Il Mia Mappa Di Milano- Dopo

Click the link below to see a map of my perceptions of Milan now that I have experienced it in person!! 

http://prezi.com/m314mwjsvpbo/il-mia-mappa-di-milano-part-ii/

"Its all coming to a close"

Wednesday was the day for catching up. We had the whole day to work on our blogs, our reflections, and art vs. fashion assignments. I spent my morning at NABA catching up on my blogs and cleaning up all of my captions on my photo’s. This afternoon I worked on my reflection and then started the long awaited packing of my suitcase. But luckily it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be! I am almost all the way packed but the moment of truth will be weighing it Friday night with everything in it.

            Packing was a very surreal moment for me. I knew this month was going to do by fast but I didn’t know it would be this fast! It has been an amazing experience and now that it is coming to an end it has given me a chance to reflect. Not only am I reflecting on my time in Milan but my three years at Johnson & Wales University. Friday marks the last day of my college experience ever! Or at least until I go to get my masters. I am very thankful for this experience because it has opened my eyes to a world of opportunities that I never considered.  Every company visit, cultural assignment, or personal experience has all combined to one huge learning experience. I can honestly say that I am taking more than industry knowledge away from this trip. I have learned a lot about myself as well and this experience was the perfect ending to my college experience.

            A special thank you to Maria Chiara Arona, Fulvio Aniello, Elise Lefort, Elenora Monti, Vladimiro Gioia, Simona Polli and Elena Todros from White Sposa, Melanie St Jean, and Rae Caloura, for all of your time, knowledge, and generosity. Everyone has contributed to make this experience unforgettable and one I hope to soon not forget!  I am so thankful for all the experiences and memories I have had during my time in Milan. I hope to return sooner rather than later!!

"Pret- a- Porter"

Today we were invited to join our professors for a visit to Istituto Carlo Secoli Fashion School in Milano. Upon our arrival to the school, we were shown a video of the collection produced by the students last year. The designs were very unique and the different collections created great stories within themselves. For example, one of the themes (my favorite) was login nature. The collection included pastels, creams, and white. All of the clothing was flowing and resembled many objects found in nature. 

My favorite piece from the Login Nature collection.

            After watching a majority of the video, we were greeted by the president of the school, Stefano Secoli. He gave us a presentation on prêt a porter Italian fashion. He explained how it was formed and the differences between haute couture and prêt-a-porter. The majority of this information was a review from what I learned in Intro to Retailing along with information that I knew before coming to college. In the past I have considered switching to fashion design but I decided against it because of my passion for buying and event planning. Regardless, seeing the impeccable tailoring on some of the students garments was awe inspiring. It was interesting to hear that they do not have all but a couple American students at their school. They have some great connections with industry and if I were interested in fashion design that would be the school of my choice!

            Following the presidents presentation, we got a tour of the school. We were able to observe students sketching, creating patterns, and sewing together their garments. In Apparel Quality and Analysis we learned all about pattern making, quality of seams, fabric, and the construction of garments.  As we got a closer look at craftsmanship that went into the making of the senior collection presentation it was clear the level of quality that the students produce. They passed one garment around and I was able to further examine the seams. They were the straight, clean, and impeccably flat. It gave me a great appreciation for hand sewn quality. It also made me realize how the quality of my clothes can’t even compare. Overall, I enjoyed the visit to the Instituto Carlo Secoli Fashion School and I hope I get to work with some of their graduates in the future!

White Sposa Magazine - "Less is More"

Monday was our company visit with White Sposa Magazine and it was everything that I hoped it would be. We got a tour of their offices and were able to meet a majority of their employees. White Sposa is only responsible for the White magazine publication. Due to their small size, they only hire freelance employees during their busy times.

