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Co.Ro. Jewels – Wearable Architecture

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Brand: Co.Ro. Jewels
Site: www.corojewels.com
Designers: Costanza de Cecco and Giulia Giannini

First I discovered Co.Ro. Jewels a while ago at a sales event in Rome. They didn’t know me.  But I remembered them since then – both of the co-founders – Costanza and Giulia. Their jewellery was one of the few designs that remined with me long after that event. Isn’t it what we call authencity? Or individuality and personality – the major traits of Made in Italy? The shapes of their jewellery had soul and character. They stood out.

Recently, a friend of mine reminded me them and I thought it was time to feature Co.Ro. for AQA Series. Discovering Costanza and Giulia as persons was another delight. Being work partners with a childhood buddie for lifetime is not easy, especially when there are finances involved. This design duo has managed to make it work, survive dark period of covid and have plans of expansion for future. They have created their own small and unique world inside a tastefully designed boutique in one of the very “roman” streets of Rome. Actually, they gave quite some interesting tips for success as designer entreprenurs. Keep reading to find out.

Check out their site, prices are surprisingly affordable too.

Enjoy

Discover authentic creatives at AQA Series

For me success is moving slowly but steadily. Throwing away bucket of borrowed money is very easy. We chose a different path. Such gradual and steady progress also gave us time and opportunity to understand and define us who we are, evolve while we grew, and understand who we want to be. All in all, becoming designer entrepreneur is not something one is born into. One needs to grow into it.

– Costanza

How did it all start?

Costanza: We got to know each other at lyceum when we both were 14 years old. Back then we weren’t sure what we wanted to do but we were sure we’d do it together. We shared passion and vision for creativity. In the beginning we tried our hands in different things. At 18 years old, I along with university studies, attended a course on jewellery design at the Accademia di Costume e Moda. It was an intense year when I did both studies, but that is how it all started.

You mean you already had an idea to start your own jewellery brand?

Giulia: Not really. There was a lot of experimenting, making things for friends. I liked to work with wax, Costanza did a course on jewellery design. But we’d keep talking and sharing what we learned, we were together all the time, during the university and after the university.

First self-confidence. Believing in what we did comes first. Secondly, choosing our own path over someone else’s. Even when mistakes happen, it is our own mistake, not an error due to other’s opinions. Also, being able to trust gut feeling. Maybe it doesn’t apply to all business decisions, but allowing yourself to trust in gut feeling shouldn’t be taken lightly.

– Giulia

What did you study?

Giulia: I studied architecture. Costanza did too. We both studied architecture.

You both come with background in architecture. Now it is clear why the brand is about portable architecture. How did you arrive to a decision to start your own brand?

Costanza: While we were studying architecture we started to take courses to learn technical skills like modelling wax etc. It all started as a passion while we studied, our friends, schoolmates would buy from us, or they’d ask for something specific. For us in the beginning it was pastime activity, more of a hobby. It wasn’t a business; I mean, it wasn’t born as a business. It was the success of the idea that took us on this path to create our own brand. In this while, we were studying architecture at La Sapienza.

When did you decide to create your own brand?

Giulia: In 2012 we started to work for one of big jewellery brands for two years. Things seemed to always happen by design. There was a person who asked us to be assistant designer. We accepted the offer, and had an exposure to the operational part of the business. It was a brand that was in market, made collections, took part in fairs etc. This experience encouraged us to pave our own path.

How difficult it was to start and put a business on a roll?

Costanza: As we did everything gradually, step by step, the difficulty wasn’t unbearable. It surely takes a lot of determination, passion, willingness, and time. But for us such gradual growth was fundamental. In the beginning there are a lot of frustrations obviously. But we never thought about abandoning it. It wasn’t a choice. Also, we didn’t have an investor behind, whatever we earned we invested in this work. We believed in our idea.

How difficult it is to run a business as a woman?

Costanza: More than anything it is about credibility. Somehow woman is taken less seriously. The expectation is to have someone behind to support you. People trusted in us, started to work with us and our work took off. Yet two men would have been taken more seriously. Especially when it comes to financial issues. Honestly, we didn’t go to banks for financing, we never test our feet in that water. Also back in time we were very young, about 25 years old. It also explains the scepticism. All in all, ours was a positive experience.

Giulia: There is another side here, we mostly work with artisans, spend time with them. With time one builds trust. At times being woman may even have helped as working with women adds a bit of sympathy to the whole work as well.

Isn’t starting and going without financing difficult?

Giulia: In the beginning this was side hustle, we’d saved some money before starting.

Costanza: For me success is moving slowly but steadily. Throwing away bucket of borrowed money is very easy. We chose a different path. Such gradual and steady progress also gave us time and opportunity to understand and define us who we are, evolve while we grew, and understand who we want to be. All in all, becoming designer entrepreneur is not something one is born into. One needs to grow into it. That’s why I think this steady and gradual progress was fundamental, also to understand our client base etc. Making mistake is very easy, burning money is very easy.

So what is the greatest lesson of this journey?

Giulia: First self-confidence. Believing in what we did comes first. Secondly, choosing our own path over someone else’s. Even when mistakes happen, it is our own mistakes, not errors due to other’s opinions. Also, being able to trust gut feeling. Maybe it doesn’t apply to all business decisions, but allowing yourself to trust in gut feeling shouldn’t be taken lightly.

