store chains opened in the key cities of the United States and Japan. It was at the same year the Accademia Valentino was opened, which serves as a cultural space for art exhibits. In 1990 together with partner Giammetti and friend Elizabeth Taylor, they founded the L.I.F.E. association for the support of AIDS related patients. The activities at Accademia Valentino benefits this cause.

Chiuri & Piccioli Collection for Valentino S/S 2010

Throughout his career as fashion designer he received numerous accolades and awards. And in 2008 the grand designer of fashion retired. He made his last haute couture presentation in Paris, January 2008 and his last women's ready-to-wear show in Paris on October 2007. The House of Valentino's designs and creations are presently run by creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. Valentino Garavani's line are Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma and R.E.D. Valentino. His famous creations were the Valentino Red dresses and the all-white Valentino dresses which will always remain a classic.



Photo Credit: Valentino's Farewell Haute-Couture S/S 2008 Paris
Photo Courtesy: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/14510800@N05/2215358818/

Photo Credit: Valentino Spring 2010 Couture
Photo Courtesy: catwalking.com/WireImagePhoto Link: http://www.zimbio.com/Pier+Paolo+Piccioli/articles/A_qpMNM8LEz/Valentino+Spring+2010+Haute+Couture

House of Gucci

Gucci is one of the biggest fashion brands. I was never a big fan of the brand though every now and then I see great styles from the house. I would say it was the time when American designer Tom Ford was at the helm of design at Gucci was when I really liked the clothes.

Anyway I will not write much about the very long history of Gucci. This fashion house is known to have a lot of in-house intrigue, volatile personalities, perhaps greed regarding inheritance, stock holdings and company management. The brand Gucci was established in 1921 by Guccio Gucci in Florence and was known for its leather goods especially its handbags. After the death of Guccio his sons managed the company. His son Aldo Gucci was responsible for setting up the first Gucci boutique in New York. The company expanded in the late 1960's opening stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Unfortunately in the late 1970's the business was on the verge of bankruptcy, part of it was the in-fighting between the Gucci brothers Aldo and Rodolfo which was mostly about the shares of the company. During the 1980's the brand's exclusivity was gone because of cheap "Gucci" knock-offs that were available all over the world at really cheap or "expensive" prices. Too many things too detail the ascent of the brand back to where it should belong. So I will just fast forward in the late 90's. That was the time when Tom Ford became the brand's chief designer and things started to get better. The House of Gucci is now owned by Pinault-Printemps Redoute. The Creative Director is Frida Gianinni.

The company's benevolent act is their partnership with the UNICEF donating percentage of sales from Gucci stores worlwide for the UN's Children's Fund. The company's annual campaign to benefit the UNICEF supports education, healthcare, protection and clean water programs for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Gucci products include clothing, watches, jewelry, shoes and leather goods.

Photo Credit: Gucci Women's F/W 2010-2011 Milan
Photo Courtesy: The Photo Agency
Photo Link: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/zkmWrFht5ZW/Milan+Fashion+Week+Gucci+Fashion+Show

Giorgio Armani

Two of my favorite Italian fashion designers are Valentino and Armani. Giorgio Armani is one of the world's fashion designers who would be in the top five of my list. His lines are always clean, the details and materials he uses are just perfection. What draws me to Armani is his tailoring and the choice of fabrics he uses. Watch an Armani women's wear fashion show and you will observe how the cut of the clothes and the flow and movement of the fabric complements the model as she walks the runway and observe his men's wear and you will notice how the tailoring and choice of fabric shows utmost impeccability. I also like his designs because if you have a very keen eye on each designer's style you will know that Armani is very consistent and faithful with his designs, the styles may be altered a little bit from season to season but the Armani personal taste is well-stamped to all of his creations. In short it is easy to spot an Armani amongst other couture clothes.

Born in Piacenza in 1934 the young Armani left the university studying medicine and worked as buyer for a Milanese department store. As luck would have it he was hired as assistant designer for men's wear under the great Nino Cerutti. With encouragement from his longtime partner Sergio Galeotti, Armani left Cerutti and started as freelance designer, that was 1970 and by 1975 Armani and Galeotti launched their own company creating men's and women's wear ready-to-wear. The 1980's saw the Armani brand conquer Hollywood and its A-list celebrities and in 1982 he was the coverman for Time Magazine since Christian Dior. He also won and received a number of awards and titles not only for fashion but also an award from the Italian Government and title as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2002.

