Check out the quick interview from the Milan Fashion Week with Designer Nitin Kartikeya. I interviewed him at The Hub.
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Tag: fashion designer
I love saying the name PUCCI! It conjures the glamour and expressive color of the 1960’s. Optimism ruled. The sense of tomorrow will be brighter day.
At Milan Fashion Week I stepped in to see what was new for Fall 2019. Prints and shaped colors continue to the unique aesthetic of the brand born in Florence during Post War Italy. Creative Director Peter Dundas still delights me by staying true to brand’s origins. In this day and age we need more optimism.
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Sergio Rossi
I attended the Sergio Rossi presentation during Milan Fashion Week. For Fall 2019 the Italian shoe label went for statement footwear. Knee high boots and red pumps formed part of the collection.
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A New Concept
As the shopping experience changes, so must retail reinvent itself to stay relevant. On a recent visit to Paris I decided to pay a visit to the new Galeries Lafayette on Champs Elysee. The great boulevard’s stores have changed. In the 90’s this former Virgin Records Super Store offered every genre of music. I discovered Senegalese Jazz there. I remember popping listening to the new release wall.
In 2019, what is a record store? A question we will ask about department stores. As taste and consumer needs move forward, retailers need to respond. Galeries Lafayette’s new store borrows from the concept store in a bigger setting. The 3 floor layout features new brands as well as established labels. Concessions and inshore interior changes regularly while avoiding the shelf clutter of traditional stores. The obvious focus is to keep the buyer curious with a “What’s New” strategy.
Only in Paris!
Two Cafes and restaurants situated on the first floor and in the basement are designed for being seen as well as attracting the shared space working clientele. I bought a cafe and pastry then took a seat to check my schedule on my tablet.
As I have stayed a few times. Department stores continue to feel like a place where our Grandparents went to buy stocking after World War 2. Galeries Lafayette gets a good mark for bringing mass retail into the 21stcentury.
Galleries Lafayette is located at 60 Avenue des Champs Elysees, Paris
I have successfully worked with Cividini on many occasions. Styling on Red Carpets, casual looks for day wear, I had great success each time. As far as the collections, quality fabrics, classic looks shinning through. The wearer does not suffocate under the pieces.
Check out the videos below. The first is from Florence, the other from Milan.
I am a fan of Cividini. When I wrote “Conflict of Interest” about the brand I did not want readers to think because I have worked successfully with the team they influence my opinion of the looks. No! The pieces fit my style and what I would recommend. When it comes to dressing I lean to to understated side. Let the clothes speak. People who are in the know, know quality. There is no need for over the top monograms or labels. When I wore Cividini pieces in Paris, I got compliments. That is what I like.
In the Age when Influencers are paid for endorsements. I try to be authenticate.
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My Milan Fashion Week View
This season was not the strongest for the Italian Style Capital. A moment collective crisis or a shift to what it does best. Backing away from mixing streetwear to more tailoring and Italian chic style.
Quick Round up
Armani stayed in his lane. Cool blue and pink pastels, metallics, and fluid materials made up his 78 look collection. The jackets were sleek. The embellishment heavenly. Normally his collection are shown at the Armani Solo, but this time it took place at his the corporate address in the courtyard.
It is hard to write about the Versace show without mentioning J.Lo walking in the iconic Jungle Green Dress. It does not matter what I write about the brand. Donatella knows what her clients want and she gave it to them. The mini dress is my favorite.
Bottega Veneta, not my cup of tea. I love the bags but with this collection I could not transfer the emotion. The leather luxury brand mixed leather, with seaters along with an interpretation of streetwear. I will give Creative Director Daniel Lee another chance.
I talked about Jil Sander at another show. A fashion journalist told me how she admired co-designers Lucie and Luke Meier. The brand has been in the wilderness for a moment. Prints and embellishments in a Sander show are a shocker. This collection had moments, enough for me to look forward to the next.
Normally I am fan of Retro 60’s looks but Alberta Ferretti’s collection of suede, tie dye dashiki’s “let the sunshine in” looks fell flat at times.
Ermanno Scervino’s feminine looks came across as a man who likes women in his clothes. No overdone looks, just get noticed without a spotlight. Leathers with silk, some animal prints, and blues made for a classy collection.
Why so basic? Tod’s showed making looks that felt generic. Not a single look stood out.
Fila is more known for sportswear. As the lines are blurred brands are moving in all areas. Shock! I have to say, I liked its first runway collection. Sexy, wearable, sporty rolled into one.
Fendi post Karl appears to be in good hands. Quilted pieces, suede, leather, and cotton, made for an expressive collection.
I attended the Bally Presentation. The return to the casual luxury looks were welcomed.
A adventure in Fashion Glamour or a woman who is eternally cool. Etro blended both. I liked the collection of prints, colors, suits, and short hemlines.
My first impression of the Salvatore Ferragamo collection. The looks did not wow me but some were better than others. The monochromatic blues, beige, floral, and leather pieces grew on me.
Iceberg decided on the get scene by wearing pastels in a big way. The looks work incling the mini’s, denims, and swimsuits.
A special mention to Fashion Shenzhen for an intersting show of Red Carpet Looks. Many looks were details and intricate.
The German luxury brand Boos debuted in Milan. This collection felt like left over pieces from other designers, a fashion Frankenstein. Patchwork creations pieced together. If there was a brand DNA, I could not see it.
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Luxe not Overdone
Valextra, the Italian handbag maker produces pieces based on luxury not overstated flash. Each bag makes a statement. I have been a fan of the brand for many seasons. The brand is a favourite of Oprah Winfrey.
Checkout the video from Milan Fashion Week.
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Paris Experiences
Want to know what my experiences were like in Paris during Couture Week? Check out some of the videos. It was never boring. Sometimes a challenge overcoming old values. All things considered, I plan on returning. But Paris always excites me.
A Big Thank You to Canon. They loaned me a camera.
Chanel unveiled its first post Lagerfeld collection. Virginie Viard takes control of the storied French brand. The setting at the Grand Palais turned into a romantic train station fit the mood. The looks were soft and feminine.
Ms. Viard has the full backing of brand head Bruno Pavlovsky. The company posted profits of $2.7.
Press Days is an event when media, agents, and designers come together to discuss the latest looks and trends in fashion and lifestyle. Sustainability and colourful branding are coming to retailers soon.
What stood out from the crowd?
Gitti nail polish, the new eco-friendly beauty brand looks to break out. Stay tuned for the interview with the founder.
Frau Frieda is a bag brand making the case for German luxury craftsmanship.
Skullcandy’s new earbuds peaked my curiosity. The new ear devices are fast charging with long battery life.
Moose Knuckles sheering outerwear makes wearer statements.
Mini 
Skullcandy 
EOS 
Converse 
Funktion Schnitt 
Gitti 
Cocktails from Apero 
RRD 
Titian 
i’vr Isabel Vollrath 
Armani Exchange 
Frau Frieda 
Rebekka Ruétz 
Moose Knuckles 
Superga 
Melitta
I produced these images using a Canon Camera.