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  • EURO TRIP: Northern Italy!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    August
    3
    2010

     

    After we left the beachside towns of Cinque Terre we headed up North to visit the fashion capitol of Italy, Milan. 

    Two years ago I did an exchange program with Pratt (in NYC) and one of the design schools in Milan, La Nuova Accademia de Belle Arti. I studied fashion design there with some of the most innovative designers I have ever met.

    Although Milan is not known for being a "pretty" European city, it is a city that offers the best innovative and awe inspiring fashion as well as interior and product design out there. 

    So, after spending so much time there I wanted to lead Chelsea through the city. We walked all day and covered everything from 10 Corso Como (famous for designer clothes) to the Navigli district. While there we made sure to keep it Italian eat gelato to stay cool, pizza for dinner, and espresso for breakfast! 

    Above is the main cathedral of Milan and my personal all-time favorite cathedral, the Duomo. Located in the center of the city and surrounded by the best shopping and opera, Teatro alla Scala, in the country the Duomo couldn't be situated in a better place for visiting. Below is Chelsea standing in the door of the Duomo!

     Chelsea and I bared the heat one night and went out dancing. One of the best things about Milan night life is that it has aperitivo (happy hour) where you get one drink and dinner for about 8-10 Euro. This is perfect for students and travelers with a budget who still want to eat great food!

     Here I am on the canal in the Navigli district of Milan where I used to live. The canals in Milan were designed by Leonardo da Vinci and where once used to transport goods into, out of, and around the city. However, only two are still open and they are lined with great bars and restaurants. 

  • Milan Fashion Week WRAP UP!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    March
    5
    2010

    Milan fashion week has ended and we should take a minute (Paris fashion week has already started rolling) to remember some of the "moments" from the shows.

    *Prada's "plus-size" models and curvaceously tailored dresses

    *Dolce & Gabbana's re-cap of their history ending in an army of girls with no pants on

    *Dsquared² laboratory Frankenstein power dressing

    Here is Style.com's recap of the week of fabulous fashion told by fashionista's themselves!

  • Made In Italy: MISSONI

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    March
    3
    2010

     

    "Color is a way of expressing light, not so much as a physical phenomenon but as that light which exists in the mind of the artist."
    -Henri Matisse


    Kate Moss in Missoni topColor, and the exploration of it in all of its abstract forms, is the bread and butter of the famous Missoni Family of Italy. The Missoni fashion house and its colorful history were founded in the province of Varese, Italy, where a factory was founded around scarves and embroidered fabrics.

    After the first runway show in 1958, the decorative patterns -- including multiple colors, stripes, abstracts, shapes, and florals -- became the staple of the Missoni House. The utilization of various textiles, such as silk, rayon, linen, cotton, and wool, is another signature Missoni attribute.

     For Fall 2010 Fashion Week in Milan, Missoni showed a variety of crop tops, knit wrap skirts, and blanket-like coats that had pin closures. What was really interesting about Missoni's collection was that the pieces were totally versatile. The pieces could be worn reversed, with the back changed to the front, as well as being able to be pulled up or down in any direction.

    My favorites from this collection were the the big wool jackets and wraps accessorized with sun glasses. The wraps were draped to hang and frame the beautiful faces of the models in just the right way.

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  • I WILL ONLY STAY 3 DAYS!!!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    March
    1
    2010

    Fashion Header

    I WILL ONLY STAY 3 DAYS!

    Flash mob protests Anna Wintour in Italy

    Hot new news has just arrived from the forefront of Milan's Fashion Week! The breaking news: Anna Wintour decided to stay only three/four of the five days of Milan's fashion week.

    What does that have to do with anything?

    Anna Wintour in a fur coat and trademark sunglassesWell, first of all, after the launching of The September Issue (the documentary about Anna Wintour) following the popular The Devil Wears Prada (also based on Anna Wintour), Anna Wintour has become synonymous with VOGUE instead of being the editor of Vogue. The blessings of Miss Wintour seem to change the outcome of one's success within the fashion industry instantly, and as Rodarte has seen, this blessing can be the basis of a fashion career itself.

    This being said, it is VERY important that Anna Wintour herself is at the fashion shows of fashion week, which has become in many ways, Wintour's week!

    This year five days worth of shows in Milan have now been moved into three/four days. That is 88 shows crammed into no time at all! The consequences of this is that models, stylists, designers, and photographers will be hard pressed to make even half of the shows (which will be running just minutes after each other).

    What was Milan's response to this dictator-like approach to influencing fashion week? Thanks to Attila Bene Ortz, a flash mob of Anna Wintour look-a-likes was organized to stand in front of the shows!


    Anna Wintour... I will only stay 3 days in Milan catwalks

    Although many of the reviews state that this flash mob was done in vain, it was reported on almost every single major fashion blog and site around the world! So, girls, was it done in vain? Doesn't look like it to me! I'm glad to see that fashionistas aren't willing to settle, even if they are "told" it is necessary.