How do you handle the business part?

Costanza: I find business part difficult, yet we have a lot synergy in design process.

Giulia: in the beginning it was “Arabic”, but gradually one starts to make sense of it. I should tell I have started to like it.

Do you always interpret architectural constructions?

Costanza: Idea of inspiration maybe not always be architectural. But always there should be some suggestion to interpret. Designs always are interpretation of some inspiration. What matters is to interpret skilfully. The more skilfully interpreted, the less recognizable it becomes. Our purpose is not to re-create already existing, but to re-elaborate, re-contemplate.

How do you adjust to client’s taste, market trend?

Giulia: I wouldn’t say we follow market trend. Also our workflow is not about being up to market tendencies. Our work is not organized around collections for each season. There are old, fail-proof designs that we keep producing them. Trend is ephemeral.

Let’s talk about the work process.

It takes at least a month to produce a piece and there are designs that we keep reproducing them. The longest part normally is the design part where we work closely to arrive to a content that we both are happy with. In this process trusting each other’s taste is important and we do trust. Our tastes are similar in some ways and different but complimentary in some other ways. While Costanza is more on precise, orderly, classical side, and I am more on the side of unconformity. But it is complementary. It is easy to get into conflict and fight when working in duo, especially when finances is involved. When we can’t agree on something, none of us try to be the righteous one, but be considerate of the other’s opinion. One also needs to be conscious that the conversation is about an idea inside someone’s head, until it gets realized, it is hard to say how it will look or be. The final product is something that represents a bit of both of us. Being in duo is a winning format for us.

Your client?

Our target is diverse, from young women up, the women that are attracted to geometrical shapes. Or just passing by the store, they get fascinated by the display. More than all we observe our products are preferred accessory for architects, it is something they can identify with.

So, you started with a workshop before, not a storefront. When it was that you decided to own your store?

Costanza: In the beginning yes, we were in a workshop in Monti (an upscale neighbourhood in Rome famous for artisanal work). It was a small place of ours where we spent most of our time creating. We used to sell either online or produced for events to get our name up there. When we both turned 30, we graduated from university, and left our work. That turn of age is time when one feels like it is time for a change. With that energy to change something, we went out to take one step further and this place was the first one we saw. There were a series of coincidences between the owner and us. We took it as a sign and went with it. The street is a beautiful one, a real roman street with many goldsmith around with whom we’ve been working since the beginning, The layout of the place let us have our workshop separated from the store front. For us it was perfect.

What is made in Italy?

Costanza: It is something that retells traditions. It is not about merely being produced in some certain place, it is about intrinsic and intangible value that it carries, the culture, the history that it represents. In Italy wherever you go you discover a long history, passion, life and contribution of those who lived. So it is more about that emotional aspect rather than just a product being made in a certain country. The passion with which everything is made, in any given sector.

Whatever region one goes, the common denominator is the dedication to excel in what they do. They just know how to do and do it well. For us it is a pride to be able to contribute and continue this tradition.

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Antonio Martino Couture – Enduring Voice of Authencity

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Couture: Antonio Martino
Site: www.antoniomartinocouture.com
Fashion Stylist: Antonio Martino

Hello folks,

It feels so great to be back with a new discovery in Rome. Those who follow me on social media may have read how hard March has been for me to pull myself together after the war broke out in Ukraine. Watching human tragedy unfold in front of our eyes is inexplicably painful. Thru the suffering one realizes that there is not much power in the hands of individuals like us except making conscious choices every day. Sometimes it feels like the most sensible choice is just to put blinders on, focus on work that creates beauty to stay sane – which I do – with friends that I am blessed to have who also helped me discover Antonio. Time and again, I find this blog to be a cozy nest for me to retreat in times of confusion and despapir.

At a time when the world seems to be swept by mass physhosis, it was so refreshing to discover Antonio. In the environment of homogenized thoughts and actions, it really felt good to talk in depth with someone who had a different take on things and courage to talk openly. Not all the conversation is published here:-)

As usual, I am sharing my impression of him in a phrase – he is the voice of authencity and enduring quality not tainted by marketing slogans and fads. His architectural creations are here to stay, not to dazzle eyes with ephemeral glow and fade away.

Do not miss his description of his clientele:-) Some powerful stuff 🙂 If you feel like you are one of the types he describes, then Antonio is the fashion guru for you.

I found his prices surprisingly affordable too. Check it out for yourselves.

Discover authentic creatives at AQA Series

What is fashion for Antonio?

Fashion for me is life itself. It is a bit of like breathing. I don’t remember my life when fashion wasn’t part of it. Maybe I was around 3 years old when I started to help my mother to do things with needle. My mother used to do embroidery work and my aunt was somehow involved in fashion. In some way I’ve been with fashion from early on. Yet, sincerely, really never inside the fashion world.

Tell us about your studies.

At 14 years old I moved to Rome from Salerno, my hometown to study fashion at a lyceum. It was a feat to convince my parents. I came with my brother. In Rome, we were lucky to meet a woman from Napoli who really mothered us, hosted us and I grew up with her here. After graduation I was supposed to study either in Milan or Rome. But it was hard on my parents to maintain the expenses for both my brother and me. So I attended a small school to learn the technical skills for garment building. With that it took off. In the beginning I didn’t do design, started with technical work.

