Magazine

ALLA MODA APRIL

MILAN IN DAYS

MEET

FREJA VALENTINO DESIGNER INSPIRATIONS

3

FASHION FACEOFF WHO WORE IT BETTER?

and

STREET STYLE EASY OUTFIT FOR SPRING

UP&COMING DESIGNER ANDREA POMPILIO

“I am especially grateful that I have been able to keep my own style over the decades, in spite of the many changes that haven taken place in the world of fashion and in its business.”

- V ALENTINO

He is simply known for his first name and is one of Italy’s finest designers. Valentino, known as Valentino Garavani, is recognized for his exquisite couture pieces and his romantic red carpet gowns that became knowns as “Valentino red.”

He was born on May 11, 1932 in Lombardy, northern Italy. He became interested in fashion at young age, apprenticing with local designers. At the age of 17, he decided to move to Paris where he studied at Ecole des Beaux-Arts and at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Later on, as an apprentice at Jean Desses and Guy Laroche, he sketched and illustrated all day, arriving at his signature aesthetic. He returned to Italy to set up his eopnymic label in Rome where he established a unique position amont the elite of the Dolce Vita.

It was during 1962 that he met Giarcarlo Giammetti, business partner and long standing friend till present day. His international debut showed a couture collection at the Pitti Palace in Florence, attracting aristocratic women around the world. In just a few years, he became the go-to for dresseing the glitterati, won the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award and had clients such as Queen Paola of Belgium, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn.

The Neiman Marcus award celebrated his “no-colour collection,” where his signature “V” became his trademark. That same year, Jacqueline Kennedy ordered 6 dresses that she wore after her husband’s assassination. She became a loyal friend and costumer of Valentino. During his finals permanent years in Italy, he found an opportunity to open his first ready-to-wear shops in Milan and Rome. Jetting off to New York, he met Andy Warhol who also became a long-time friend during the 70s.

During the 80s, Valentino launched his first childrenswear line and a collection for young adults, Olivier (named after his pet pug, one of many he owns). In 1998, Valentino and Giammetti sold their company for $300 million to the Italian conglomerate HdP, who then sold it to Marzotto Apparel. In 2007, he announced he would present his final haute couture collection in January 2008. Presented at the Musee Rodin in Paris, it featured models such as Naomi Campbell and Eva Herzigova.

Other awards include the 6th Legion d’Honneur at the Ceremony at the Culture Ministry in Paris’s Palais Royale.

He has also his feature-lenght documentary Valentino:The Last Emperor at the Venice Film Festival. In 2012, he was also awarded the Commandeur de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres medal for his fashion work.

Despite not being the designer for the Valentino brand anymore, the renowed designer still works with different projects and special commissions.

“ I LOVE MY BEAUTY. IT’S NOT MY FAULT.”

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

With the Sun and the Mercury entering this month, expect positive energies. But look out for gossip, ‘cause you’ll be in the middle. You tend to speak fast, remember to think twice.

Priority? Career. Opportunities for progression are close and you are welcoming anything that can make you happy. Belonging to a team and incentives are a need for you. Love is deep for you, sharing your thoughts and dreams, but dont forget about your feelings.

LEO

This month is all about transformation!

You’ll feel more energetic and happy.

Mars and Saturn will bring you passion and love. A nice trip will come further on, taking a break that is well deserved.

VIRGO

You are all about long lasting relationships. Optimism is a big one this month. One step a time you’ll find more happiness. Waiting for a big contract? This is it! Be ready.

Friendship will keep you busy!

That means parties, engagements, babies, birthdays... and you are excited to be planning them. Reorganization may happen at work, but don’t panic, just relax and focus on the imporant.

Creativity and imagination will help you with problems.

Interaction with your team, siblings, and cousins will be worth sharing moments. If your taken, your love will be deep.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You are feeling overwhelmed with all the work. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, it will end sooner than you think. Love will be number one again, enjoying the weekend as the week is so heavy.

-Love will be an instant attraction this time. You spend money on everything that makes you feel beautiful. As a couple, you will think about vacation, sun and sea. You are not that motivated for work, but do what you have to do. You’ll know when you have to work harder.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

You will be sharing many special moments with your family. Photos, dinners, and laughs with relatives are important to you. Love will also be intensified. Work will be active and you will have high energies to finish projects.

This month is all about new opportunities and learning experiences. You will become open minded and soon will take more risks. Family tension may rise, but you know what good for you even though you disagree with them. Taking a break and going for a run will be good for you.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

- is is your time to shine, AquariTh us. Everyone will finally acknowledge your hard work and you will be rewarded big. You will be surrounded with charming people and the energies for adventures will overpower you. You are in for success.

Your friends and partners circle will grow, helping you become more powerful. Embrace yourself, a period of calmness will some foward. The solar eclipse in March may stir events, but be brave!

BEST OF Italy THE

Manarola, Liguria W

ander among thousands of colors. Manarola is known as the second smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns frequented by tourists. Prepare to take a cold, refreshing baths in the Mediterranean Sea. After, take a walk around and you will fall eternally in love with this fishing village. They include small bars and restaurants with seafood and pasta plates. Don’t foget to take a glass of wine; one of Manarola’s top industries is wine-making. Just before heading back home, walk around Via dell’Amore, or Love’s Trail, that connect Manarola and Riomaggiore. Promise, you will want to come back!

CASTELLO DE VALENTINO If you love history, definetly visit the Cas-

tle of Valentino, (Turin, Italy), pride of the Parco del Valentino dating back to the sixteenth century. It was bought by Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy who handed it to Maria Cristina of France, who used it as his home to spend their time in court. Inside the splendid castle remains the well preserved hunting living room, with allegorical stucco reminiscent of the seventeenth century. The large patio still has original stones with drawings and motives. Want to know a curiosity: agreements, truces, ceasefires, important alliances were signed during the Piedmontese history. It is an unforgettable visit that goes beyond the daya and history!

VILLA GRIGORIANO One of the most peculiar and picturesque vil-

lages that the city of Tivoli offers! It was created at the behest of Pope Gregory XVI, who after a flood that hit the city took the decision to divert the waters of the Aniene river and reach the old riverbed a walk. For many years the house was closed and left to die, but thanks to the FAI, the villa allows you to walk between steep walls, old Roman ruins, natural limestone caves and waterfalls, all surrounded by greenery flora and the blue waters of the Aniene river. The villa is open from March 1 to November 30 and the entrance fee is 5 euros. The view and experience is more beautiful than ever!