Following our tour we got to learn more about the magazines future plans and how they set themselves apart from their competition. White produces one issue every four months, which equals three magazines a year. In the future they hope to expand to different markets, preferably Brazil. White also hopes to expand their internet presence through social media outlets including Facebook and Twitter. In many of my classes we have talked about the use of social media and its growing presence in our industry. The editor in chief also informed us that they will never become a strictly online magazine. As many are trying to predict the future of magazines (books, newspapers, etc), part of White Sposa’s charm is the quality of the magazine they produce. They put a lot of emphasis on the paper texture, weight, and color. This attention to detail and quality is part of what sets them apart from their competition. White prides itself on treating their magazine more like a book than a magazine. Through this elegance, sophistication, and less is more attitude they are able to fill a void in the market. One of the greatest challenges they are facing right now is maintaining that same standard of performance but with less money. But what inspired me was how they think of this a positive thing because it forces them to become more creative, innovative, and modify what they have done in the past.

Issue that was included in our gift bag!

I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to White Sposa Magazine. A special thanks to Simona Polli and Elena Todros for your generosity with your time, gifts, and knowledge. The visit opened my eyes to the fashion editor position. I was so intrigued on what Elena Todros job entails and how much creativity she is able to express in the fashion editorials. I never considered working for a magazine until after visiting Vogue Italia and now White Sposa. Being able to plan events for the magazine and the companies it works with would be ideal. I love the creativity linked with the fashion editor position but I feel that my qualifications and strengths would better link me with the event and marketing positions within a magazine.

Art vs. Fashion - Palazzo Reale Photography Exhibit

"Parole al Vento" by Bob Krieger

Walter Van Beirendonck’s Fall/Winter 2011

 Artifact:

            I saw the photograph about at a photography exhibit within the Palazzo Reale in Milano. The photograph above was created by Bob Krieger (an Italian artist) and is called “Parole al Vento”. This photograph is under the category of mixed media on canvas because of the 3D elements that are incorportated. The style of his work is very contemporary and unique.  

Fashion:

            The body jewelry that is shown above is from Walter Van Beirendonck’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection. The inspiration for his collection was contrast. He paired wild colors and patterns with traditional materials. Above he paired the futuristic look of oversized jewelry with a classic suit (new vs. old).

Art vs. Fashion:

            The connection between the art and the fashion is the texture of the metal circles, the round shape, and the overlapping pattern. The body jewelry is a blown up version of the metal 3D element that was incorporated on Bob Krieger’s photograph.

Works Cited

"Bob Krieger - Parole Al Vento." Artnet. Artnet Corporation Worldwide, 2011. Web. 28 June       2011. <http://www.artnet.com/artwork/426098264/425931382/bob-krieger-parole-al-      vento.html>.

"Bob Krieger." KRGR. Bob Krieger, 2011. Web. 28 June 2011.             <http://www.bobkrieger.com/KRGR/profile.php>.

Kan, Eugene. "Walter Van Beirendonck 2011 Fall/Winter Collection." Hypebeast. 101 Media       Lab, 22 Jan. 2011. Web. 28 June 2011. <http://hypebeast.com/2011/01/walter-van-       beirendonck-2011-fallwinter-collection/>.

Cultural Assignment #3 - Four Stores

Outside of Angela Caputi Giuggiu

The purpose of being sent to all four stores was to experience the different types of retail stores that Italy has to offer. We were sent to a textile store (Lisa Corti), a home goods store (Bellora), a jewelry boutique (Angela Caputi), and a high-end glass boutique (Venini). We felt that all of the stores are considered specialty shops that you wouldn’t go to unless you knew of them. They may have a few other stores in different areas but they all gave off the feeling of a specialty boutique. Another commonality between the stores was their use of all hand-crafted merchandise using natural materials. In addition the stores were green companies.

Outside of Lisa Corti

 

            With the trend of going green, these stores would most definitely fit into the American culture. Through their use of natural materials and limited production, they offer an exclusive product. In order for these stores to move into the American culture they would need to pay special attention to the location of their store and the market of the area. The demographic of the area needs to have the average income of a consumer who is able to buy the merchandise offered. Upon entering the US market these stores need to stay consistent with their appearance of a boutique, their standard of quality, and Italian culture.