    Viva LA MODA di MILANO!!

  • Megan Reports: Scandinavian Fashion Week!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    February
    18
    2010

    Here's Megan's newest fashion report from abroad!

    Ciao Ciao!
    So here is the DL on Copenhagen Fashion Week!

    I just got back to Milan, from Denmark, for Copenhagen’s fashion week! They claimed to be the “fashion capitol of Scandinavia” and that claim is rightfully theirs! At the shows, what caught my eye the most, were the interesting knits, and FUR! Sometimes when you hear fur one thinks PETA, or some smelly old thing their grandmother had… Well, in Copenhagen, they totally know how to rock both the real and faux furs! The fur stole is most definitely making big noise, as well as fur collars and cuffs!

    From the shows that I saw the general color pallets for fall are: black, cool grays, reds, beige… Below are the highlights from some of the shows and a little bit about my observation of the collection!

     FIN 


    This wonderful collection was full of effortless draping, they even showed a few of their draped dresses on men! And believe it or not, it still looked amazing! To top it off this is an environmentally and socially responsible company which focuses on developing environmentally friendly textiles for their wonderful designs!


    Wackerhaus


    This collection read as comfortable, elegant, modern


    Munthe plus Simonsen

    A cold but girly collection graced this runway! You got frills with fringe and leather.
     

    IVANAhelsinki

    This collection is where fashion meets art. There was a strong chain theme throughout this collection. Chains came in funky distorted prints to oversized chains as scarves and necklaces…


    If you want to learn more about Scandinavian designers see which you prefer, the Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Swedish?...
    Reporting from Milano,
    MJ <3
    Baci

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  • MILAN & Menswear!!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    January
    29
    2010

    This week, Megan from Milan has given us ladies a trend report on menswear. Menswear should be very important to any fashionista, because it will ultimately influence her clothes as well! Detailing in menswear is often used to inspire women's clothing, especially as the tomboy look is becoming more and more popular. So here is what Megan has to say about menswear after watching and following the latest fashion shows in Milan!!

    Reporting from Milano!

    This is for all you girls who dress their guys. Here are some trends that I’ve picked up on during men’s fashion week in Milan:


    “Military"


        Maybe it was the economic “crisis” that gave men the need to look tidy for all of those job interviews they have to go on now? Or the sudden surge of military styled clothes could just be the very fact that we are living in a warring generation. So why not embrace the silhouette of the uniform? 


    “Sports"


        This season there has been a particular focus on the skiing/snowboarding look, which was not only popular here in Italy, but also in Norway. I picked up on this growing trend when I was visiting Norway not long ago. The difference being that Norway had this wonderful BRIGHT color trend! This was so happy and uplifting for menswear, which tends to drown in neutrals and dark colors. 


    A “Softer Look” for your guy!


        The fabrics here are drifting from the usual and traditional. More and more funky knits are being used to create classic pieces. This gives your guy a more at ease look.


    I find all 3 to be totally different looks, but all great trends to embrace because they symbolize power and strength with a fresh new take! And who doesn’t want their guy to display that?


    Ciao!
    Baci e abbracci!
    <3 MJ

  • Reporting from Milan: Italian Craftsmanship

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    January
    13
    2010

    Here is Megan's newest post from Milan!

    But first, below is a picture from the Dolce & Gabbana menswear line for Spring Summer 2010, which featured lots of ripped denim and expertly tailored velvet coats on beautiful men with ridiculously slicked back hair. When viewing Italian fashion, one must remember that Italians have a sense of humor, and they love things to be totally over the top. So if you think it's ridiculous, they probably do too! But you have to love it all the more!

    Below this, Megan has attached a picture of a large public statue that is an abstract needle and thread. Milan is a very strong center for fashion and design. Here is what Megan has to say about the tradition of menswear in Milan and Italy.


    On the dawn of men’s Fashion Week, Milan is the city to be in!     Here in Italy, men’s Fashion Week is almost bigger than women’s Fashion Week!

    With menswear, the changes every season come in the details, and there is rarely anything too drastic. The focus on detail is probably because Italians take great pride with their craftsmanship, and something that I’ve learned from being in Italy is that nothing less than perfection is acceptable.



    To further prove this point, I have gotten a closer look into one of Italy’s leading luxury brands.

    Because the adherance to detail and craftsmanship applies across the board for all of the Italian luxury brands, I will leave them unnamed, but I got a chance to talk to someone that works as a bag tech designer for a luxury company. He was, as did others in his family, brought up in the trade of leather accessories.

    The particular brand that he works for wouldn’t even considering hiring you without an apprenticeship for a number of years. To them, quality is first, always. Italians don't play around with the craftsmanship of their leather goods: handbags, wallets, shoes, etc. They view it as something that is literally "in their blood," and they have to do it right!