Maybe someone you looked up to or now you think is your idol?

With years one grows and changes. At the moment Armani is the one who I’d like to be. He is a type that has managed to follow his passion, build an empire and built it intelligently. I believe one also needs to have a stroke of luck. Besides he has a taste and style that is timeless. Now he is over 80 but still there, still in the front line, still working. To me, he is the king.

How was Antonio Martino Couture born?

It was a curious journey – a choice born out of circumstances. In the world of fashion connections are important. First hand recommendation goes a long way. I understand that. Let’s say if I am looking for a seamstress, instead of losing weeks, maybe months for headhunting, shortlisting and interviewing people that I do not know, I go ask around and hire among from recommended candidates. It simplifies the process. So being inside the fashion world makes a big difference. My family or circle didn’t have ties with the fashion world.

There was a time, when I wanted very much and tried hard to work for one of the established houses. But as I said, this was a choice born out of circumstances. Eventually, in 2008, with my then partner we founded Antonio Martino Couture. Since then, now about 14 years, I am heading my own Couture. The early years were very intense, we used to do everything ourselves in an obsolete factory that was outside of Rome. But it had a lot of fabrics, so many other supplies that we needed. Weeks would blend into months – each week starting Sunday evening with us leaving Rome to the factory and coming back home Friday evening. Yet, I am grateful for those early years and to my then partner, thanks to whom the Couture took off.

Do your collections follow the regular fashion calendar?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMB3FXPjDeV/

Following fashion calendar requires a different set of infrastructure and series of arrangements. I opt for capsule collections obviously, in line with seasons – but planned to create events. I opt for creativity – small collections of fantasy than regular size collections adhered to fashion calendar.

To express my art, creativity is more important to me and this arrangement now allows me to do what I want to do. Let’s say, my objective is not to sell one more jacket, one more coat. The collections serve as pinnacle of creativity, quality and fantasy for me. Timelessness and durability are what I strive for. If I see someone still carry my creation after 10 years, that is my utmost satisfaction – just thinking that I’ve created something that after 10 years still hasn’t gone out of fashion, didn’t die in seasonal changes, and is not worn out, the quality is there – I feel I’ve accomplished something.

Besides, curious cuts that never go out of fashion are fundamental in my mind. For example, neck of a shirt that I designed had seven different ways to wear. So every time it feels like new to wear the same garment just by arranging the neck differently. It is also fun to have that covert touch. In 2017 a new line was born, which is called Urban Park which is more ready to wear mixed with high fashion.

What about now, which path you follow now?

Now I design to excite, to create splash.

So, no mainstream for you?

A big NO. I try to follow the trend in general. Let’s say, if bombers are in trend, I do bombers – but I do it my own way. To put clearly, I do not like to associate myself with somebody else. I never create something that one could say – oh, this is similar to Balenciaga, Dior etc. I make my own and create my own path. My style should be recognizable and speak for itself. But what we see often times is flattened taste and products. In this homogenized noise having my own voice is important for me. But do everybody see what I’ve created? I am not sure – that calls for massive marketing campaigns and investments.

Which is more important in this homogenized world – quality or marketing?

Unfortunately, marketing. Marketing rules. Today fashion is about concept – let’s say pieces are not remembered for their quality, but collections are remembered for the ambience and set up in which they are presented. Garments matter less. This is sad. People instead of looking fashion as a way to define own individuality, look at it as the means to blend in and flow.

What is quality for you?

The quality is very important. All in all, it is not only about quality of fabric. Everyone can get good quality, expensive fabrics and make a dress. There is nothing wrong about it. For me, quality is about research. Quality is about making something beautiful out of something that doesn’t cost much. From little ideas, small discoveries beautiful things can be born.

For example, in one of my collections, I created an oversize, exaggerated trench. The material was a blue net used as construction material inside houses, over the walls. I used it voluminously matching it with leather to create that trench. The final product is impossible to miss, it is exaggerated, voluminous, yet the base cost is pennies. The originality of idea matters. If one is void of ideas, the easy path is to follow the ideas of others and the trend of time.

What is the most common challenge that single creatives face in Italy?

All the designers want to get noticed. This is a form of art, an artistic expression. In the homogenized world the most difficult task is to remain true to oneself. The society likes to frame its members. If something is considered cool at certain period, everybody is expected to follow that path. But no. I do not want to join. I want to follow my own path.

Then who is your client base?

I wouldn’t define my clientele based on age. Yet my designs are not for teenagers. I work for more independent women, mature women. Woman that is self-conscious of her style and her power. A woman that wants to stand out, not blend in. A woman that appreciates quality, curious details, longevity of garments.

Your advice to your students?

I am very strict and demanding to them with a sharp eye to detect the tendency to copy. I guess they see me as their enemy for that. My advice to my students is to always stay informed, yet true to oneself. Learn inside out – not only theoretically, but also practically – hands on to understand how to construct a garment. Practice, practice and practice. Success may come unexpectedly, at the moment you expect it least. And if you are not ready for that moment, it goes away instantly just the way it came in. Always strive to build slowly, steadily, something to last. If after 50 years you are remembered even with just one creation, that is already something.

What is Made in Italy for you?

