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.
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.
I loved this model at the Damir Doma presentation so I waited until she got into a look so I could produce a video of her in one of the designers looks.
Black and Paper at the Maisonnoee Fashion Show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin.
A Berlin based known for leather wear. This season the primary focus was on soft silhouettes mixing lengths and materials.
Cavalli
Nocturnal is the mood Cavalli collection consisting of cat prints, snakeskin, peacock feathers. White, Black, and animal palettes were on display in Milan from the designer this season. Sensuality is the trademark of Cavalli, keeping to the brands DNA, the looks blended ornamentation and detailed craftsmanship using tweeds, furs, beads, and strips of python fabrics.
From Milan Fashion Week
Powered by Canon G9-X
Bally
Running from opulent evening wear to sportswear, Bally’s Fall 2017 collection consisted of purple double breasted coats, tartan blazers, and two piece suits with bow ties influenced by the GO-GO 70’s of clubbing with Mic and Bianca Jagger. Metallic slip-on shoes with oversize buckles, animal print bags were accessory highlights.
Black and Paper Re-See of the Gucci Fall 2017 Collection.
The looks presented this season were inspired by the fantasies of Alessandro Michele. There were 100 looks with many pieces ranging from oriental umbrellas to my personal favorite, sheer suits. Feeling a bit like a couture collection, there were many rich details and embellishments, ranging from embroiled pearls on cuffs and male cut out pants suits. Gucci is a brand of accessories, and all were on hand from the new bag with a symmetrical cut and flats in a gladiator style made of styles or the jacquard shoes. There was no overall universal theme this season, except using every color in the spectrum; while I was going over the looks, I was reminded of the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, fun, optimistic, creative from a designer who is looking to the future.
Powered by Canon G9X
Dubai based fashion brand AAVVA was founded in 2006 by Lebanese Ahmad Ammar and Brazilian Vincenzo Visciglia.
The Black and Paper interview with Fashion Designers Ahmad and Vincenzo.
How did you guys start in the fashion business?
Ahmad: We met in 2011, while working on the same project in Dubai. That project was in our field of engineering. Soon we realized that we both had a vision when it came to fashion, we decided to start our own fashion line, AAVVA. I also had a degree from ESMOD Fashion School in Beirut.
Vincenzo was involved in the fashion and modeling fields before. Everything pointed in the direction for us to start a fashion brand.
Vincenzo: Dubai, the city with all its dynamics was also a driving source of inspiration for both of us. We strongly felt that we could do something in the field of fashion especially in a multicultural city like Dubai. Even though we’d studied engineering, we felt certain fashion we could make a contribution to the fashion field. We followed our instincts.
Do you have a favorite piece from the Resort Collection?
A: We have a couple of pieces that we really like.
Our favorite pieces from the resort collection are the fringe dress that we are making it in 2 styles, the cotton thread fringes as well the fully beaded Swarovski crystals fringes, this dress has been worn by many celebrities like Joelle and Ola and other fashion influencers, as well, it was our top selling in Galleries Lafayette Dubai Mall.
What is the goal of your designs?
A: Our goal is to express our vision and background as engineers while portraying our love for fashion, art, and style. We want to be able to bring out the best incorporating our backgrounds as engineers.
What is your vision of modern feminine fashion?
A: We design for the modern, feminine woman of today. And we always make sure to emphasis this in each piece. Femininity is something that really represents both Arabic and Brazilian woman, so here comes AAVVA, the mix between the rich Lebanese and the colorful Brazilian culture!
What type of woman do you have in mind when you design?
A: We design for the modern yet feminine woman of today!
What designer has influenced you the most?
A: We believe inspiration is all around. J
V: We both agree that we get our influences from so many talented designers, both Arab and non-Arab. We want to stay up to date, in style. Also, our inspiration comes from our customers; the people we design for are very influential on our creations.
Being located in a place that is both conservative and progressive, is it a challenge bringing the two together as far as designs?
A: Conservative is never really a challenge, we know our Arab clients love our pieces. They come to buy many of our stunning looks to wear for their events like weddings or a red carpet gala.
V: Progressiveness of the place also helps us to keep track with what’s going on! Obviously, we are constantly aware of the progress that is being made all around and we are lucky to grow and progress together with Dubai. As we mentioned, UAE was always our source of power to start and grow, the source of our inspiration.
Powered by Etihad Airways. The Official Airline of the Fashion World.
Black and Paper Video from Lena Muller Show
Powered by Canon G9X