    So for this upcoming Milan men’s Fashion Week, I hope you definitely check out all of the details! If you find yourself in Milan for Fashion Week, check out the schedule, throw on some sunglasses and lipstick (celeb status), and try to get into the shows!

    Ciao, Baci
    MJ

  • News From MILAN by Megan Jones

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    November
    30
    2009

    MILANO:

    This past week, I attended a private viewing of East London Boys, the latest exhibit by hot new photographer Jacopo J Moschin. At only 22 years old, he has had a lot of success here in Milan.

    His latest exhibit was focused on the contemporary masculine image. The photographs portrayed the youth that has been influenced by “cultural creativity and originality.” I was lucky enough to have a chat with him and ask him a few questions about his work!



    So how long have you been doing photography professionally?

    I would say about two and a half years. I’m new to the scene, but then again I am also very young.

    I think the subject matter is very interesting. What would you say influenced you more: the different fashions of men’s clothes, or the attitude and personalities of the “London Boys”?

    Well, what I found interesting was, if we look at the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s punks and rockers they had their set styles. But these aren’t necessarily punks, they can look like this one day and can look totally different the next, I wanted to capture that.

    It was an interesting show; the portraits gave an aura of wonder, as if you really wanted to get to know the subject’s story. And for anyone interested in men’s fashions, this was a perfect display of new trends.

    Personally, I think he is right on the money with the theory that today’s men have this opportunity to express themselves though fashion, but not let this expression define them (as it once did). Moschin also admitted that he prefers working with real film, even though it might be pricey, he would rather spend the money than work digital.

    Aside from this new and exciting work, he has had a lot of previous experience in fashion photography. If you want to see more from Jacopo J Moschin, you should check out his website. He is also featured as the cover story in H Magazine, Issue 107.

    Ciao,     Baci
    MJ

  • First-Hand Account From MILAN!

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    November
    21
    2009

    So, guys, here is news fresh from our fashion fabulous reporter Megan Jones in Milan, Italy! This week, Megan tells us how and why you should go go go study abroad at the first chance you get!

    Thanks for the introduction Siobhan!

    As mentioned, I’m living in Milan this year on an exchange. For anyone interested in studying abroad/exchanging, I have only one tip:

    GO, and don’t turn back.

    This has been an experience of a lifetime so far -- nothing that you could experience on a vacation or backpacking trip. So just do it! (Oh, and FYI, there are plenty of opportunities for extra scholarships to go! The Gilman International Scholarship is one.)

    The school I attend in Milan is NABA; it’s completely different from Pratt, and other schools in the U.S., for that matter. You just have to be optimistic and take everything as it comes. The way the Europeans approach design is totally different! I’m glad I have the opportunity to experience both.

    Pratt is an AMAZING school; it is very serious about deadlines, and the amount and quality of student work is unbelievable. NABA, on the other hand, focuses on developing their students' creative processes ... a lot of thinking and not as many assignments, but the time spent on projects is hardly less.

     What should you expect when arriving in Milan?

    Well, if you ask, most Italians think Milan is not their best city. They prefer Rome or Florence. For me, Milan is the perfect balance of the Italian culture and a busy industrial city, and don’t forget the great FASHION (which Rome lacks in comparison ... to me, it’s too touristy). Milan’s nightlife is also great -- the Milanese know how to party.

     What you should be warned about:

    Some think it is not all that clean, but who looks down? Just look at the people passing you by; it's more interesting! Milan also has tons of graffiti. Some are just bad scribbles, but on the flip side, there is a lot of really cool street art that is worth looking out for.

    The siesta time: Virtually everything (that is not close to the Domo) is closed for lunch time. This can be an inconvenience and a hard adjustment, coming from the land of 24-hour drugstores. And for the Americans -- the exchange rate will get you!


    Hope you enjoy the random street art I spotted today!

    Reporting from Milan,
    MJ

  • A Voice from Abroad: MEGAN JONES

    Posted by: Siobhan Barrett

    November
    16
    2009

    And now presenting MEGAN JONES, our new voice from abroad on all topics concerning fashion, traveling, and living life to the fullest! Megan studies fashion design at Pratt Institute, but is currently on exchange at Nuova Accademica di Belli Arti, in Milan, Italy. Megan admits that she "has become addicted to traveling and loves experiencing new cultures."

    I met Megan during my last year at Pratt. At that time, Megan had already interned for Flip Dress (she is just now a junior!), an evening dress company and Marianne Novobatzky, a courtier in NYC. She had also worked as an assistant to the Fashion Department at Pratt Institute.

    At the time, Megan was interested in studying abroad and wanted to hear first-hand accounts of what it was like. I would tell her tales from my Milan experience while I worked on my senior collection in the studio. Soon enough, she had gotten accepted to go abroad and now, well, she already speaks eats and breathes Italian!

    We are going to be hearing from Megan as much and as often as she wants to reveal her style, fashion, and traveling finds with us! So stay tuned and keep posted on our blog to see what our new Lulus.com traveling fashionista finds for us!


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