Italian Fashion - Fendi Spring Summer 2008

Italian Fashion is great because of the variety of imaginative designs presented for the same season. The underlying theme remains the same but each designer presents something unique and develops that theme over numerous outfits creating something that will work for just about anyone and any occasion. Fendi is all about colors. It is a play on the rectangle with natural stones and fabrics to create a bright yet structured diversion from the basic outfit. Most often the colors are on accessories but can find themselves on borders and hemlines. Every time I see a Fendi outfit it reminds me of Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise in “A Few Good Men.”

“I notice you're wearing your Class A appearance in dress uniform for court today.”

“You can’t handle the truth!!!”

The outfits are a combination of “The Jetson’s” loosely combined with the Woodstock era. The shoulders seem to have wings and a tight waist evidencing the hourglass figure. The Woodstock influence brings in flowing ankle length skirts in cotton and silk. Tie die patterns are prominent. I am not sure how the Peacock tail ended up in some of the patterns. Perhaps experimental new drugs designed for the 23rd century.

The final group of designs would have been fit for a young Mortisha Adams. I am not sure how they fit into the traditional Fendi but are somehow intriguing.

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Aldo Coppola – Hair Stylist for the Fashion Shows of Milan

Milan is the perfect destination for those interested in meeting people in the fashion industry. On any given day in the city of Milan you can bump into more or less famous models, model wannabees, fashion designers and America’s famous of the big and small screen. In Milan you can find the best artisans and quality products from the world of fashion. This includes the hair stylists who care for the stars. The best of the best is Aldo Coppola.


Coppola is the solution when all others fail. When the dye ruins your hair or a cut goes terribly bad then Coppola is the Answer. Raffaella swears by Coppola. She has her own personal favorite stylist and will wait several weeks for an appointment. Lorenzo travels with the fashion shows around the world turning every model into a diva. He can do the same for you. He will give you that next season look before others know it is about to happen.

Aldo Coppola is about artistic creation supported by technical competency. Coppola employs the best stylists and maintains a rigorous apprenticeship program. They start getting coffee for clients and work through years of apprenticeship. He takes only the best and somehow is capable of keeping them their. Even when a stylist leaves Coppola to start their own business they still refer to his shop in Milan as Number One.

Aldo Coppola has locations in the major cities in Italy but the original and the best is in Milan. They can do miracles and even the normal appointment is an experience in high fashion. You would think this is expensive and they do charge about 20% more than other stylists but it is well worth the money. Coppola is busy and cannot take walk-in appointments but call a couple of weeks in advance or have the hotel book for you. Plan to spend a couple of hours. It will be a pleasant voyage of self-indulgence. You will be pampered, primped and treated like a queen. Remember the idea of coffee, cappuccino and/or a glass of wine while visiting an establishment is a century old tradition.

There are numerous Coppola shops in franchising. In Milan you want to go to the original in Corso Garibaldi.

Tags: Women's Fashion Italian Designers Shopping Milan Hairstyles Fashion Travel Italy

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Men’s Fashion Shows in Milan June 2007

Ladies, if you are interested in statuesque men with marbled features then Milan is the place for you. The 2008 Spring – Summer men’s fashion shows will all be in town during the weekend of the 23rd to the 27th of June. Over 50 designers will be presenting in various locations starting Saturday. I believe my female readers will be interested in knowing that over 5,000 young, very fit, good looking, eligible men will be strolling the streets of Milan and visiting the numerous nightclubs. This is obviously in addition to the great Milanese already in the city.

The 5 day calendar starts Saturday June 23 with Jill Sander at 11 AM. In the same day she is followed by Costume National Homme, Gaetano Navarra, Missoni, Burberry Prorsum, Gianni Versace, J. Lindeberg, Denis Simachev, and the two Belgium designers Les Hommes e Dries Van Noten. The most buzz is about Dries Van Noten, the only first timer of the week.