We Italians, regardless many things, are very lucky to be surrounded with so much beauty that we sometimes forget. Everyone refers to his/her products as Made in Italy because it sells. To me, Made in Italy is more about passion and creativity. Let’s take craftsmanship – it is easy to find it also in France, in China, elsewhere. The true Made in Italy is about a passion that is more carnal passion, sensorial passion – one lives it as if it flows thru, a radical phenomenon that one belongs to.

You know, it Italian we say – cucinare e cucire – the same passion applied to different things – cucinare – to cook, cucire – to sew – always you add your secret ingredient with so much love and affection. We are built like this. I come from south. For us everything happens in the kitchen – conversations, socializing, laughs and discussions – mother always cooks in the kitchen and the life revolves in kitchen. To be together at home – for us in south [Italy] – it feels like warmth of the sun. For us life is colorful, flavourful – everything is carnal, not mechanical, not conceptual. For me that is Made in Italy.

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Rossella Ugolini – Dance of Shapes

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JEWELLERY BRAND: ROSSELLA UGOLINI
ONLINE STORE: www.rossellaugolini.com
GOLDSMITH, JEWELLERY DESIGNER: Rosella Ugolini

Hello folks, now coming to you with a jewellery artisan Rossella Ugolini from Rome. Do you believe in a first impression? I do. My first impression of Rossella was ‘gracefulness’. As I got to know her more, visited her atelier, watched her create jewellery, I was convinced of my first impression. Gracefulness it was!

Talking with her about her beloved city of Rome, handcarft, precision, interpretation of forms etc. is a delight. Leaving here our talk with her for you to have a glimpse into the work of an artisan goldsmith and jewellery designer. She has an advice on how to wear jewellery, don’t miss it, keep reading. Don’t forget to check out her site for her great pieces.

When did you discover your passion for jewellery?

First, I discovered my passion for manual work with small objects. My father was an engineer mechanic. He used to fix things at home and would make me unthread the electrical wires with a strange twister. I found it very entertaining as I could bend and give shape to these tiny and shiny electrical copper wires. Then I was a little girl, about ten years old. For me it was a game. That is how I discovered my passion for manual work.

It was during the high school years of an artistic high school that I realized jewellery was the closest thing to my manual skills. It involved working with small and colorful details. I finished the high school little earlier at about sixteen and a half so I used this chance to go to goldsmith workshops to learn. Gradually started to buy my own equipment while I was studying at the Academy of Fine Arts. I used to study, work at home in the evenings and keep learning from goldsmiths in their laboratories at every chance I had. Still in my mind there is that vivid image of me sitting next to them in silence and watch them working. They smoked heavily. Sometimes they would talk to me and explain things. That is how, I slowly started to make my own jewellery too.

I consider myself a very lucky person. I’ve managed to do what I like to do and I do what I like every day with all the problems that exist at work. I think those who work in craftswork are satisfied people anyway. So if anyone has such passion, I would encourage to pursue it even as a side job as it will bring immense amount of joy.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

Surely, from the city of Rome. I grew up here surrounded by the Baroque architecture, beautiful forms, and the colors of Rome. Translating my thoughts, emotions into form is what it is about. Movement of dance is a form. When I already have a form in my mind I transform it onto material. That’s why many of my collections have names, for example, the collection of Castle. When I travelled to Puglia, I visited the Castel del Monte. It was a magnificent octagonal castle, an overwhelming structure. It had spelled me so much that I started to study its plan, the colors, its surroundings and thus the Castle collection was born.

This is as a natural process, as if a stroke of lightening, or an image, constantly happening in my mind. I see something that I like or inspires me, the next thing I know is it gets interpreted into a jewel.

Explain us the process of creating a jewellery.

The first step is drawing a sketch. Normally, that sketch is what corresponds to the original idea the most, it is more immediate. Then I elaborate the drawing with precision to the exact size. Jewellery should be comfortable and wearable, the parameters are important. Equally important is the technique – how to shape a ring that sits comfortably or form an earring that is not too heavy. These are technical parts of the process.

How long does it take to make a jewellery, let’s say a ring?

It’s difficult to say. If I’m happy with my idea and drawing, it takes at least two weeks. A lot depends on whether it is a one-piece item or there are several pieces to be assembled. The last step is setting the stone, and this is a whole another process.

What materials do you use?

I like working with gold. It is flexible, ductile and shapes come out beautifully. Also silver. With silver I make collections that are more contemporary. Because it is possible to bronze it and give a more rock look. Bronze and copper are not my preferred metals, they are difficult to work with. However, the material is secondary. Its choice depends from the preciousness of what I make.

Who wears Rossella Ugolini?

Rossella Ugolini’s woman is a woman who surely chooses the jewellery for herself. She is a woman of attitude, role and character. She already has traditional jewellery and wants something different, personalized and unique. We may design the jewellery together just for that person, so it is unique.

The age of the woman?

I have two categories of women for whom I design. The women in their 40s, who have already built their career and can afford themselves. But also, there is a young audience of 18-20 years now, who enjoy personalized jewellery. In general, this category will pick the most minimal, simple pieces from my collections. They keep coming back, they follow me on social media, ask for more maybe for fiends, or bring me their family stones to create a jewellery. Of course, also there are men who buy jewellery either for themselves let’s say cufflinks or jewellery for their partners.

Your advice to women on how to wear jewellery?

