Shopping in Rome with fashion and sport

Few days ago I received an interesting press release. The new collaboration between Adidas and Missoni for a limited edition of sneakers and apparel.

For men and women. These two brands are very requested by clients from all over the world.

In Rome the Missoni press office told me that we can get it at Piazza di Spagna 78 at their flagship store.

In order to be specific the collaboration will be between Missoni and The Adidas Running.

They will be joining forces for the first time to create a line of performance shoes and apparel that celebrates the innovation and craftmanship of adidas brand and Missoni cofounder and Olympic hurdler, Ottavio Missoni.

The creative collaboration is painted upon a rich canvas of history which refers to both brand’s roots, paying homage to Adidas’ dedication to the craft of performance and Ottavio Missoni’s vision in fashion.

Co- founder with wife Rosita of one of the most iconic brand in the world, the couple invented a new style made of kaleidoscopes of colors, unconventional patterns and innovative dying techniques which shaped the modern age of ready-to-wear .

The result is also a high-performance sports apparel, resulting in a limited-edition range that fuses together style and technique.

The footwear features a collection of Adidas’ iconic Ultraboost which incorporate Missoni’s trademark Space-dying technique on the knitted upper to achieve the iconic “flame” pattern which Missoni is renowned for.

Meanwhile, Adidas’ industry defining BOOST technology in the shoe’s midsole provides runners with optimal responsiveness and energy. The range of apparel includes a cast of franchise running product brought to life via adidas Primeknit technology. This range offers the runner a full ensemble with a Primeknit CRU short sleeve, a PHX Jacket that offers a weather protection and breathability, and the iconic Marathon 10 Short in a knit option all in two unique colorways – multicolored and black and white – available for both men and women.

Angela Missoni, Creative Director of Missoni said,

“The story of this collaboration started from the idea that both our companies’ founders were amazing craftsmen that were constantly pushing the limits of their industry. We hope runners everywhere will enjoy the product range for its creativity and quality above everything else.”

Craig Vanderoef, Senior Director, Product at adidas Running said, “Our collaboration with Missoni is very close to our hearts.

Our founders built our brands on such similar values – innovation, creativity, high-quality craftmanship – to bring their inspirational stories together was an amazing experience.

Working together was a natural fit, taking each of our crafts to the next level to seamlessly merge style and performance together.”

Showcasing Missoni’s Authentic credentials in the realm of athletics, founder, Ottavio Missoni, started his career as a runner at the age of 16, and then going on to represent Italy in the 400m finals at the 1948 Olympics Games, London.

Presently Ottavio’s daughter, Angela Missoni, is the Creative Director of the business and is committed to infusing the family brand with new energy, communicating new trends and ideas since 1997.

Shoes (RRP: €250) and apparel (RRP: €100 - €300) will be available to purchase from Missoni online and in-store April 24 and adidas.com April 25.

For further information please visit missoni.com, adidas.com/running, or follow @missoni, @adidasrunning on Instagram or twitter to join the conversation.

The family-run fashion house Missoni has been at the forefront of Italian fashion since husband and wife Ottavio ("Tai") and Rosita Missoni started designing their unconventional patterned knits in the neighborhood of Varese in 1953. The brand is famous for its unique knitwear, made from a variety of fabrics in a kaleidoscope of colorful patterns, such as zigzags, stripes, geometrics, and abstract florals. Today, three generations of Missoni work in the business.

Shopping for shoes in Rome

 The italian shoes brand CARMENS is growing. I love it and their creations are elegant and affordable. In Rome the flagship store is in via del Corso 103, more or less in the middle of the long roman shopping street. I often found shoes and sandals there for myself and for my clients of www.grandtourshopping.com. Last week, for example, an american client bought a pair of coral suede sandals with a medium size hill, a perfect every day passe-partout but I must say I preferred the caramel color because you can wear it more. Now Carmens is presenting this “MAGIC SPRING” capsule collection interpreted by Nima Benati and Cristina Musacchio.

After the success achieved with the creation of the capsule collection called FILIPPAXCARMENS the brand has decided to expand its collection by introducing another one dedicated to the beautiful season.

It reminds of a garden full of flowers. We enjoy the extra-volume sandals but you need to know how to walk on them. By the way there are four different models in different colours for a total of 14 iconic items.

Vintage flowers on coconut prints and the use of a romantic and feminine fabric like satin, give the famous model from Saturday Night Fever a romantic and timeless allure. Pastel tones, luminous skins and jewel buckles are creating intense chromatic games.

The most iconic accessories of the female wardrobe are then reinterpreted in romantic key but with a touch of glamour and contemporary touch.

Nima Benati, internationally renowned photographer, and Cristina Musacchio, among the most influential female presences on the web, are friends at work as well as in real life. They were chosen by Carmens to interpret the capsule collection “Magic Spring”. Two young cosmopolites. Two accomplices joined by a common passion. Two romantic girls who wear the Magic Spring capsules in a dreamlike and feminine mood.

The capsule collection can be purchased from the second week of April at the e-commerce of the brand www.carmens.it and the flagship store in Rome that I mentioned. Prices from the capsule collection Magic Spring start from 150 euros but you can find also ankle boots and shoes at lower prices from the other collections. Carmens creations are always at a reasonable price. Remember this advise from a personal shopper and fashion journalist : When shoes are too cheap, it is a bad sign because that often means bad quality and danger for your feet. In other words : Do not save money on shoes and on sunglasses.

ROME ON A CLIC

Up to the 22nd of September it will be possible to visit, between an exclusive shopping tour and a delicious ice cream, the exhibition in Palazzo Braschi in piazza Navona. It is called “Roma nella camera oscura”. To celebrate the invention of photography 180 years ago, the archives of the Museum are proposing the best of the Eternal City through 320 pictures.

There are nine sections divided on themes, techniques, moments etc… At the beginning photographers were moving from the city to the countryside with heavy material, often they had some painters around, as the two arts were starting to be linked. The relationhip with the antiques is very strong in this exhibition and the first pictures are amazingly beautiful. A lot of archeologists were using those pictures for their diggings and researches. Another section is dedicated to Saint Peter’s with the cupola made by Michelangelo, but also you will see some photos of the pilgrims and the Popes. In another part you will notice the importance of the water especially the river Tiber and the Baroque fountains made by Gianlorenzo Bernini.

A lot of emphasis is also on the transfomation of Rome. Most of the modern city started at the end of the Nineteen Century. Then the fascism period with the new area of EUR. On the picture below the Ara Pacis before its transformation by the american architect Richard Meyer. Don’t forget to visit the downstairs section of Palazzo Braschi with the Portraits gallery. You will notice Tableaux Vivants but also members of the old families of Rome such as the Cavalletti. When you get out of the Museum you will have the impression to know better the Eternal City and, unfortunatly, you will be also sad because Rome is not such in good shape as we would wish.

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