Sunday the 24th Bottega Veneta, Antonio Marras, Frankie Morello, Gianfranco Ferrè, Salvatore Ferragamo - first time back with men's shows after many seasons - Vivienne Westwood, Carlo Pignatelli Outside, Emporio Armani, Neil Barrett, Daks, Prada and Alexander McQueen hit the runway.

Monday the 25th continues with Dsquared2, Valentino, Dirk Bikkembergs, Alessandro Dell´Acqua, Biagiotti Uomo, John Richmond, Moschino, Krizia Uomo, Gucci, Gazzarrini, Giuliano Fujiwara, Intuitive and Roberto Cavalli.

Tuesday the 26th, second to last day of the show, features Marni, Iceberg, Trussardi, Fendi, Etro, D&G, Messori, Calvin Klein Collection, Giorgio Armani (the only designer with 2 shows at 5 and 6 PM), Belstaff and Haute.

Wednesday the 27th brings only 5 shows: Romeo Gigli, Enrico Coveri, Byblos, M+F Girbaud and, to close, Roen, the Japanese designer.

Tags: Mens Fashion Italian Designers Milan Spring Summer Travel Italy

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Valentino – Celebration to 45 years of design

I have heard this to be the most important fashion event of 2007. Gold plated invitations are already in the mail to the lucky participants of the two day, 5 event, celebration of Valentino’s 45 years in the fashion industry. Many are claiming Valentino the King of fashion and the exclusive event is destined to bring together modern nobility from the four corners of the earth. July 6th to July 8th will days of fashion shows, dinners, private meetings and a historical representation of the career of Valentino. The backdrop is the city of Rome.

The entire area around the Coliseum will be adorned with images of the stylist’s designs. The fortunate holders of the gold invitations will be ushered to the Museum Ara Pacis at 11 AM on the sixth for a press conference and tour. That evening at 7:30, the second invitation opens the doors for the grand opening of the presentation, Valentino’s 45 years of Style. The evening could not conclude without dinner. The fortunate few, holding the third invitation, whisk off for dinner at the Tempio di Venere by the Arch of Constantine.

The following day does not start until 5 PM. Valentino is presenting his 2008 Fall/Winter collection. The location says how important this collection is. The Show will take place athe Monumentale S. Spirito in Saxia. The events conclude with a Grand Gala Dinner at the Galleria Borghese.

No doubt this is a once in a lifetime event. I believe my personal invitation must have been sent to the wrong address so if someone receives it for me please forward it here in Dallas.

Tags: Women's Fashion Italian Designers Womens Spring Summer Valentino href="http://technorati.com/tag/Fashion" rel="tag">Fashion Travel Italy

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Laura Biagiotti Women’s Fashion Spring Summer 2007

Laura Biagiotti is always bright colors and simple designs. I usually like just about everything she does. This year, as many other designers, she is on a retro 70s kick. The first thing that caught my attention was the tie die prints.

The intrigue quickly passed to “Oh my goodness, what was she thinking?”

I do not write about the things I do not like so I thought Laura’s designs for this Spring and Summer would have been missing. Sometimes designers produce models that are intended to surprise. Let’s just call it the Fashion Industry’s “Shock and Awe!” After the first ten models passed the lines became cleaner, the colors more vibrant and the fabrics traditional Laura Biagiotti. Although most of these outfits will be for the young or young at heart they are worth taking a look.


The primary accessories are the heeled sandals and big 70 style glasses. Some lines are the baggy moo moo type long dresses. They bring to mind images of Woodstock, Mary Jane roaches, and really long hair.


The next series worth going over are the bright colored patterns on short skirt and form fitting jackets. I can think of many occasions where these outfits would not only be appropriate but also a lot of fun. The slacks are probably a bit more exuberant than I would like to see on Raffaella but surely they are saying, “hey, look at me!”


The final line I could see as part of the summer wardrobe are the whites. The solid white fabrics are broken with intricately embroidered patterns or free flowing ribbons and bows. Most of these could be office or casual evening attire. Perfect for a dinner or night out on the town. While not austere they do not take away from the traditional office décor.


The ladies of Milan seem to agree with me as some of these outfits are making it into the offices this spring. If you would like to see the entire line you can find it at the official website.