Each woman has her own face type, her own style and taste. In my opinion, you have to follow your own style, not fashion. If you wear a sweater, you don’t have to wear a jacket to put a pin on, you can also put the pin on a sweater. You have to follow your style and your feelings.

What is craftsmanship for you?

I’d say these days a lot of work is done in cad and on computer. All these are great alternatives to the manual work. Yet not my preferences. I feel that when I give a jewellery a shape manually, I embed part of my soul in it. It is not just another cold jewellery; it has a soul. Imagine the soul has entered into the object to take a shape. When one looks this way, very intriguing shapes can be born, especially if the shapes are circular. In manual work we use metal as well as wax to give shape. With wax that is worked both hot and cold it is possible to do more sensational moulding.

What is the most important quality of an artisan goldsmith?

The first thing that comes to mind is precision. But I’d say no. In my opinion, a goldsmith must have the quality of creating shapes that are particular, uncommon. This is precisely the quality of an artisan goldsmith – interpreting the form. One should be good at creating shapes that are singular, recognizable, particular, and harmonious. In craftsmanship small details are what make all the difference.

I think this is also the case with Made in Italy?

Yes, for me everything must be Made in Italy. That makes the difference. Even the boxes. For me Made in Italy is an ideal. It is a bit like renaissance. In the Renaissance workshops numerous artisans used to work together on the same project to make it as beautiful as possible. We all have the same goal.

A’biddikkia – Bold. Bright. Sicilian.

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FASHION BRAND: A’BIDDIKKIA
ONLINE STORE: WWW.ABIDDIKKIA.COM

DESIGNER: GIOVANNA MANDARANO

Hello folks, starting the year light and bright. With a fashion brand. From Sicily. Presenting to you A’biddikkia.

Do you know the luxury fashion house Dolce Gabbana? Ever wondered why the style of this house is so colorful, bold, rich and distinct? A little ‘no secret’ secret – it is inspired by Sicily.

I read somewhere on the Internet that being Sicilian means to be a brand. A brand of style and taste. Who can argue against it? With its glam, iconic style, bold and bright colors that resemble the sun, sea, the nature (those lemons and flowers), Sicilian cart and myriad of other symbols, suggestive lace, handwork and craftsmanship Sicilian fashion is quintessential. Sicilians know how to nail the timeless.

A’biddikkia just like Dolce Gabbana draws its inspiration from Sicily (but costs a fraction of it. It is a good news, isn’t!:)). Born in one of the most beautiful small islands of the Aeolian archipelago, A’biddikkia is not about dresses only. Just like they do in Sicily, it is also so much about accessories, shoes, scarfs, everything else that adds to that spice, glam and iconic style.

Watch the story to see Giovanna’s interpretation of Made in Italy and Sicilian Style. In the meantime, do not forget to head to their site to check out the online store and channel your inner passion with their very Sicilian style:)

www.abiddikkia.com

ACT N1 – Galib Gassanoff

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Brand: Act N1
Co-founders: Galib Gassanoff and Luca Lin
E-shop: actn1.com

The first guest of the “Galosce, Zhiguli” series is Galib Gassanoff – an emerging designer in Milan, co-founder of the fashion brand Act N1. His designs and garments are his way of dealing with his childhood memories and thoughts on traditions, human rights, freedoms etc. Contrasting elements making parts of a whole garment is the defining feature of his designs.

Galib Gassanoff (left), Luca Lin (right) – Co-founders of Act N1. Source: actn1.com

Galib, if I’m not wrong, it was 2017, friends in Italy were forwarding a news to me. It was about a young Azerbaijani fashion designer Galib Gassanoff, who together with young Chinese designer Luca Lin won a prestigious fashion contest organized by Vogue Italy and Altaroma. As far as I understand, it is quite a competitive contest. Tell us about this contest, in general, and how all it happened with you, with which design did you guys join?

When we knew about this contest, we were already preparing our third collection. So we submitted it. After a few rounds we reached the final round. This contest, “Who is on Next?” is established in 2005 to support emerging designers in Italy. Especially in 2017, in the year when we participated, the jury was made up of prominent faces in fashion. Among them were Silvia Venturini Fendi, Pier Paolo Piccioli, Giambattista Valli, Suzy Menkes and Sara Maino. 

“Who’s on Next” 2017. Galib Gassanoff and Luca Lin together with Emanuele Farneti and Silvia Venturini Fendi. Source: Galib Gassanoff.

We, together with my creative partner Luca Lin created ACT N ° 1 in 2016 based on our childhood memories. In our collections, we regularly talk about social issues, problems, human freedoms and our cultures. The collection we presented at the abovementioned  contest was about unity, respect and love, regardless of religion, language, race or gender. In the clothes, we used the details of Azerbaijani carpets, as well as prints inspired by the traditional watercolors of China. To cut short, the jury was impressed by our work and this brought us victory.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWUm-OZHneL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The collection that brought victory to Galib and Luca. 2017

So up until then you had already set up your own company, right? How and where did you create it? What category do you design, what is your entry price?

Yes, after studying fashion design and art direction in Milan, in 2016 we set up the ACT N °1 brand in two rooms at my partner Luca’s house in Reggio Emilia. As we both know dressmaking, we managed to take off with little investment. Although we started with women’s, over time we moved to unisex. Now we are starting with men’s. At the moment, we are presented in more than 80 multi-brand boutiques around the world. In addition to Italy, our brand is offered in the United States, China, Japan and other countries.