Outside of Venini

            The impact on the industry is mainly coming from the traditional production method of their goods. Not only is the emphasis based on the quality, but on the visual presentation of the merchandise. Lisa Corti did not only offer quality merchandise in her textile emporium, but also in her high quality showroom. Within this showroom she allows up and coming designers to show their work.   All of the locations were created in minimalistic way to further allow the emphasis to be placed on the merchandise.

Outside of Bellora

            All of the stores were unique in their own way. We were glad that we got the opportunity to visit all of them and learn more about the quality standards that are offered in Italy.

   -Christine Wallace, Brittany Benham, Kim Deignan, Bobbie Pelegano, Quateshia Marigny

"You Can't Waste The Food"

On Sunday we got an assignment to visit four stores in various areas throughout Milano. I mapped out our route last night to be able to navigate our way to all of these places. We were successful in finding all four of the stores! Unfortunately, none of the stores were open because it was Sunday. But it made it easier for our group to visit them on Monday. Stay tuned for a cultural assignment!

Upon returning from our exploration around the city, Christopher, Brittany, Ashley and I decided to try a Chinese buffet restaurant for dinner. As we walked into the restaurant, which was beautifully decorated, we were met with a huge variety of Chinese food. However, it wasn’t the Chinese/American food that I am used to eating. When we sat down to be greeted they sent over the only waiter who spoke English. He explained to us that the buffet was all you could eat but you can’t “waste the food” and pointed to a sign on the table. This sign read, “If you waste the food you will be charged an extra 5 to 20 euro”.

After our first helping we quickly realized that we should take very little of something to make sure we liked it. The whole dinner was absolutely hilarious because we were either trying to shove food into our face or trying to pass it off on each other to avoid being charged. Never have I heard of such a concept in America. It was hard to enjoy your food because you were worried about what you didn’t like but still had to eat. In relation to retail, imagine if you were charged extra if you didn’t buy the clothing you tried on. You would be petrified to try on anything that you weren’t positive you would like. Needless to say I don’t think this concept will catch on and I will never be returning to that restaurant.

Entrance into the Chinese Buffet

Flea Market/Outlet/Gay Pride Parade

Saturday morning we were determined to find an open air/flea market in the city. Our professors recommended that we attend but that it may be hard to find. But we did our research the night before and were able to find the market fairly easily. It was quite an experience to say the least. The majority of the products that were being sold there were items that you could find at a fair in the U.S.  I have never been to a flea market in a major city but it reminded be a lot of the products that vendors sell at my town fair every year. A lot of vintage items were there along with cheap jewelry and clothing. Most of the merchandise was repetitive and you could find the same items at different vendors. One thing that I found interesting was that compared to the Florence open air markets, the booth owners weren’t trying very hard to sell you anything. In Florence, before you knew it they had you trying on a purse that you weren’t even looking at. Today the owners said hello, but didn’t try very hard to make conversation or more importantly force you to purchase anything. Another thing I noticed was the knock off items. I saw various knock off handbags and wallets throughout the fair. Unfortunately this is a huge issue for the fashion industry. I will never buy a knockoff anything but in reality a lot of people do which takes money away from the designers who designs are being stolen.

            After visiting the markets, we went to D Magazine Outlet that was recommended to us by Elise Lefort. But even though it was considered an outlet I still was unable to afford anything in the store. The brands were all very high end and the prices were good for the brands but I still didn’t buy anything. However, as a girl who loves fashion I was happy enough strolling through the store touching the amazing fabrics, examining the quality of the garments, and trying to talk myself out of buying gorgeous Christian Dior suede pumps.

            Later in the day we attended a gay pride parade in Milan. It was my first gay pride parade EVER and I couldn’t have been more excited to experience one. Once we arrived at the metro stop, we walked out of the metro and were met with the sight of rainbows everywhere. The street was full of energy, life, and happiness. I saw some unique outfits, many signs in Italian, and balloons in every color of the rainbow. We stayed until the beginning of the parade left but it was such a fun experience and I was glad I was able to attend it.       