Tags: Women's Fashion Italian Designers Laura Biagiotti Milan href="http://technorati.com/tag/Fashion" rel="tag">Fashion Travel Italy

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Historic Designs of Armani at the Triennale of Milan until April 1, 2007

Milan, Gran Milan, is hosting a show for those who own, or want to own, an Armani creation. The Triennale in Milan opens its doors to the public from February 20 through April 1, 2007 with the historic creations of Giorgio Armani. Fashion recognized as art. The Armani show at the Triennale is an opportunity to know and understand the designer and his passion. The show boasts over 600 outfits and designs. Each exhibit is supported by audiovisual presentations explaining the moment in time, the tools of the trade and the historic perspective of each representation. Interestingly, the designs are coordinated with all of the accessories. This is a unique opportunity to view the world of fashion through the eyes of one of the masters.

The show is an interesting mix of fashion design and history. The theatrical producer and visual artist, Robert Wilson, designed the environment. Walking through the Armani creations scenes of famous films, important political moments, and people who have influenced our lives flash before our eyes. Armani has always been the definition of elegance. Each design evidences the progression of time.

Continuing through the scenic forest environment the viewer is taken into a world of dreams. The bridal exposition, with its luxurious hand embroidered fabrics, intricate laces, and gem studded dresses invokes images of princes and princesses exchanging vows in romantic castles, with horse drawn carriages and national celebrations. They are still life images of fairytales.

Evenings with the American Gigolo or a night with James Bond spring to life as the evening gowns take center stage. Opulent black silks and satins, with lace shawls and diamond studded hairnets take us into the period of the “Bella Vita” in via Veneto. Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and the Prince of Monaco enjoying a glass of Prosecco while a cool Roman sea breeze flows caresses their cheeks remind of majestic times past and hope for the future.

While Woman’s fashion is dominant, Men’s fashion has not been forgotten. An entire hall is dedicated to the traditional Armani man. Black silk shirts, soft jackets and the dark slacks adorn the exhibition. Their progression over time evidences the subtle changes of the man’s role in today’s world as the designs change, ever so slightly, from year to year.

Perhaps this exhibit is an example of how our world is changing. Fashion representing recent anthropology. The changing role of men and women as seen through what they wear. In this case, “l’abito fa l’uomo”, you can judge a book by its cover. This is not the destination for the traditional museum visitor but it is an interesting way to see who we are and where we have come from.

Tags: Women's Fashion Italian Designers Lazio href="http://technorati.com/tag/Fashion" rel="tag">Fashion Travel Italy

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Italian Men’s Fashion Tendencies Spring/Summer 2007

Men’s Fashion is never as exciting as Women’s Fashion. I can accept that, women just look better in clothes however the 2007 Men’s Spring/Summer lineup is rather blah. In line with the women’s 2007 Spring/Summer Fashion tendencies most designers took a retro look into the 60s, 70s and early 80s. Natural fabrics and neutral colors are the underlying theme. Models without socks, pencil or bellbottom leg pants appear over and over again. Some of the women’s magazines in Italy let their disappoint show through dedicating their comments to the thing that most attracted them, the model’s eyes. Unfortunately that is one accessory we can’t change with the new season.


There are a few standouts in the sea of dull. Armani’s traditional cut with the dark slacks, dark shirt and light jacket will tide us over this year but guys, no matter what seems to be the tendency, do not forget the socks. He incorporates some silks, linens and corduroy fabrics that bring to mind my University professors even though there are not the telltale elbow patches.


Burberry also does exceptionally well since this is pretty much in line with their continuing theme. I will not be wearing their purple overcoat but their active style and some of the reds and blues could have their place when I am in a slightly eccentric mood. They have also introduced the pullover V-neck and the aviators hat. Please do not go for the aviator’s hat; it is very distracting and if I see you I will have a hard time not laughing.


I was hoping that Laura Biagiotti would have been a standout. Her designs are always playful and bright but the arrival of bird flu in Europe must have influenced the balance gene and I just cannot bring myself to like this hodgepodge of geometrical designs and clashing colors. It gives me a headache just looking at them.