The positioning is entrance to luxury, and the price range is comparable to Max Mara. Twice in February and September of 2021, we introduced the ACT N ° 1 x Marella limited capsule collection globally in all Marella boutiques.

Sala delle Cariatidi – Palazzo Reale di Milano. Source: Galib Gassanoff

As a result of this victory, the Italian Fashion Chamber or Camera Moda has included you in the official calendar of Milan Fashion Week. How many times a year do you have a show on this calendar? Also, please tell us a little about the preparation process for the shows. 

Since September 2018, we have a regular schedule. The show takes place twice a year, in September and in February at Milan Fashion Week. The show is a major event that brings together the press, buyers and critics. Preparations take about two months and we work on the new collection, music, lightining, installation, five-day casting, fitting etc. Finding venue is one of the most difficult part of the preparation work. Milan Museum of Technology and the Royal Palace were among the most remarkable venues that we were able to present our shows.

Museo della Scienza e della Tecnica Milano, Sala Cavallerizze. Source: Galib Gassanoff

Let’s focus on Azerbaijan. I know that you are in touch with passionate youth in Azerbaijan and you guys carry out some projects. How, you think, we can benefit from Italian know how, Made in Italy experience and where do you see a potential? 

At the moment, I see a lot of potential for interior design in our youth. But I do not feel it in fashion. There is some talent, but they either do not have proper means or shy away from expressing their creativity. Self-confidence is at the heart of everything. It is necessary not to stop, to look around, to grow by showing interest in different areas. I think we need to draw conclusions from the Italian experience. We can build the industry just by learning and applying.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWX4P_-tuZd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Do you have any specific project regarding fashion, culture, or design?

I have ideas and plans to develop some sectors – let it be art or industry. My wish is that the unknown talented youth gets to express their creativity, emerge and build bright future. We have a great theater history, but I think we need to upgrade the quality of the costumes. Equally, our heritage of national costumes is very rich. I think it would be very good both to enrich this heritage and to define criteria to ensure quality of these garments. In general, I think there is need for some series work on this area.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXQu8RqNpu7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Your advice from lessons learned to Azerbaijani youth who wants to purse their dreams like you?

There is no need to make excuses. Follow your dreams. Express yourself without fear or hesitation. Look around, explore, one grows thru learning. You will often hear “it is impossible!” Do not listen. What matters most is that you believe in yourself. If you do, everything will work out.

Click to read the original interview in Azerbaijani language.

ACT N1 – Qalib Həsənov. Moda

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Moda markası: Act N1
Həm-yaradıcılar: Qalib Həsənov və Luca Lin
İnternet mağazası: actn1.com

“Qaloş Jiquli” silsilə müsahibələrin ilk qonağı Milanda yeni parlayan moda dizayneri, ACT N1 markasının həm-yaradıcısı Qalib Həsənovdur. Qalibin yaratdığı geyimlər sadəcə geyim deyil, konseptdir, sosial ünsiyyət vasitəsidir. Onun dizaynlarının səciyyəvi xüsusiyyəti təzadlı elementləri bir geyimdə birləşdirməkdir. Hazırladığı geyimlər uşaqlıq xatirələrinin ifadə formasıdır.

Qalib Həsənov (sol), Luca Lin (sağ) – Act N1 moda markasının həm-yaradıcıları. Mənbə: actn1.com

Salam Qalib. Səhv etmirəmsə, 2017-ci il idi, İtaliyada müxtəlif tanışlarım Azərbaycanla bağlı bir xəbəri mənə yönləndirirdilər. Xəbər Qalib Həsənov adlı azərbaycanlı gənc moda dizaynerinin Luca Lin adlı gənc çinli dizaynerlə Vogue İtaliya və AltaRomanın birgə təşkil etdiyi müsabiqədə qalib gəlməsi barədə idi. Anladığım qədər bu yarış çox rəqabətli yarışdır. Ümumilikdə bu müsabiqə və necə oldu ki, bu müsabiqədə iştirak etdiniz, hansı dizaynla iştirak etdiniz – bu barədə danışın zəhmət olmasa. 

Artıq üçüncü kolleksiyanı hazırlayırdıq ki, bu müsabiqə haqda məlumatlandıq və işlərimizi göndərdik. Bir neçə turdan sonra finala keçdik. ”Who is on Next?” adlanan bu müsabiqə İtaliyada yaranan gənc markalara dəstək məqsədi ilə 2005-ci ildə yaradılıb. Moda sektorunun inkişafında əhəmiyyətli rol oynayır. Xüsusən, biz iştirak etdiyimiz il – 2017-ci ildə münsiflər heyəti moda dünyasının tanınmış simalarından təşkil olunmuşdur. Onlardan bir neçəsini sadalayım – Fendi moda evinin hazırkı dizayneri və Fendi ailəsinin davamçısı Silvia Venturini Fendi; Valentino moda evinin dizayneri Pier Paolo Piccioli, eyni adlı markasını yaratmış dizayner Giambattista Valli, Vogue jurnalının 25 müxtəlif dildəki rəqəmsal nəşrini birləşdirən Online Vogue İnterational seqmentinin baş redaktoru, OBE titulunun daşıyıcısı, britinaliyalı moda tənqidçisi Suzy Menkes, Vogue İtalia jurnalının xüsusi layihələr üzrə direktor müavini, İtaliya Moda Palatasının beynəlxalq moda səfiri Sara Maino münsiflər heyəti sırasında idilər. 

