Fashion Symbols with Aynura Maye

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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.

Discover authentic creatives at AQA Series

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.

Discover authentic creatives at AQA Series

Transition, Sustainability and (re)Definition of Luxury in Making

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With aspiring fashion designer Leyla Babayeva on fashion as a bigger social phenomenon than vanity blowout and more

Hello, folks! Galosh Jiguli series is here again – with probably the youngest talent. Meet Leyla Babayeva, junior fashion designer who has been among 20 students at Marangoni Institute selected by Tod’s Academy for its “Re-generation” project. Skilled in painting, another passion of hers, she expresses her artistic side through her designs. A true believer of sustainability as the (re)definition of luxury and hard-working designer towards her goals, she seems to grow comfortable with returning home arms full of awards on sustainability projects – let it be the bottle top challenge in London or reinterpretation of Tod’s DNA in Italy to embrace sustainability. For the latter project, she was mentored by the legendary Tonne Goodman, the sustainability director of Vogue and the stylist for the recent photoshoot of the First Lady Dr.Jill Biden for the cover of Vogue. What a delight for an enthusiastic novice designer whose career is ahead. We talked in depth about Tod’s Re-generation project, evolving definition of luxury and more.

Enjoy

Leyla’s portfolio on Behance

Read the Azerbaijani version here

Leyla, please tell us more about Tod’s Re-generation project.

We are talking about a collaboration project between Tod’s Academy and Marangoni Institute. The project is called Re-generation. This is one of those surprises that you do not expect coming, and you do not know what will come next. It was October last year. One day we came to school to learn that Tod’s has picked 20 students of Marangoni for a special collaboration project. The selection was made by Tod’s itself. This was the second collaboration of the Tod’s Academy with a fashion school. The first one had been with the Central Saint Martin’s University in London, but due to the pandemic related lockdowns, it had entirely been carried out virtually. It was the first time that Tod’s collaborated with an Italian fashion school, and we were lucky enough to have opportunity to move. We were relocated to the Tod’s headquarters in Marche, where also Tod’s Academy operates.

Back to our topic, we were given a week to present our capsule collection with a task to reinterpret Tod’s DNA embracing sustainability. A week is a very short period to reinterpret a brand DNA, above all, to come up with a concept. But you know, we had to deliver. In the end, we managed even to do shootings with the communication students and prepare communication strategy.

Which task was the most difficult one in that week?

Coming up with a concept. There is always a substantial amount of research behind deciding the concept. Once the decision is made, preparation of the moodboard follows. In this case, drawings took only two days, and I had some time left. So, I worked on creating renderings and even prepared one prototype. My concept was inspired by cowboy theme in Western all’Italiana movie. I wanted to create something that Tod’s hadn’t done before. Cowboy theme had already been in the mainstream fashion for a couple of years, but it hadn’t made into Tod’s. Also, another objective was to deliver the message about how Italians maintain and reinterpret their identity when they have to mingle with other cultures. I called my collection “Ride out to the old sundown”. Preserving its heritage is essential for Tod’s, so we had to both reinterpret and preserve.

How did you reinterpret Tod’s DNA in a cowboy style?

First, the gommino. The rubber with “pebbles” that runs thru the sole under the shoe to the heel. It has a signature shape. First, I reinterpreted the shape. Then, re-worked Tod’s name on gommino, which was received positively, including by the director of Marangoni. The logo of the brand has two lions on the sides, I reinterpreted their place of use. The idea was to design a more youthful look that was both classical and sporty. I’d like to emphasize again, the concept, theme selection is paramount to any design. One needs to keep in mind that eventually this concept will be translated into tangible products. Normally, the university gives us a month to decide the theme. Sometimes, couple of months after picking a theme, one realizes that it doesn’t work out and the initial idea needs to be revisited. It is a delicate work and a very important phase in fashion design.

Is like predicting the spirit of time?

Yes, exactly. Speaking of time, one of the objectives for this project was embracing sustainability. We had to reinterpret the DNA of the brand with sustainable materials while preserving its heritage.

Very much like Made in Italy, right? I don’t think this transition period is easy on brands like Tod’s, whose core products are leather goods.