The Armani brand includes Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Giorgio Armani Occhiali plus lines of swimwear, fragrances, skiwear and underwear and the list goes on. Giorgio Armani really contributed so much to fashion and good causes around the world. Not only is he a man that designs for each season, he is also a man for all seasons.










Photo Credit: Giorgio Armani Men's S/S 2010
Photo Source: krasfashion
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krasfashion/

Bottega Veneta

The Bottega Veneta creations are styles that grow on you, well that's as far as I am concerned (I was never familiar with this brand until the late 90's). The more you look at the designs of the clothes, the palette, material and construction the more it draws you in. The clothes has an air of sophistication and functionality and that is what I like about Bottega Veneta. Though aside from its clothing line the brand is much known for its leather accessories, the Bottega Veneta handbags.

The brand was founded by Vittorio and Laura Moltedo in 1966 in Vincenza. The company manufactured leather goods in the traditions of master leather craftsmen of the Veneto. The brand was well known for their intrecciato leather style, it is simply the interwoven pattern of leather style that is very famous in their handbags. The 1970's and 80's were the decades when the brand reached its height of success around the world. Their no-logo on handbags was a hit. But the company gave in to the early 90's trend when they splashed logos all over their product. It did hurt the image of the brand and eventually the Bottega Veneta name spiralled to bankruptcy. Thanks to the Gucci Group who acquired the company in 2001. The acquisition certainly turned things around for the dying brand. The company hired Tomas Maier as Creative Director of the company. Maier was trained at the respected French fashion institution Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and has nine years of experience under his belt at the House of Hermes. It was a great move for the company.

With the acquisition, Bottega Veneta soared once again...now stronger than ever. The ready-to-wear line for men and women, the jewelry line and furniture collection were launched in the 21st century. Meanwhile the company's staple product - its handbags just got better. The handbags were done exquisitely, they are embroidered, appliques of leather, metal and tortoiseshell-like materials were used and their famous interwoven leather patterns retained its appeal. Their Super Spiga and Souriseau shoes remain best sellers. It just proves that excellent merchandise will never die.

Photo Credit: Bottega Veneta Resort Wear 2011
Photo Courtesy: Bottega Veneta Images
Photo Source: New York Magazine Online
Photo Link:
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/resort/main/newyork/womenrunway/bottegaveneta/

House of Fendi

If it's Fur it must be Fendi!!! The name has been and will always be synonymous with high quality fur fashions. It all started way back in 1918 when fur and leather goods seller Adele Casagrande opened her small shop in Rome. Married to Edoardo Fendi in 1925 she adopted her husband's surname as the brand name of her store and merchandise. As the business became successful the couple opened their second shop in Rome in 1938. By this time Fendi furs were becoming very popular and its list of rich and private clientele just keeps on growing.

In the mid 1950's after the passing of her husband, Adele's five daughters helped in the family's ever-growing business. Paola handled the design and furs, Anna the leather goods, Franca the customer relations, Carla the business coordination, and Alda headed up the sales department. The team of the Fendi sisters and the acumen of their mother slowly but surely catapulted the brand into the international scene as Fendi slowly inched its way to haute couture level. As things would have it, 1965 saw Karl Lagerfeld joining the Fendi company, he re-designed its logo showing the inverted double F. Lagerfeld and the Fendis innovated and improvised fur - its treatment, tanning and dyeing, producing lighter and softer furs, experimented on hides and made lighter and fitted coats for women. The company also concentrated on making their leather and luxury accessories, a merchandise to contend with.

The House of Fendi also branched out on women's wear as they would like the Fendi woman to be wearing a matching Fendi dress underneath her Fendi fur, I would say this is a clever move. Today the House of Fendi is one of the most famous and respected high-fashion brand around the world. The head of the house is Maria Silvia Venturini Fendi, daughter of Anna Fendi and grandaughter of Adele and the chief designer is German designer Karl Lagerfeld. Labels: Fendi, Fendissime, Fendi Casa and fragrance lines for men and women. If it's Fashion it must be Fendi!!!

