Tag: fashion designers

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Fashion podcast

Before Tacky with Yosono

The interview with bag designer Silvia Scaramucci on her handbags and view on life.

Yosono moved away from classic bag styles, was this a mission statement?

Our mission is to satisfy the consumer’s desire to invest in beautiful, high-quality bags that will stand the test of time and which actually tell a story about the wearer. In addition to this, our products address people who like changing, by having a different bag which goes hand in hand with their mood.The fashion industry has moved away from classic styles and instead has started to gravitate toward the cult of the personality bag. 

Buying them is done with as much head as heart.

What is the story of the Model Joy Bag?

I designed this model for customers who need something useful and functional, yet with personality, as the bag still features the geometric lines which characterize any of our models.

The Janne Bag is a bit multi-dimensional. How do you develop the design?

Checkout the interview below:

I wanted to design something that could be worn in different ways. Janne is a bag you can either wear on your shoulder or like a necklace; moreover, you can also change the flap and the strap to boast a different bag whenever you like.

Optimism is the brand story, can you explain?

We are a young and creative team and we strongly believe in a better world. Our aim is to make something we enjoy and which brings us pleasure and satisfaction; that’s why our zest for life inevitably contaminates our creations.

How many bags should a person have?

This is a little bit personal… Maybe each woman would like to have as many bags as they wish…I know people who have more than a hundred bags, but I usually suggest relying on high quality than quantity.

Related to the rebooting and rebirthing issue, how will the brand redefine their concept during this pivotal time?

This is a very difficult time and the right way to redefine ourselves is not that clear at the moment…however, we hope this situation will change all the rules which govern the fashion industry and make our way to building a new concept of business made of well-made and “sincere” products, which clearly state who they are and where they come from.  The only way to face this crisis is to make products which feature the high-quality and craftsmanship we are famous for all over the world.       

Who is the brand’s famous role model?

The Zoe model is our iconic shape. People love that because it’s easily identifiable and suitable for any age.

I like their young preppy Geometric aesthetic Concept, please explain

This is definitely my signature. All the bags I design have geometry in them; I love enclosing everything in defined lines and borders. This probably reflects a necessity to turn the chaos I feel in my soul into something visible and neat, in order to find my peace of mind into something reliable and well-defined, which brings peace and harmony.

What colors will you recommend this summer?

Pastel colors, absolutely! And earth colors in all their shades, but always with a hint of bright and vivid color such as neon ones.

Who are you clients and where?

I have clients from different countries…I don’t have a specific ID of my ordinary customer because the lines and shapes of the bags are very much appreciated by people of different ages and social classes. Being fully customizable, our product can be worn by anyone who likes standing out.

Company name origins, how did you develop this?

Yosono means “I am” in Italian: that’s where we started from..We just changed the letter “I” in “Y” because we love the “Japanese” sound it has, something more “international”. “I am” because when you buy one of our bags, your personality inevitably infuses in the bag itself, which shouts out loud “This is what I am!”.

Being a designer how did you start and what advice would you give to a young bag designer.

I recommend young designers follow their own path autonomously, without getting distracted by what other people are doing. I also suggest working against the tide without following what the market actually wants and going on with strength and commitment, as tough times may come…so, never give up. 

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Fashion

OOTD on a Budget

I went to the Ingolstadt Outlet Center outside of Ingolstadt Germany. The 110 store center had pretty much all I wanted as a Bargain Hunter, designer stores with some very good prices. As a habitual shopper with less cash but a lot of ambition designer outlets are heaven sent. I have to stretch my “fabu budget” anyway I can.

Covid 19, health and safety concerns come first. Located at each main entrance there is a guard to take temperatures as well as body temperature scanners. Each store allows only so many people in at a time. At the better known brands there were lines, so be prepared to wait a few minutes. I had to skip the Calvin Klein Underwear shop because of the long waiting time.

Plan First

  • 40% Off
  • Diesel
  • Only 100 but too big

As the shopping conditions were different, I needed to make a plan. Get the layout in my head. Find my favorite brands, get a cafe while planning the logistics and visits Simple, start from one end, work my way around. Easier said than done. I got distracted by the Bally Store. There was no line plus, I am a fan. The markdown was too good to pass up. The service was also good. I got a pair of shoes and belt for good prices. Continuing to work to end, Prada Store but busy, happily they told me to comback or make an appointment. I did the latter

Surprisingly there was no line to get in Versace. The sales guy was wonderful. My find of the day, I got a scarf for 15 euros.

Back to Prada. Sneakers on last mark down for 100 euros. I wanted them, but sadly, too large. Life is cruel.

  • Covid Check Point
    Covid Test Point
  • Tods
    Tod’s
  • Michael Kors
    Michael Kors

There is something for everyone. I admit a few brands could have been more generous with the markdowns. 50% off is my minimal point. Anything less makes me feel unwanted.

During these days many of the stores now have phone in and WhatsApp service. Call and ask what for the latest outlet offerings. They will even send pictures and arrange for package delivery.

Shop at Ingolstadt Outlet Centre year round near Ingolstadt Germany.

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Fashion

Pt2 From Milan With LOVE

The next part from our From Milan With Love production shot by Flora Marcella Cusi. Model Gabi Thiam is wearing Hats by Borsalino and Coat by luxury brand Fay.