Yes, preserving heritage and identity is important for them. Tod’s core products are leather bags and shoes. The leather collection in the headquarter or call it archive, is simply amazing. I haven’t seen anything of that sort. In this transition period it is not easy to find quality alternatives to leather and this transition is a serious issue for them. Needless to say, faux leather is out of discussion and identifying the right material requires research. My choice fell on mushroom leather and piñatex. It is hard to find these new type of leather materials in Italy, so I had to order them from Spain.

So besides changing the taste, this transition seems to eventually disrupt the supply chain. What other alternatives were used by other students? Did they do selection among the collections?

All students worked on a variety of materials that could be alternative to leather. No selection took place. We are a group of 20 and we proceed with the same group. The jury members at my presentation were Walter Chiapponi, Tod’s creative director, Vogue’s long time fashion director, stylist and current director for sustainability Tonne Goodman, and Vogue Italia’s head of Vogue Talents, CNMI international fashion ambassador Sara Maino. My mentor happened to be Tonne Goodman.

What is coming next for these 20 collections?

It is a secret for us too. We do not know what is going to happen until a week before. We do not have any information yet.

How did you come to study fashion design and what are your future plans?

I love painting since childhood and was good at painting. I loved fashion very much too. After high school, I wasn’t sure which one to pursue. I am grateful to my parents for encouraging me to go after my dreams of being a fashion designer. Actually, I started at the London campus of Marangoni then moved to the Milan campus. It was not an easy decision to make between the Central Saint Martin’s and Marangoni either, eventually I my preference swinged towards Marangoni. But I see difference in two schools of Marangoni. While in London the study is more conceptual and experimental, disconnected from the commercial aspect, in Italy it is a lot about practicality, structure, preserving traditions with commercial end in mind. Having exposure to these two ways of education is really helpful in many ways.

Soon I will graduate from Marangoni, Milan campus. My dissertation is at the end of February. If I decide to do Master’s degree, I’d do it on fashion business. Being a fashion designer is not enough to start a brand. It seems easy, but it is not an easy task. Prior experience would be very helpful.

I am currently interning at the Alessandro Vigilante. This is a new namesake brand. A small company but a robust one. We already participated in Milan Fashion Week, dressed two participants of this year’s San Remo festival. I prepared the sketches of those outfits. In parallel, Alessandro Vigilante is the creative director of the Attico brand. Prior to that, he used to work as a celebrity designer for Gucci, Dolce Gabbana, and Philosophy. So, he is already a well-connected fashion insider. What I like about this place is being part of the whole process. Normally, in big brands, I believe there is division of tasks, so one doesn’t get to see the whole picture of how a brand runs. Starting from March, I will start working as a junior fashion designer at Rossignol, luxury outer wear French brand.

What was your collection for the dissertation?

The collection we prepared for the last year could also be our dissertation. But I found it boring to present the same collection. That’s why I made a fashion film. The topic I chose was about social classes and how appearance and looks shape other’s perception and behavior. I’ve conducted a survey on this. In Baku, Milan and even on LinkedIn I found people from the sector and interviewed them. The result was interesting. Not much has changed since the times when only upper class could wear toga in ancient Rome and the red toga belonged only to the emperor. Today, there are no costumes obviously, but the class behavior is still there. Just like in the past, middle class looks up and imitates the upper class. Take Hermès or Louis Vuitton, the fashion houses that are tightly associated with the high end living and fast fashion brands like Zara constantly imitate them. Departing from this idea, I move on to understand what luxury means in our days – logomania, sustainability or invisible luxury. My conclusion is sustainability and craftsmanship.

How can Azerbaijan benefit from the know-how of Made in Italy in your area? Also, what advice would you give to the younger generation from your lessons learned?

There is a lot of talent in my area. In general, I think, Azerbaijani youth is very talented in handwork, especially in painting. I’d say a lot of work needed to put in for fashion. Taking a short course is not enough, fashion design is not only about sewing dresses. People, especially, the youth love fashion in Baku, they are into fashion. It would just take serious, academic education and experience to nurture new breed of good designers. The same goes to other professions in the sector, such as buyers. It is a very serious profession. We already have couple of established designers working internationally – initiating a dialogue with them would be beneficial, arranging seminars with them would bring valuable insight. Fashion design is not as simple as it sounds.