Photo Credit: Fendi Womenswear Milan
Photo Courtesy: Human Design
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/todays_creative_design/

Roberto Cavalli

Cavalli designs in my opinion is the epitome of decadence. I like how his creations present the feel of luxury and extravagance in an edgy urban way. I really cannot exactly put my finger why I am saying this but that is how most of his creations register in my style I.Q. I do not think hardcore fashionistas will agree with me but hey that's what I feel about Cavalli. Yes I like his designs and in fact sometimes I forget that he is European, sometimes I think Cavalli is a young American designer with a whole lot of European edge to him. But at the end of the day, Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is still one of the major designer/trendsetter to contend with in the international fashion scene.

Roberto Cavalli was born in Florence in 1940, and just like Versace and Biagiotti the young Roberto was the son of a tailor. At an early age he was exposed to fashion and sewing. His artistic side he definitely inherited from his impressionist painter grandfather Guiseppe Rossi. Cavalli's artistic skills as a painter are applied on his fabric designs. He is known to print on lightweight leather and he was great at patchwork.

Though he was in the fashion business since the early 1970's it was only in 1994 that Roberto Cavalli showed the world that he is one designer to be reckoned with. His first official collection wowed the press and the fashion set and the jet set. His creations were dubbed as sexy and extravagant and he is one of those designers that brought back the allure of the woman. He is running his fashion house with wife Eva Duringer. Roberto Cavalli designs for men, women, kids, underwear, casuals and home accessories. Labels: Roberto Cavalli Couture, Just Cavalli and Roberto Cavalli Class.

Photo Credit: Roberto Cavalli Couture 2010
Photo Source: Colombia Travel
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/colombia_travel/

Photo Credit: Roberto Cavalli Men
Photo Source: Krasfashion

Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krasfashion/

Laura Biagiotti

Laura Biagiotti is one of Italy's most successful female fashion designer. Her brand has been dressing women and men for four decades and now that her daughter Lavinia is at the helm of the company helping her mother run the multi-million dollar business, things will just get super. I never paid much attention to the design and style of Biagiotti though I have seen her designs and heard of her since the mid 80's.

Like Gianni Versace, Laura learned the business of making clothes from her mother Delia who was a dressmaker. In 1965 she and the famous designer Angelo Tarlazzi started their own ready-to-wear women's line. But it was in 1972 when she started working for a cashmere company that her own style and creativity developed to what she is known today. Her soft tailoring and losse fitting dresses and her wearable coordinates made the Laura Biagiotti brand famous around the world. She would always stick to designs that are modern, wearable, practical and comfortable.

In 1987 she launched Biagiotti Uomo - the line for men, followed by Laura-Piu for the plus size woman and Laura Biagiotti Jr. for children. Her accessories line include the famous Biagiotti sunglasses and fragrance line: Fiori Bianchi, Night, Roma, Venezia and Biagiotti Due, jewelry and watches, and lingerie line. In 1996 her daughter Lavinia Biagiotti took over the creative responsibilities of the company. She launched Laura Biagiotti Roma line in 2001 for the modern woman and in 2003 both mother and daughter launched Laura Biagiotti Dolls for girls. In 2007 Lavinia was awarded as Italy's Best Young Fashion Entrepreneur. The fashion house of Laura Biagiotti never had it so good.

Photo Credit: Laura Biagiotti S/S 2010
Photographer: Unknown
Sourse and Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/d42d/

Versace

Gianni Versace (1946-1997) is one of the greatest Italian fashion designers. His style and creations inspired me in my college thesis when I presented a mini fashion show for my finals. I believe that Gianni Versace was ahead of his time. I really like how he uses leather and luxe fabrics, his colors and patterns and the beadings are just cool and extravagant.

Born in Reggio Calabria, he learned about tailoring at an early age from his mother who is a tailor/dressmaker. In 1972 he went to Milan to do freelance work for major Italian labels Complice, Callaghan and Genny. In 1978 he presented his first women's and men's collection and within the same year his first boutique opened. From then on the Versace brand became one of the major name in fashion whose clients include A-list celebrities and the rich jet-set.

His tragic death in 1997 did not stop the House of Versace to progress. His younger sister Donatella Versace took the reins of the company as its creative director and vice-president and continued the legacy of her brother. The Versace style is all about allure and power dressing. The fashion house designs for men and women's wear. Labels: Atelier Versace and Versus. Today the Versace Group even expanded into the hotel business which includes Palazzo Versace luxury hotels.

