NEW UPCOMING DESIGNERS IN ROME

From the 24th to to 27th of January Rome had its Fashion mini-week. It is called Alta Roma. Four days coordinated by Silvia Venturini Fendi with the former model Simonetta Gianfelici and the niece of Franca Sozzani, Sara Maino. This trio completely changed the soul of the roman shows. The budget was very limited and they really made a good job.

For too long, Alta Roma has been a set of Haute Couture with dresses that were nice but had not a lot to add to the Paris one. So, for years and years we were seeing long beautiful dresses, showns in roman Palaces and behind fantastic monuments without any hope to be wear somewhere else. Everything was very vieux genre.

Now things are changing. The “Trio” as I called the three talent scouts are now proposing exactly what my clients from www.grandtourshopping.com are asking for: NEW UPCOMING DESIGNERS. Especially if they are italian and young. This week (but in fact I could visit the Fashion Hub in Prati only on Saturday and Sunday for other engagements) I saw different things that I like. A brand called Asciari (eco and modern), another one called Leonardo Studio Design ( but he likes the acronymous and provocable LSD). On Sunday I saw also the lovely MRZ based on beautiful pull overs, large trousers with a high waist, skirts are unstructured. You can see the brand in the picture below. The designer is Simona Marziali. She creates a contemporary elegance for a sweet and assertive woman.

On Sunday night, finally an historical atelier. Historical does not mean old style. Gattinoni is an example. The designer Guillermo Mariotto is extremely contemporary and a TV celebrity as well as the CEO Stefano Dominella. The collection features over-size bermudas in green military lace doubled with fluorescent organza. Mousseline soleil gilets with hoods and the bomber XXL converted into a couture item.

A good way to conclude this four days of experimental fashion in Rome is to make a wish. We all hope that most of this young designers will find boutiques to sell their clothers. More buyers than ever came from Dubai, Qatar, Middle East and Asia. We keep our finger crossed for them and for the future of Made in Italy.

SKI SHOPPING IN ROME STARTS WITH COLMAR

The ski season is started about one month ago and in Rome there are sales on ski equipment and apparels. A good occasion for shopping. There are different boutiques in Rome for mountains lovers. For example we like Banchetti Sport in via di Campo Marzio. They sell Colmar, a fantastic italian brand, excellent for duvet and jackets.

They just published a new book for their anniversary. The title is Sport in Style., in Italian and English. The book is an elegant illustrated monograph. It witnesses how Sport had influenced Fashion. Colmar is a centenary brand which has been able to scout the trends of the moment. Over 180 carefully selected photos. Past and present that shows a strong identity. The vintage picture below is adorable.

Fashion and sport are linked. The sport style is very popular on the runways and among the celebrities. In the pages of this book, with no doubt, Colmar has been able to develop and enhance it over the years .Colmar is part of Manifattura Colombo, a very prestigious group located in Monza.

 Sport in Style proposes a long sequence of images with unexpected associations in a constant dialogue between avant-garde historical productions and contemporary and lively shots.

 “ An emotional journey through images of yesterday and today shows how the almost centenary history of the brand can be the diary of the near future. Because fashion invents, thinks outside the box but then returns to its origins to find new ideas and reinvent itself.
And when sport contaminates fashion, in the end fashion is thankful.” As you can read on the book.

ROMAN MEN LOVE BARBOUR

Italian men love the Barbour Jacket and not only to go hunting. Especially journalists and architectures often wear this famous jacket in the center of Rome. In the Eternal City the shop is in via del Leoncino but you can find them also in other italian men store such as Cenci, in via di Campo Marzio, not too far from Via del Corso. Now there is a big new:

Barbour Collaborates with Film Director, Sir Ridley Scott to create the ultimate Director’s Jacket

 For the first time, leading heritage and lifestyle brand Barbour has collaborated with South Shields born legendary film director and producer, Sir Ridley Scott on a Director’s jacket for men and women. The women’s version of the Director’s Jacket was developed with Sir Ridley and his daughter Jordan Scott who is a filmmaker and photographer.

 The Director’s jacket has been especially designed by Barbour and Sir Ridley Scott to celebrate Barbour’s 125th anniversary in 2019. Designed with practicality in mind, it presents functional outerwear for time spent outdoors. Featuring detailed finishes requested by Sir Ridley himself, together with input from his son, Luke Scott, CEO of the Ridley Scott Creative Group, the Director’s Jacket has a military style collar and roll away hood. In true Barbour style, this jacket has hand warmer pockets with additional features such as offset pockets to hold keys and a signature script lower pocket to accommodate an A4 script. Key details on the jacket include anti-glare zips and studs designed to avoid attracting attention on film sets. An inner detachable quilt for extra warmth gives the option for the jacket to be worn across all seasons. The back label on all of the jackets features a bird illustration drawn personally by Sir Ridley and two of the studs on the jacket feature this unique bird design.

Paul Wilkinson, Global Marketing and Commercial Director, Barbour said “We are delighted to be working with Sir Ridley Scott on this unique project. Barbour and Sir Ridley are probably two of the most well-known names to come out of South Shields and in our 125th year, we are delighted that we have been able to collaborate together and to celebrate our shared birthplace. The Director’s Jacket combines the best of Barbour’s design expertise with our fit for purpose functionality and practicality into an innovative jacket that has all the features required by a world renowned film director. These jackets are unique – they can be worn on film sets or of course, for everyday wear by film aficionados who want a practical weather resistant jacket with just a touch of film magic.”

Sir Ridley Scott said “I’m delighted to have been invited by Barbour to help celebrate 125 years of this great British brand. The Director’s Jacket is truly spectacular. Specifically designed with Directors in mind.” The Director’s jacket for men and women will be available in selected stores worldwide from July 2019.