Stay Tuned for Part 3

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Fashion

Fashion Week Relevance

I had a conversation with Magazine Editor Alexander Popov from Effect Magazine. Are fashion weeks needed in theses times? Travel restrictions, publications squeezed, brands under pressure, returning to the normality of fashion seasons looks far off. From empty chairs at shows to buying things we may or may not need.   We had a fun discussion on theses topics and more. 

 Click below to watch the webcast. 

Who needs the latest Gucci Bag these days? 



Alexander  Popov is Editor in Chief of Effect Magazine.  He regularly attends fashion weeks, but this year viewed the shows remotely.  Hopefully next year life will be different. 

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Fashion

At PFW,, Less

France 24 News reports on the New Normal affecting Paris Fashion Week.  Less people attending Fashion Shows because of social distancing rules. 


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Fashion

Raf Meets Prada

Eagerly awaited, yet, what happened? In February there was an announcement of a collaboration. Raf Simons’ first collection at Prada with Miuccia Prada.  Looking back, were my expectations too high? Taking into account the circumstances, an audience free presentation during a social distancing fashion week in Milan.  Perhaps the lockdown combined with the global somber mood took its toll on creative energy of the Belgium Designer. The debut collection resembled alien lifeforms uniforms straight from a “Star Trek The Next Generation” episode. The fast recap: The Enterprise comes across another space vessel manned by a society practicing an unusual fashion caste system. 

I found nothing uplifting or inspiring from the 40 looks. The Spring 21 work comes across as a rush job.  Downbeat!  If there was central collective focus, I missed it cause my mouth fell open.  

 The Prada logo, front and centre on the neck for the fashionista selfie to alert everyone what she is wearing. Awkward!   The prints, cut outs, and outerwear, and clutch jackets, minimalistic styles.   All these elements combined gave off a sense of several ideals too many. 

I have no clue how they collaborated, either in person or via Zoom. However, for a debut collection of two heavy hitters in the fashion world, this was let down in some ways.  My question: Is this a case study of how two strong chefs can spoil a soup?

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Fashion

An August & September Read

Long sleeveless evening dress in ivory bias-cut silk georgette shaped through torso with pintucked design of roses; slit neckline, shirred shoulderline with self tie attached at right; flared circle skirt; matching crepe chemise underdress with camisole neck and scalloped hem; couture, with picot edge and hand stitching

Exhibitionism-50 Years of the Museum at FIT


Clearly, at 96 pages this book is not a long read. Even so, size did not curb my enthusiasm. On Page 10 seeing the costumes of MGM costume designer Gilbert Adrian in color for the first time. I became hooked. I had a bit of a swoon seeing the red dress worn by Crawford. 

Edited by Valerie Steel and Colleen Hill, the pictorial pages engaged me with brief descriptions and histories of curated exhibits at the museum. The selection covers 33 important exhibitions with background, context, and inspiration.  The authors give references for each exhibition.

Paul Poiret Looks 


Madame Gres, a one time rival to Chanel, created exquisite looks for film actress Dietrich.  Sadly, many today do not recognize the name. The great designer covers 2 pages.  I appreciate the images of Gres’ form hugging collections. All designed for the feminine shape. “Sculptural Beaty” is the quote from book.  I felt inspired reading through the pages.

Gothic Dark Glamour 

Without a doubt, there is something for all fashion lovers; covering topics on Asian Fashion Designs, the influence of Ivy League looks on menswear to Global Fashion Capitals.

Madeleine Vionnet 

  • Long sleeveless evening dress in ivory bias-cut silk georgette shaped through torso with pintucked design of roses; slit neckline, shirred shoulderline with self tie attached at right; flared circle skirt; matching crepe chemise underdress with camisole neck and scalloped hem; couture, with picot edge and hand stitching

 Valerie and Coleen made a book that is cosy when it would have been easy to overwhelm.  Indeed, Exhibitionism-50 Years of the Museum at FIT fits as a perfect August read while on a terrace.   I recommend soaking in a few chapters before the fashion week calendar starts in September.  

The Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology celebrates its 50 anniversary this year.  Founded in 1969, it continues to be an innovative space for fashion curations.  

To order a copy go to Amazon or a local book store. 

Categories
Fashion

Fashion Report from France 24

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Fashion

MILAN FASHION WEEK

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Fashion

Fashion Influence on the Spree?

Black and Paper did not actively participate in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin the past week because 1.) We had planned on going to Paris for men’s week but the weather caused problems. 2.) Given the challenges surrounding the past Berlin Fashion Weeks we felt it was better to sit this one out and wait for the feedback. 3.) Berlin is a creative city where many come to spread their wings, but as a fashion city it will never become a major influence on the level of Alpha Fashion Capitals Paris or Milan.  Perhaps it could muscle its way into the third-tier levels of fashion cities given the importance of clothing trade fairs that occur during Fashion Week.

Did MBFW succeed this year when so many others failed in the past?  New organizer, a new location, scaled down calendar, it depended on the level of expectations.  Berlin pretends it does not want to go in the direction of other fashion weeks, they always repeat the same talking points of “being cool” “alternative”  yet organizers offer nothing new or fresh during fashion week, just runway show audiences stocked with influencers and former girlfriends of football players.

Black and Paper is not subscribing to being fashion snobs regarding Fashion Weeks but being realistic. There is great appreciation for the dedication, work, and sacrifice, the designers and their teams do to put on credible runway shows.

Berlin needs more than an idea and Public Relations to execute a plan on becoming a style influence on the Spree.

Black and Paper is based in Berlin.