Photo Credit: Versace Collection window display, NYC 2010
Photographer: Viridia
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=versace&w=26154094%40N03

PRADA

Prada is Miuccia Prada the savvy designer and smart businesswoman who happens to be the granddaughter of Mario Prada. Mario Prada is the original founder of the Prada label when its sole business was designing and selling handbags, suitcases, trunks and shoes in Milan and that was in 1913. The company was known to design exquisite leather accessories and waterproof handbags.

Fast forward in the late 1970's when the Prada label was struggling as a leather accessories company against fashion giants like Gucci when granddaughter Miuccia Prada came along and "rocked" its image and marketing strategy turning the company into one of the world's major fashion accessories and clothing brand! With her husband Patrizio Bertelli as the business manager and herself the designer of the company.

By 1989 Prada hit the ready-to-wear market and in the 1990's and into the present the brand reached its height as a strong competitor in the world of high fashion. Prada also carry the Miu Miu line for the younger set, the Prada menswear and of course there will always be the Prada leather accessories from belts, shoes, handbags and luggages.










Photo Credit: Prada Men's RTW Spring Collection 2011
Photo by: Imaxtree
Source: New York Magazine online
Photo Link:
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/spring/main/europe/menrunway/prada/#slide7&ss1
Photo Credit: Prada Women's RTW Spring Collection 2011
Photo by: Imaxtree
Source: New York Magazine online

Photo Link: http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2011/spring/main/europe/womenrunway/prada/#slide11&ss1

Renato Balestra

Fashion designer Renato Balestra may not be a household name in some parts of the world but he is huge in Italy and very popular to people familiar with Italian high fashion. Balestra's clients are mostly royalties, first ladies and old Hollywood celebrities. His designs are wearable and elegant. In my opinion his strongest creations are his formal evening wear and cocktail dresses. Being a designer from the "old shool" I like how he does the construction of clothes because he always thinks of the woman wearing the clothes, I like the colors that he uses, the prints and the beading.


The young Balestra was originally an engineer until a fashion designer who noticed his designs were impressed and he was invited to work in the designer's atelier, that was the early 1950's. As luck and Balestra's talent would have it his designs gained much recognition when it was presented in 1952 in Florence under the haute couture collections. From then on it was one success after the other. Most of his collections are often shown in Rome where he is also based. Aside from designing his own label he also does theatre costumes for various operas and participates in workshops and lectures for fashion design students.

Presently the Renato Balestra signature is also seen in fashion accessories, makeup, home products, men's and women's ready-to-wear and high-end line. Truly one of Italy's traditional couturier.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua

Sexy, sexy, sexy!!! That is one thing I could say about Alessandro Dell'Acqua's designs. His creations always flatter the woman's body and exudes strong femininity. In my opinion he is one of today's designers who adhere to simplicity. I like the way the cut of the clothes are executed and the very soft materials he uses, they are indeed lovely. Honestly, I do not pay much attention to his designs until recently. As I was observing his designs I tend to like them more and more. Simple, sexy and functional.

Allesandro was born in Naples in 1962 and began his career in 1982. He once worked with fashion designer Genny alongside Versace. He bacame the lead designer for the Italian knitwear company Pietro Pianforini. But it was in 1992 when Dell'Acqua presented his first collection at Moda Donna that catapulted his fashion career as a future major designer in the years to come. He is known for using the skin color and black palette for his creations and would always have clothes showing the skin - as in transparent or sheer fabrics. His materials are often chiffon, lace or tulle.

With much success his line also launched menswear, shoes, eyewear and perfume for men and women. He designed lingerie for La Perla and shoes for Bally. Today Alessandro Dell'Acqua is a major name in the international fashion market and there is no stopping this brilliant Italian artist and fashion innovator.

Photo Credit: Allesandro Dell'Acqua Image Ad
Photo Courtesy: Sara Eudy
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cobratastic/

Dolce & Gabbana

I admire the designs of D&G. Unfortunately NOW that they are a huge fashion name their designs are so much copied, a faux Dolce & Gabbana everywhere and it seems everyone is wearing their "creation." Not to mention the fact that a lot of gangsta rap artists are always rapping the brand name over and over and over in their songs and people who do not even know anything about fashion are just name dropping the brand name like they sell the line in K-Mart. I guess that is part of what you have pay for when you become famous at least in the world of fashion.