Qalib Həsənov və Luca Lin Vogue Italia jurnalının baş redaktoru Emanuele Farneti və Silvia Venturini Fendi ilə. Vogue İtalia və Altaromanın birgə təşkil etdiyi “Who’s on Next?” müsabiqəsi. 2017-ci il. Mənbə: Qalib Həsənov

ACT N°1 markasını biz 2016-da yaradıcı ortağım Luca Linlə öz uşaqlıq xatirələrimiz əsasında qurmuşuq. Kolleksiyalarımızda mütəmadi olaraq sosial məsələlərdən, problemlərdən, insan azadlıqlarından və bizə məxsus mədəniyyətlərdən bəhs edirik. Elə həmin müsabiqədə təqdim etdiyimiz kolleksiya insanların dinindən, dilindən, irqindən, genderindən asılı olmayaraq birlik olub bir-birinə hörmətlə, sevgiylə yanaşmasından bəhs edirdi. Geyimlərdə Azərbaycan xalçalarına aid detallardan, Çinin tarixi sulu boyalarından ilhamlanaraq düzəltdiyimiz basmalardan istifadə etmişdik. İşimiz ümumilikdə münsiflərə çox gözəl təəsüratlar bağışlamış, yüksək qiymətləndirilmiş və bizə qələbə gətirmişdi.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWUm-OZHneL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Luca və Qalibə qələbə qazandıran kolleksiya. 2017-ci il.

Amma artıq bu vaxta qədər öz moda şirkətinizi yaratmışdınız, doğrudur? Necə, harda yaratdınız? Hansı kateqoriya üzrə dizayn edirsiniz, qiymət siyasətiniz necədir?

Bəli, Milanda moda dizaynı və bədii idarəetmə üzrə təhsil aldıqdan sonra 2016-cı ildə Reggio Emilia şəhərində ortağım Lucanın evində iki otaqda ACT N°1 markasını qurduq. Özümüz biçmə-tikmə bacardığımız üçün çox az vəsaitlə başlayıb irəliləyə bildik. Qadın geyimi ilə başlasaq da zamanla uniseksə keçdik. Hazırda kişi geyiminə də başlayırıq. İndi dünyanın 80-dən artıq çoxmarkalı butikində şatışdayıq. Markamız İtaliyadan başqa ABŞ, Çin, Yaponiya və digər ölkələrdə də bazara daxil olmuşdur. ACT N°1 markasının satış mövqeyi lüksə giriş olaraq tənzimlənib, qiymət civarı Max Mara ilə müqayisə oluna bilər. 2021-ci ilin Fevral və Sentyabr aylarında iki dəfə ACT N°1 x Marella limited kapsul kolleksiyasını bütün dünyadakı Marella butiklərində müştərilərə təqdim etmişik.

Milan Kral Sarayı. Kariatidi zalları. ACT N1 defilelərinin təşkil olunduğu məkanlardan biri. Mənbə: Qalib Həsənov

Bu qələbənin nəticəsi olaraq İtaliya Moda Palatası sizi Milan Moda Həftəsinin rəsmi kalendarına daxil etdi. Bu kalendar üzrə ildə dəfileniz neçə dəfə olur? Həm də hazırlıq prosesi barədə bir az bizə danışın zəhmət olmasa. 

2018-ci ilin sentyabrından mütəmadi olaraq ildə iki dəfə, sentyabr və fevral aylarında Milan Moda Həftəsində rəsmi cədvəldə nümayişimiz olur. Numayiş mətbuatın, alıcıların, kritiklərin cəmləşdiyi böyük bir layihədir. İki ay yeni kolleksiyanın hazırlanması, musiqi, işıqlar, quraşdırma, beş gün isə kasting/fitting və s. üzərində çalışırıq. İşin ən çətin tərəflərindən biri məkan seçimidir. Milan Texnologiya Muzeyi və Kral sarayının zallarından biri ən yaddaqalan məkanlarımızdan olmuşdur.

Milan Elm və Texnika Muzeyi. Mənbə: Qalib Həsənov

Diqqəti Azərbaycana yönəldək. Bilirəm ki, həvəskar gənclərlə ünsiyyətdəsiniz və müəyyən bir layihələr həyata keçirirsiniz. Sizcə, Made in İtaly təcrübəsindən hansı istiqamətlərdə faydalanmaq olar və hansı sahələrdə potensial görürsünüz? 

Hazırda interyer sahəsində gənclərdə çox potensial görürəm. Ancaq moda sahəsində bunu hiss etmirəm. Bir neçə gənc var, lakin ya şəraiti yoxdur, ya yaradıcılığını büruzə verməkdən çəkinir. Hər şeyin başında özünə inam durur. Dayanmamaq, ətrafa baxmaq, fərqli sahələrə maraq göstərərək inkişaf etmək lazımdır. İtaliyan təcrübəsindən məncə nəticə çıxarmaq lazımdır. Öyrənməklə və tətbiq etməklə industriya qurmaq lazımdır.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWX4P_-tuZd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fikrinizdə mədəniyyət, moda və dizayn istiqamətlərində konkret bir plan varmı ki, həyata keçirmək istəyərdiniz?

