Training the Next Generation of Italian Artisans

Serving as the creative backbone of Italian fashion for centuries, artisans hold the key to the industry’s future.

But a dearth of bench strength in the younger generations is prompting brand executives and manufacturers to take action to ensure the future.
In the aftermath of the country’s economic crisis, unemployment rates among those between the ages of 15 and 29 measured 28 percent in July — compared to 17.5 percent in 2004. Fashion executives say this number shows Italian youth isn’t attracted to careers in crafts, with many emigrating to other countries to find their futures. The solution being eyed by the industry is to create more and better fashion schools to train a new breed of artisans, which in turn, they hope, will attract more production.
These new artisans will not only be able to use their hands in a specialized craft to create something beautiful and unique, they will be skilled in using highly sophisticated technology and also have a solid understanding of market requests and of the needs of specific distribution channels. Hopefully, they will also learn how to transform tradition into something modern and marketable.

La Garconne

This much loved e-tailer just opened a boutique in New York City.  Slick and all white, the lofty space is dotted with wooden racks, which are filled with all the greatest hits from the site, including cutting-edge tailoring from Yohji Yamamoto, Grecian dresses from Zero + Maria Cornejo, and feminine skirts and dresses from Simone Rocha. 

Fall 2014

Happy New 2014!!!  Here are some Fall Fashion ideas for the new year!  Enjoy being stylish and have fun!

 

Vintage Fashion in Los Angeles

Lily et Cie

Lily et Cie in Beverly Hills may just be the original fashion archive, the store that made vintage acceptable, wearable and cool. Owner Rita Watkin is a true character with encyclopaedic knowledge of fashion. Her story: before founding Lily et Cie, she worked at Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Valentino and YSL. One day, she inherited a prestigious collection of 20th Century fashion (that today rivals that of the Met and the Louvre) from a close family friend. She stored it for years until word spread and she finally opened up shop in the 80’s. On a visit years ago, we spotted John Galliano and his entourage taking notes and seeking inspiration.

Lily et Cie

 Decades

Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos run a vintage store so revered in Hollywood. In fact, Cameron has literally written the book on fashion. It’s name? Decades. Hand-picked items are displayed in their deluxe boutique in such a way that customers can truly see each piece for what it is – vintage couture. Cameron says it best, “When Decades opened in 1997, vintage was still rather socially unacceptable and people were turned off by wearing something ‘used.’ However, Decades educated the savvy fashionista that vintage is a modern way to differentiate your style and the edit has always been about 'vintage that looks modern.'"

Decades

Fall Fashion

Here are photos of some fall fashion mixing up style staples, from minimal tailoring to structured and oversized.  It is recommended to put your look together from different brands and make it your individual style.  Have fun and look stylish.  J

 

 

The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning

This clay cylinder, inscribed with cuneiform script, records the conquest of Babylon in 539 B.C. by the Persian king Cyrus the Great, and bears witness to the multiethnic nature of the Achaemenid Empire, which introduced innovative forms of writing, religion, and luxury goods to the Near East. Since its discovery in 1879, the Cyrus Cylinder has inspired wide-ranging discussion about the benevolent nature of Cyrus's rule.

In taking Babylon, Cyrus brought what was recently the heart of a great kingdom into the growing Achaemenid Empire. Rather than imposing Persian practices on its peoples, however, he sought to uphold their traditions. This is evident from the Cyrus Cylinder itself. For one, the inscription was written in the local language, Babylonian. Moreover, by embedding this Cylinder in the foundations of Babylon, Cyrus was adhering to a standard practice in the region–intended to secure divine favor and record a ruler's achievements for posterity.

For centuries, the Persian king Cyrus the Great has enjoyed a remarkable reputation. Ancient Greek texts, particularly Xenophon'sCyropaedia, were greatly influential in presenting him as an ideal ruler, while the Old Testament celebrated him for allowing the Jews to return from exile and rebuild their temple. The discovery of the Cyrus Cylinder in 1879 provided support—in Cyrus's own words—for his legacy, and continues to attract new layers of significance.

The French Fashion Invasion in New York


Fashion Week in New York is a very exciting time.  New York is known as one of the fashion capitals in the world.  You can find everything from high fashion to more junior brands spread out in different neighborhoods in the big apple.  What is really noticeable is the quantity of French boutiques in Soho.  You can find the very established brands like Chanel.  There are however many new chic stores that deliver an unexpected mix of reliable basics clothing with an edge.  A combination of elegance and a rock'n'roll attitude that will seduce the contemporary woman.  All are in a very close proximity of each other.  Brands like Maje, Sandro, Carven and Comme Toi.  It is however hard to differentiate between these brands and also to point at one that would be the star brand.  Is it possible for a brand to become likes of Chanel or Balmain?  Next time you are in New York don't miss shopping in Soho!