Valentino’s classic designs also save him a bit but there is no question that even the greats followed the masses and let their creativity go to places that should never be explored. Please explain to me the sandals. Who in their right mind would wear sandals with a Valentino suit? The suits, without the accessories, are more traditional Valentino, so the cuts are clean and will be fine in most occasions. The fabrics are generally light with hints of pinstripes and some unobtrusive patterns or the neutral natural summer wools and cotton.

The raincoat is present in all the lines. Usually it is extremely bright and shiny vinyl. Bright enough to show up even on the rainiest of days. Wearing one of these jackets people will see your glow long after you have moved out of view. Sure, they could be fun for a day, maybe a week, but for three months one will get tired of these very fast. I see it much like painting your bedroom blood red. Sooner or later you will be losing sleep.

Most of you know that I rarely write about things I do not like or appreciate. Unfortunately, this year has so little to offer that I will try and find the positives in what I consider to be a year of design to forget.

Tags: High Fashion Spring Summer 2007 Milan Men's Fashion Italian Fasion Travel Italy

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Italian Women’s High Fashion Spring-Summer 2007 – Valentino

Images of Jacqueline Kennedy seducing the world, the women of Sean Connery’s James Bond, and the grand festival at Woodstock must have been in the mind of Valentino while designing his Spring-Summer 2007 line. White and variation of white are the dominant colors interrupted occasional by cream or lavender tones. Soft fabrics and flowing forms accentuating the feminine body are the basic textures. Fluffs and frills, in different degrees, intersect with traditional embroidery and lace. Shoulder pads and square backed jackets are back, perhaps to balance the extra volume of the fluffs on the otherwise form hugging designs. This line is a reminder of the elegance of the sixty’s balance light and airy shoulders leading into pronounced splits revealing the beautiful body just enough in a “see, can’t see” illusion.


The Spring Summer 2007 Valentino line offers an interesting twist on the tube dress. The initial impression is that of a familiar line, something you could see in a James Bond movie with Sean Connery but a closer look reveals tantalizing transparent fabrics revealing silhouette images of what is lying just underneath the veil thin cloth. The ridged silk ribbons enhance the tease. While these outfits would most likely not be appropriate for business wear they would be perfect for most nights on the town including the more formal settings.










As in all things, fashion is about balance and what can accentuate a concept, when the compliment becomes the focus things can go very bad. Ladies, I do not pretend to have even a minimal understanding of the beauty and grace that Valentino creates but I do know what I like. These outfits with the mega fruffles are too much. Somehow I relate the outfits to women. A few extra pounds are exciting, accentuating the femininity of a woman’s body but when the pounds are significant, the creases and rolls dominate the overall vision and I lose interest.


I like the return of the shoulder pads on most women. They give me the impression of a strong and fit woman. I really do not know why but I prefer the wide, slightly muscular or toned shoulders rather than the weeping willow structure. The shoulder pads evidence the shoulder and the shoulder jacket brings attention immediately to the neck and face. Valentino also plays on this concept with fabrics that widen the shoulder instead of just bringing it up. I have noticed this in several designer lines this year.











The form fitting sixties styles are sexy. Valentino has taken the populous look and made it high fashion with some truly exuberant laces and silks. These are elegant, truly works of art. They will not be appropriate for anything except the formal occasion however when you walk into the room with this on you will be the center of everyone’s attention. I would not be surprised to see this on the Diva walks in Hollywood this spring.


Finally these are my favorites, they are provocative, elegant, sexy, playful, down to earth, and feminine. They can be worn by the “I am beautiful” and the “Stupendously Intelligent Geek” and will seem appropriate in both situations. Whether you are coy or an extrovert these designs will adapt to your personality and your look. Sometimes a designer creates a work of art where everything just comes together in perfect balance. They may be a bit much for the everyday work environment but wouldn’t it be fun to try?





Tags: High Fashion Spring Summer Fashion Valentino Milan Women's Fashion Italian Fasion Travel Italy

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