Mənim fikrimdə bir neçə sahəni inkişaf etdirmək üçün planlar var. İstər incəsənət, istərsə iqtisadiyyat sahəsində. İstəyim odur ki, Azərbaycanda bu sahədə tanınmayan, özünü sınamaq istəyən qabiliyyətli gənclərin potensialı ortaya çıxsın, parlaq gələcək qursunlar. Böyük teatr tariximiz var, lakin, fikrimcə, orada olan geyimlərin keyfiyyətinin qaldırılması lazımdır. Milli geyim irsimiz çox zəngindir. Düşünürəm ki, həm bu irsi inkişaf etdirmək, həm də bu geyimlərin keyfiyyətli hazırlanması üçün meyarlar müəyyən etmək çox yaxşı olardı. Ümumiyyətlə, fikirləşirəm ki, bu sahədə çox ciddi işə ehtiyac var.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXQu8RqNpu7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sizin kimi arzularının ardınca getmək istəyən azərbaycanlı gənclərə bu illərin sizə öyrətdiyi məsləhət nə olardı?

Heç nəyi bəhanə gətirmək lazım deyil. Arzularınızın arxasınca gedin. Qorxmadan, çəkinmədən özünüzü ifadə edin. Ətrafa baxın, araşdırın, insan öyrəndikcə böyüyür. Tez-tez ”mümkün deyil!” eşidəcəksiniz, qulaq asmayın. Əsas sən özün inanırsansa, hər şey həyata keçəcək.

AQA Series

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The first story is coming on December 19, 2021. Do not forget to check back in.

AQA series will explore Italian excellence thru the stories of those who create it. Of individuals, who are behind in every great product and meticulously work on every detail. Honestly, at the heart of the project lays the curiosity to better understand this culture, the drive for creativity, Vivere all’Italiana lifestyle and see how young nations like mine can learn, adopt and get inspired from it.

Yet, the project has couple other objectives as well. On one hand, it will open up a window to more affordable ‘Made in Italy’ products, artisans, little known, emerging, authentic brands, designers, small producers, intellectuals and many more. Take it as exploration of the ‘Unknown Italy’. Check out their online shop for great buys. Also to support small businesses and creatives. On the other hand, I hope this series will provide an opportunity for the local creatives to connect with the world outside of Italy.

As we say, here trying to shoot two birds (actually four) with one bullet:) About one more segment of the project specifically related to my country later.

Oh, and I am officially on Youtube. Don’t forget to subscribe. Thank you!:-)

Paris Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2021 – #pfw, #aw21

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The Paris Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2021 is over and now it is time for my 10 picks. To tell the truth, it somehow seems to me, although weird at the beginning, the limitations have been played into opportunities by the major fashion folks. Yes, the conventional fashion shows do not exist. The crowd, glitter and liveliness are not there. But these unique times have unleashed imagination. Fashion shows that are turning into fashion films have taken communication of concept to a whole new level. Right, necessity is the mother of invention. And yes, I do still find myself tuning to the film, the message, the feeling with which the film was made. Instead of focusing on the pieces, my mind races to decipher the why. Why have the choice for film, for topic, for background fallen onto that certain choice. I should say, some films are simply amazing.

For the sake of fairness, using my own judgement, I’ll create 10 themes (again of films) and categorize the shows, pardon films based on these themes.

10. Enhanced functionality, or upside-down, inside-out

Beautiful people – Double End
https://www.instagram.com/p/CL_ikuQAqGN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Rick Owens
Thom Browne
K I M H Ē K I M

9. Romantic, Elegant, Nostalgic

Elie Saab
Andrew GN
Chanel

I think, couple of words are due when it comes to certain maisons. I’ve watched over and over to this film and read carefully every word @Virginieviard has said about her inspiration. Also the song in the beginning – Do you know where you are going to? by Diana Ross. Yes, all is about this film. But also, it’s about she herself – to my humble opinion, which is very normal and natural. Her choice of venue, song and style – everything seemed to me her evolutionary attempts to cast the cocoon shaped around her by her predecessor. I may be wrong, but this was the vibe I was feeling and I loved the ski spirit, the contrast between outer wear and delicate pieces, very French look of models.

Danny Nguyen Couture

8. “Travel is luxury” – adopted from Balmain

Balmain
Loubutin
Miu-Miu

7. Unwearable grounded oooor domesticated

Paco Rabanne
Balmain
Altuzarra
Marine Serre
Nina Ricci
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMCfHCNDJg1/

6. “Disturbing beauty” – adopted from Dior, but Dior is not in this category.

Yamamoto
Givenchy

A separate post is coming the Givenchy design and designer. Somehow I find it worrisome.

Koche
Kenneth Ize

5. Fo Eva Witty Extravaganza and Party

Schiaparelli
Lanvin
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMJvbDUI0OE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

4. Leaning on history and legacy to orient for future

Loewe
LV
Giambattista Valli

3. Cathartic

Dries Van Noten
Vivienne Westwood

2. All Consuming Wonderland – Fairy Tales and Cryptic Dances

Dior
Hermès

1. Champs of Sustainability

Chloé
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CL9O4s6CO1Y/
Marine Serre
Hermès