Obviously the designers themselves are the genius behind the Dolce & Gabbana label. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's designs can be described as eclectic, classic, sometimes rebellious, adventurous, colorful, etc. and a lot more great adjectives. Year 1982 when both designers teamed-up to bring great fashion inspired from Sicilian roots. In 1985 they achieved much recognition when they presented their collection in Milan for new talent category. In 1998 they signed with Onward Kashiyama Group for the distribution of their brand in Japan. The men's line began in 1990 and their perfume was launched in 1992. The rest is history and global success for the brand.

The fashion of Dolce & Gabbana is always exciting every season. The selection of material is on point and the clothes are always wearable. There is no stopping the fashion duo and glad that they are here to stay for the longest haul!!!

Photo Credit: Dolce & Gabbana Men's S/S 2010 Milan
Photographer: Unknown
Photo Courtesy: The Photo Agency
Photo Link:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/qDXIqaAeDzz/Milan+Fashion+Week+Dolce+Gabbana+Spring+Summer/_mmp3WauwDL

Gianfranco Ferre

I consider the Ferre design wearable and fashionable. Gianfranco Ferre (1944-2007) collections has always been the epitome of beauty in its simplicity. I like the clean architectural cut and construction of the clothes and the selection of materials or fabric that he uses. When he was still the head designer of his fashion house, I should say that I admired him because he did not get swayed by fancy trends or styles that deliver a shocking value and then be forgotten in just over a season. That is what's great about Gianfranco - classic yet contemporary style.

Born on August 15, 1944 in Legnano, the designer began his career as a designer in 1970. In 1974, he started his Baila label and later in 1978 he launched his women's ready-to-wear and sporty line. Year 1982 the Ferre men's line was born and the women's perfume and men's fragrance were both launched in the mid 80's. The House of Gianfranco Ferre catapulted to greater heights of success. He was also hired by the LVMH group as Creative Director of Christian Dior as its creative director from 1989 to 1997.

In 2002 his company became part of IT Holding and he remained the brand's creative director until his early demise in 2007 at age 62. Today the Ferre women's line is managed by Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi whose style retains the classic simplicity of Gianfranco Ferre.

Photo Credit: Aquilano and Rimondi for Gianfranco Ferre Collections 2009 Milan
Photographer: Unknown
Photo Courtesy: Photo Agency
Photo Link: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/oVVgAmdbkYd/Gianfranco+Ferre+Show+Milan+Fashion+Week/4CadF4I7-pu

House of Missoni



Missoni Collection F/W 2010

As a teenager I would always stare and marvel at the beautiful artworks of Missoni campaign ads in fashion magazines. At that time I would imagine that I would be an illustrator for this fashion brand (which of course did not happen). In fact, I would try to draw the fashion ads my own style. Now as an adult, I still observe the new collections that Missoni would present each season. The cool part about its designs are the use of colors and beautiful patterns.

The brand was born through the union of Ottavio Missoni and his wife Rosita in the early 50's. The Missonis started their knitwear business in the basement of their home utilizing a few old knitting machines. First selling their designs to other labels and then later starting to establish their own fashion house in 1953.

It was in 1969 when fashion doyenne and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland noticed the style of the Missoni patterns and colors and introduced the Italian knitwear label to the United States and to the world and the rest is fashion history for the House of Missoni. The Missoni creations garnered a lot of awards in fashion design from around the world by its distinctive style that influenced fabric and fashion design.

Today the thriving business is still owned and run by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni and their children Angela (women's wear), Vittorio (marketing director) and Luca (menswear and sportswear and technology). The fashion house turned 50 years old in 2003 and launched its Missoni Profumi scent in 2006 by grandaughter Margherita.

Missoni brand is truly amazing, always new and forever evolving.

Photo Credit: Missoni Women's Wear Collection F/W 2010
Photographer: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Europe
Photo Links:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9RW0ToxQeQ/Missoni+Milan+Fashion+Week+Womenswear+W+2010/02hCn2_Knpg
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/9RW0ToxQeQ/Missoni+Milan+Fashion+Week+Womenswear+W+2010/18BVj_lTGTp

Moschino

                                           



Moschino Women's S/S 2009 Milan

  Eclectic, crazy, artistic and so ahead of his time was designer Franco Moschino (1950-1994). Born 1950 near Milan he started in the fashion world early by sketching fashion designs and illustrations for fashion houses and magazines when he was still a student at the Accademia de Bella Arte in Milan. Spotted by Gianni Versace, the young Moschino began his career as fashion sketch artist for Gianni's fashion campaigns.