That is, a fashion designer must understand social tendencies and be able to predict what sort of changes in taste these tendencies will bring along?

Yes, the designer must be able to predict changes in tastes, be able to interpret social tendencies. Also, content is important for organizing fashion events. It is important to have a communication strategy. Regardless, I believe that offering academic level education would be very helpful. We have a rich crafts culture in carpet making, ceramics etc. That could be a good way to integrate or get inspired from. As for the advice to the younger generation, I would say that there is always criticism in the fashion sector. Listen to the criticism, but don’t take it to your heart. Follow your own passion and plans.

Read the Azerbaijani version here

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

Milan Fashion Week SS21: Thousand Faces of a Dream?

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I wonder whether the fashion has ever been really about fashion. I always thought of the fashion as the mirror of the spirit of its time. Yet, on the last day of the Milan Fashion Week, looking back the previous years, I think fashion means way more. It may also harbinger big social changes yet to occur. As close as three years ago, the runways were all about experimental deconstruction. To a point it was hard to understand what we feel about them. Now, in the midst of social, political, environmental crisis and debilitating pandemic, I, in retrospect, want to allow myself to believe that fashion or designers were heralding this perfect chaos. This crippling predicament that we’ve put out on the face of the world after seasoning it for some years inside the dark alleys of our mind.

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One may ask, what these thoughts have to do with this week of fashion? Now, going carefully over the shows, I see one major line, one dream. A theme that to my mind, have been replayed and brought to runways and our screens in a thousand different ways. Each house and brand, in its own way, played the idea of going back to roots, home and DNA – the guarantor of serenity and tranquility. In times of unprecedented discord and agitation to feel once again in charge of life to recharge and re-orient. To be able to be hopeful again.

Thousand shapes of one story

Although at first sight unlikely, each of these houses played the same theme in line with their core values. Maybe the most direct take came from Valentino by going back to Italy, its country of birth. Dolce & Gabbana revisited the patchwork tradition of its home, Siciliy with a grotesque set design. Etro, likewise, paid a tribute to its roots in a very Etro-ish colorful presentation. In total contrast to the splash of bright colors, Fendi had its models walk down dreamy, delicate white runway decorated with nostalgic yet kind of romantic white curtains… once again, in a tribute to its family traditions. Luisa Beccari, in a poetic way, dedicated the show to her own family. Holding tight to its DNA, the rule-breaker Missioni was home again. Probably the only house capable of elevating knitwear to high fashion and extending it into home and lifestyle, Missioni reversed seasons, revealing autumn-winter collection (to me, rightfully). Armani, who rose and shone with fabrics, went back to roots in his own way. We’d just witnessed a showcase of fabrics of almost ambrosial taste. Versace, born out of the instinctual lust and subterranean carnal desires was back in chthonic land of the Gorgons. Prada occupied itself with “a fundamental examination of the meaning of Prada”. Moschino outdid itself with its already viral doll show in quest of reinventing its DNA of playfulness. Even an emerging brand, Act-1, which is born out of bottomless doubts and identity crisis once more considered this dreadful theme against the staggering reality we live now.

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More Earth Colors, More Flowers

What I am writing next may sound bizarre. Maybe it’s kind of bizarre. Fashion houses, regardless their story of inspiration, have seriously resorted to the Earth Colors. This palette, besides being a bare testimony of us painfully and slowly waking up to our prejudices, has a distinct meaning. Starting from the milkiest beige tone to the dark brown the earth colors symbolize the Earth, the mother earth, the mother, the safe harbor. Resorting to this color palette, to me, says a lot about our state of mind. To this train of thought we can easily add green color (Mother Nature), and flower details.  

When the drives behind manifestations are studied, really the pieces of the puzzle come together – the cry of our soul to feel safe again expressed in so many different ways and colors. The stories of inspiration revolved around what we long for – returning home, roots, family or brand DNA. To bath in the unfailing serenity and tranquility to recharge and re-orient.