Balloons that formed a rainbow

So many people!!

Orietta

We meet Orietta today and were able to spend the afternoon with her. She is a professor at NABA, however all the professors are still in industry so she works as a fashion forecaster first and foremost. She also works as a fashion journalist for trade magazines. As a fashion forecaster she observes fashion, books, music, art, design, and electronics to help her predict trends for the future. She explained to us why the fashion industry is number one (most important) creativity and number two business. I connected strongly with this statement because one of my favorite parts of the fashion industry is the creativity that is involved with it. As she went into more depth of how she spots trends and what her job entails, it was all a refresher for me. When I was in Lab and Seminar we visited Cotton Inc. and The Doneger Group. Through these two company visits I learned how the trends are spotted (people watching, art fairs, traveling to various parts of the world), how that information is then used( in fashion, in automobiles, in electronics), and what those trends can effect (colors, fabrics, silhouettes). Unfortunately I never took the forecasting class offered at JWU because it didn’t peak my interest as much as some of the other electives. Although it is not an area of the industry that I am interested in, I know how much of an integral part of the industry it is and I respect the creativity and commitment it takes to perform that job.

We will be meeting with Orietta again next week! Can’t wait!

"The moment we've all been waiting for"

On Thursday we had planned to attend a seminar by Orietta, a professor at NABA but unfortunately we weren’t able to navigate our way there. Instead we attended the Palazzo Reale. Stay tuned for an Art vs. Fashion assignment!!

After experiencing the museum, we all headed back to the hotel to prepare for the much awaited Vladimiro Gioia Cocktail Party. At 8pm we all made our way to the venue for the party. There we were greeted by Maria Chiara Arona, Fulvio Aniello, Eleonora Monti, and Elise Lefort. The party was held at Lotvs which was a gorgeous bar/restaurant in Milano. Soon after our arrival Professor St. Jean presented Fulvio, Elise, Eleonora, and Maria with our gift. We had all written special messages to them; thanking them for all that they had done for us. It was quite emotional to see their reactions and how much they appreciated the gesture. It then came time for the long awaited internship announcement! Annie Rusteika won the internship with Vladimiro. I have known Annie since freshmen year when I did my first group project ever with her! I know she will do a great job and I can’t wait to hear about all her amazing experiences. I wish her nothing but the best!!  After the cocktail party was over we were all invited to a Disco called “Old Fashioned” that Maria so graciously booked for us until 4am. I am glad to say that I have experienced an Italian disco because it was full of energy, great music, and it was nice to hang out with the whole group for the night. 

Maria waiting to receive her gift

Elise and Fulvio reading the journal we all signed

Lotvs

The experience of working with Maria Chiara Arona, Fashion Times (Elise & Fulvio), and Vladimiro Gioia has been an amazing journey. I came to Italy to experience their culture, learn more about the industry I am so passionate about, and experience one of the fashion capitals of the world. What I didn’t expect to get to know such generous, caring, and kind people. I have to say this trip far exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be more honored to have been chosen to experience it. These memories with last a lifetime and I hope to see everyone again sometime in the future!  

Cultural Assignment #2: Pitti Immagine Uomo

Poster at Pitti Immagine Uomo

Personal SRC's can come from events, personal stigmas, and cultural backgrounds. We all have them whether we are aware of them or not.

Christine doesn’t like bright colors because with her pale skin, they don’t look good.  So she sticks to neutral colors.  Color is only used in her accessories.  As a buyer, she would be hesitant to purchase a brightly colored garment because she would picture it on herself, and it would not look good.  Christine also observed buyers were trying clothes on, maybe for fit, or just to see how it looked on them.  If the garment doesn’t look good on them, they might be tentative to purchase it.  Trying the garments on would only be effective if they were only concerned with fit and shaping. 

In Kim’s opinion, it’s hard to mess up a nice button-down shirt.  However, she found the elbow patch details on the shirts very unappealing.  A subtle plaid button down shirt is a nice casual to semi-dressy style, but adding the elbow patches is trying to make it something that it shouldn’t be.  A nice corduroy blazer with elbow patches looks great on a salt-and-pepper haired gentleman, but on a frat boy in a pink plaid button down shirt it just doesn’t work. 