Leaving Versace in 1983, Franco Moschino opened his own company Moonshadow that carried his label Moschino. His designs were known to be a mixture of art and iconoclastic fashion style. His company became successful that in 1986 he launched Moschino Couture and his men's line, and soon his fragrance line was launched. After his untimely death in 1994 his company was managed by Rosella Jardini, the chief designer and Marco Gobbetti, the CEO of the Moschino fashion house. In 2001 Aeffe SpA, acquired the fashion house and Jardini remained the brand's creative director. I always liked Moschino's designs of the 80's.

I love its rebellious attitude as if it was challenging the norm and formality of classic high fashion. Sadly he passed away at the peak of his fashion career. I was just wondering if he were still alive today, I believe that he would continue to "shock" and re-invent global fashion and trends.

Photo Credit: Moschino Women's S/S 2009 Milan
Photographer: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Europe
Photo Links:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/wL3mX2IUJNb/Moschino+MFW+Womenswear+Spring+Summer+2009/D0v1N8DN0yn
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/wL3mX2IUJNb/Moschino+MFW+Womenswear+Spring+Summer+2009/9fpQVroTi-8

House of Pucci




Peter Dundas creation for the House of Pucci

Born from Napolitano aristocracy Emilo Pucci di Barsento was first a fashion designer, a sportsman, an army man and a politician. But in this blog we will only delve on the man as one of Italy's great designers.

Emilio Pucci first designed outfit for the Reed College skiing team but in 1947 his designs received international recogntion when photographer Toni Frissel intoduced his designs to Harper's Bazaar for an editorial about European Winter Fashion. That exposure made him famous in the United States which in turn inspired him to leave the Italian Air Force and concentrate on fashion design.

He set up a fashion atelier in Capri. His fashion house was known for designing swimwear. The business became successful and soon enough Pucci's name was also linked to other fashion items. The major contribution that he gave the fashion world are his creations of wrinkle-free printed dresses. His prints are my personal favorite, I like how stylized they are and how colorful and bold are the colors. Vintage Pucci in my own opinion will always be the "classic psychedelic." The prints are playful and yet severely fashionable in a very "serious" way!

When Emilo Pucci passed away in 1992 his fashion house was run and managed by his daughter Laudomia Pucci. In 2000 the LVMH group acquired 67% of the Pucci label and Laudomi as its lmage Director. Today the Pucci label has the young fashion designer Peter Dundas at the helm. I believe there is no stopping the fashion force of Emilio Pucci forever.

Photo Credit: Peter Dundas for Emilio Pucci F/W 2010 Milan
Photographer: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images Europe
Photo Link: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/cJjlF0JYDXW/Emilio+Pucci+Milan+Fashion+Week+Womenswear/PttQypMeyO6

Rocco Barocco

In my opinion he is one of Italy's most hardworking and super successful fashion designer. His creations speak for themselves and totally has a trademark that is truly Rocco Barocco!!!

Born Rocco Muscariello in 1944 in Naples, the young Rocco started in early in fashion working in his hometown's boutique, Filippo. In 1962 he attended the Academia delle Belle Arti wherein he studied fine arts. In the mid 60's he worked with Giles and became the skecth artist at De Barentzen. His Barocco label was getting a good headway when he started to join a group in 1968 to form a fashion atelier, unfortunately the group disbanded in 1974. Fortunately by this time the designer already had a great following of loyal and affluent clients that he was able to start a new atelier. And the rest is history.

Since then the Barocco designs are known to be ahead of its time and the designer's choice of fabric and materials are always impeccable. He is known to love the black and black and white palettes, optical effects and the use of repetitive creative patterns. The Rocco Barocco brand name is also seen in his line of jeans, knitwear, ready-to-wear, scarves, fashion accessories, leather wallets, leather bags, perfumes, and linens. Indeed the man who came from the island of Ischia is no doubt one of the biggest name in the world of international fashion.

Photo Credit: Rocco Barocco F/W 2010 Milan
Photo: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images Europe
Photo Link: www.zimbio.com/pictures/gN2k1SNk10n/RoccoBarocco+Milan+Fashion+Week+Womenswear/VOzB_TTqMXg/Roccobarocco

House of Trussardi



Nicola Trussardi (1942-1999)

 The Trussardi family owns a glove manufacturing business that has been thriving...ever since it was founded by the great Dante Trussardi in 1910 in Bergamo, Italy. But the family business took a great and successful turn and worldwide recognition when one of Dante's grandson Nicola Trussardi took over the company and turned the company's name synonymous with luxe accessories which includes belts, shoes, umbrellas, foulards, ties, bags and suitcases. The company also went on to produce ready-to-wear garments made of leather.

The House of Trussardi became a major name whose presence in the Milan Collections has always been consistent. It is a fact that leather items made by the Trussardi label is most supple compared to the traditional ones. The company has one of the most advanced tannery in the world wherein sophisticated procedures for treating and refining leather is carefully observed.

Nicola Trussardi tragically passed away in 1999 at age 56. Today the House of Trussardi is run by his daughter Beatrice. The company is also active in upholding contemporary art and major events in Milan. The Trussardi brand has boutiques and stores all over Europe, China, Japan, Korea, Russia and the Middle East.

Photo Credit: Trussardi Men's S/S 2010 Milan
Photo: Krasfashion
Photographer Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krasfashion/

Italian Fashion Designers

In the days to come we will check out Italian high fashion designers and high-end designers. Italy is considered to be one of the major fashion and style capitals of the world and I believe it would be good to get to know their designers or a bit of history of some of Italy's fashion houses.

Personally what I like about Italian high fashion is the attention given to the details and the construction of the clothes from men's Italian suits to women's formal evening wear, not to mention the bridal ensemble. I like how these designers execute the design and the cut of their creations very neatly. There is always that strong simplicity that I tend to see in Italian fashion compared to the sometimes gaudy or over-the-top French fashion.

So come with me and let's get to know the Italian fashion empire. La Dolce vita alta moda Italia!!!
Photo shows F/W 2005-2006 creation from Italian high fashion designer Renato Balestra.

Thank You Readers and Visitors

Hi readers or page viewers of this blog. I have been quite busy over the summer (July-Sept.) and I obviously didn't have the chance to post new entries. Now that I am back I will try my best to continue blogging on great stuffs and informative issues.
Since I haven't read nor updated this blog for more than three months I have no idea if people are still reading some of my entries or at least simply viewing its pages but surprisingly two days ago I just found out that the blog's administrators added new features: a counter which registers the number of how many people visited my blog, the countries where my blog is visited or read, the popular postings that people read on my blog and so on and so forth. I was just amazed and happy to inform you my DEAREST READERS even if you are not regular followers of this blog that this blogsite is not far behind. So far we garnered 2000 plus visits since we started this blog this year, not bad at all. Also found out that this blog is quite popular in India and the Philippines. What more can I say, I am very THANKFUL for all of you who visit or read this blogsite. Thank you, thank you so much. You all keep me going in preparing and writing nice little blogs for you to enjoy.

Below are the countries and the approximate number of peoples from those countries who at one time or the other visited or read my blog. This official information is taken from the Stats Report about this blogsite (your blogsite dear readers!). This Stat Report covers May 2010 to Oct. 2010.

United States 568
India 501
Philippines 389
United Kingdom 111
Australia 84
Canada 57
Italy 32
South Korea 30
China 22
Poland 20

Once again THANK YOU for those who visit and/or read my postings. Thank you all!!!

Classic Summer Style: The Sarong

This simple piece of fabric that is wrapped around the waist and worn as kilt by men and skirt by women is a summer favorite, which we call the sarong. The sarong has been worn for hundreds and hundres of years in parts of the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa.

I believe that this piece of garment should be part of a stylish woman's and a fashion-forward man's summer wardrobe. The sarong can be solid color or heavily printed. Best place to wear the sarong is the beach or simply wear it casually out in the streets. Although in my opinion this piece of garment looks better on a slim and fit body, after all....summer is all about showing off one's great figure - so why not flaunt it wearing your sarong!






