Bobbie’s personal self-reference criterion is when men wear matching plaid on plaid.  While at Pitti, we all noticed how many suits were solid plaid patterns and the pants matched the jacket perfectly.  She might be a little weary to buy both pieces together as a set.  But seeing that it is in-fact a current trend, she would have to get past her own opinions to give her customer what they want.

Brittany does not like feminine patterns on men’s clothing.  Floral patterns have become a major trend in men’s fashion.  While she loves a good floral print dress, she can not see a floral button down or suit on a male.  She recognizes that European males are more accepting of a feminine style, wearing feminine colors and patterns.  But in the United States, males are not as willing to show their softer sides through fashion.  While bright colors and patterns are welcomed at Pitti, a trade show in America may have more muted, masculine neutrals instead.

Q does not like harem pants. She feels like the groin area is too long and it is uncomfortable against the skin; it chafes. Added to the chafing, the pants just look awkward if not worn correctly; they are not for every body type. Here in Europe, they are a big trend for both males and females. As a buyer, Q would have to put how she feels about the pants aside and buy into the trend if that's what her customer wanted. 

Despite our own personal prejudices, we’re aware of the current trends and will put our SRC’s aside for the benefit of the customer.  We are aware of our aversions to certain colors, patterns, and fabrics but agree that our customer’s needs come first.  As a buyer, it is necessary to remove these personal prejudices from the buying process.  


   -Christine Wallace, Brittany Benham, Kim Deignan, Bobbie Pelegano, Quateshia Marigny

Work, work, work

Today was a classroom day for all of us to catch up on our assignments. As you can see below I posted two Art vs. Fashion assignments and a Fashion vs. Art assignment as promised! I am very excited for two events that are taking place tomorrow. In the morning we will be attending a seminar given by one of the professors here at NABA on shoe and handbag forecasts. I am excited to not only learn about the future trends but be able to experience a presentation given by an international professor. Then later in the evening we will be attended the greatly anticipated Vladimiro Gioia cocktail party!!  I couldn’t be more excited!

Lights, Camera, Fashion Part 2

After the excitement of yesterday, I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend two additional fashion shows today! The two shows that we attended were Gazzarrini and Enrico Coveri Spring/Summer 2012 collections.

            Gazzarrini’s collection was very contemporary, romantic, refined, and completely wearable. He used neutral colors with accent colors that were very intriguing especially the bamboo green. He incorporated a lot of cropped pants which I loved along with high-waisted pants that gave a new balance to the body proportion. I haven’t seen high-waisted pants for men in a long time and I found it very innovative and I actually really liked the styling of them.

Gazzarrini Spring/Summer 2012

            Enrico Coveri’s show was very different from Gazzarrini’s. It was full of bright colors, high energy music, and the models walks were more dramatic and exaggerated. His inspiration was from the seventies which was apparent in the silhouettes, prints, and colors. The different shades of pink is a must have color for Coveri and I enjoyed seeing the different hues he incorporated into his collection. As much as I was enjoying seeing menswear it was a nice change to see womenswear incorporated into his collection as well. One of the favorite parts of the show was when a man and women came down the runway together and looked like a perfect Barbie and Ken couple.

Enrico Coveri Spring/Summer 2012

            I thoroughly enjoyed the choreography of both of the shows. The way they matched the mood of the collection with the music, the models walks, and the pace of show was imperative to the presentation of the collection. Gazzarrini’s show had slower music, the models walks were stiff and military like, and they utilized the square runaway and dual entrances very effectively. Enrico Coveri’s show had faster upbeat music, the models walks were more exaggerated and bouncy, and having the models come down two at a time in certain parts added to the gender cohesiveness of the line. The experience for me was very informational and I learned a lot about what aspects go into making a fashion show cohesive. 

Special thanks to Fashion Times for inviting us to the shows!