Photo Credit: Woman in Sarong from Natalia
Photo Link: www.flickr.com/photos/18006004@N00/

Photo Credit: Man in Sarong
Photographer: Audra Bishop
Photo Link: www.flickr.com/photos/audi_jo/

Classic Summer Style: Sundress

The sundress, the most basic must have for women during summer. This one piece dress is one of the most comfortable piece of clothing that makes a woman ultra feminine.
The material is basically made of 100% cotton or cotton combined with other synthetic material. This summer wear usually comes in basic plain white or in different colors or in printed florals or crazy patterns.

Women should just make sure that when wearing the sundress is to wear it with confidence and honestly stand tall and straight. It is just a nice sight to see a woman who knows how to let herself shine wearing her sundress.

Photo Credit: Lovely Jess in her Sundress
Photo Link: www.flickr.com/photos/yarnmonster/

Classic Summer Style: The Kaftan

The Kaftan dress is a summer basic for women. This dress has its origins in Persia. Though women in Morocco has been and are still wearing the kaftan for hundreds of years.

This dress is a great fashion statement when worn during the summer and in tropical countries and Middle Eastern and Northern African countries. It has a longer floor-length version which looks like an evening gown and a shorter version which is knee length or waist length. The longer version if intricately embroidered and worn with the right jewelry is quite splendid as a formal wear for a glitzy summer night party. The shorter version can be worn on the beach or just about anywhere.

Kaftan is a classic summer dress, it never goes out of style.

Photo Credit: Kaftan Summer/Beach Wear
Photo Credit and Designer: Molly brown Swimwear
Photo Link: www.flickr.com/photos/mollybrownsswimwear/

Summer is Here

Well it is great to know that summer is here, at least for the northern part of the western hemisphere. This is one season I love. The days are longer and there are a lot more things to do.

Ah the great outdoors - hiking, the beaches, the lazy days at the park, biking and rollerblading, strolling by the pier, dancing outdoors, dining outdoors, etc. a lot more you can do outdoors during summer. The fashion and style during summer is also nice, less clothes, light colors, simple to wild prints, the hats and fedoras, the swim wear and board shorts etc. The cold drinks - oh wow!!! cold lemonade and orange juice and fruits galore, well tropical fruits. Yes there is a lot more to do this summer.

Summer for me is when I can do a lot of photo shoots since I love shooting outdoors on-location. If I get the chance I try to go out of the city and go to a quaint and quiet town for the weekend or if I have a budget I go fly out of the country or visit another state for a little rest and recreation. Happy summer 2010 to all!!!

Photo Credit: Summer Sunset over Lake Michigan
Photographer: Norm Hoesktra
Photo Link: www.flickr.com/photos/norjam8/

Saint Helena and the Santacruzan

The Santacruzan is a Filipino religious tradition. This event is part of Philippine culture and the lifestyle of Filipinos. The Santacruzan means the Holy Cross or in Spanish Santa Cruz. This event goes hand in hand with the Flores de Mayo, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Helena or Santa Elena. Saint Helena is the mother of the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine.

The Santracruzan celebrates St. Helena's pilgrimage to the Holy Land to find the wood where Christ was crucified. When St. Helena found pieces of the wooden cross she went back to Rome bringing with her pieces of the wood. The pieces of the cross were venerated by the faithful, the newly converted Roman Christians. The cross obviously is holy since that is the cross of Christ, hence called the Santa Cruz or the Holy Cross.

The Philippine Santracruzan is a long procession featuring the characters in the Christian Bible's Old Testament and New Testament. The final characters at the end of the procession are St. Helena or the Reina Elena aka the Empress or Emperatriz and her male consort Contantine or Constantino. In essence representing St. Helena and her son, the Emperor Constantine.

The Colorful Santacruzan

The Philippine Santacruzan is a colorful event. The celebration is held in big cities and small towns in the Philippines. The women who portray princesses and the Santa Elena or the Emperatriz are the Philippine's most beautiful women.

The formal gowns are beautiful and elegant and mostly inspired from the Philippine national costume called the terno. The formal gowns are created by the country's top designers. These designers compete in showcasing the creation of their gowns in this event. But at the end this celebration should be solemn since it should be the commemoration of the Holy Cross.



Photo Credit: Santacruzan at Flores De Mayo
Photographer: Annalyn
Photo Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annalyn/sets/72157618635427765/