GOING GREEN: Most Italian fashion brands believe in more sustainable products. According to a survey commissioned by Italy’s Camera Nazionale della Moda, 60 percent of designer companies believe there is a need to innovate the industry to create goods that are more ecological. However, only 23 percent of these firms have already adopted eco-friendly management systems. The goal will be to have a fashion industry that is “greener than ever,” said Mario Boselli, president of the Chamber of Fashion, during a press conference held in Milan this week to outline the results of the survey. The aim for the Camera over the next few months is to draw out a manual to give precise indications on sustainability policies to both the industry and consumers alike, as well as a “green label” that will mark traceable and sustainable fashion.
Here is a sample of what sustainable fashion looks like today, as shown by Baci Boutique, who exclusively imported these two supersized receycled jeans/leather bags, from Italy by Strass&Strass to their retail store located at 279 Mott Street, in Nolita, New York City.
Looking good in Italy is a national obsession. Forget football, fast cars and food. This nation’s favourite pastime is style. Italians grow up in a culture of ‘bella figura’. This translates literally as ‘beautiful figure’ but is more specifically understood as ‘a good image’. This is not only related to what you wear but involves how you ‘appear’: etiquette, reputation, style are all equally important. The way you present yourself to the world matters hugely. In a country where, even the police uniforms are designed by Valentino and footballers are kitted out by Mr Armani, Italians consider it essential to look good pretty much from birth.
This is not a new phenomenon and is in no way related to individual finances. Indeed, a little bit of style in Italy can take you a very long way. For Italians style is cultural democracy; in the words of Italy’s most famous journalist, Luigi Barzini, ‘where poverty can be worn with dignity… it is not noticeable or embarrassing’. In times of national and international disaster, Italians can be relied on to put their best fashion foot forward. When the first tourists arrived in Italy after WWII, they were stunned at the importance placed on fashion by the young men and women lounging in the bars and cafés of Rome. One observer commented, ‘Some of them would go without eating to devote the few pennies they had to buying suits, shirts and dresses which would enable them to cut a dignified figure at the passeggiata.’
Italians seem to be quite happy to sacrifice comfort for style and elegance. And they insist on attention to detail. Never have I seen an Italian with a missing button on their suit, a hem falling down or sporting an unpressed outfit. I have also never seen an Italian woman in a pair of trainers. These impressive signorinas tackle the most gnarly of cobblestones in high heels with the grace of a gazelle and the determination of an Olympic athlete. Perhaps this is only to be expected. Italy is, of course, the shoe capital of the world.
Style and function are inseparable in Italy and this is reflected in attitudes to dress. Italians favour well-tailored cuts in neutral colours like black, white, beige and navy. Natural fabrics reign supreme and showing too much flesh is considered déclassé. As Sophia Loren said, ‘A woman’s dress should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view. For a slice of la dolce vita, add a couple of dresses to your core wardrobe. You should treat yourself to a shirtdress, a shift dress and an archetypal little black dress. The first two will cover all bases whether at work or play. Both can be dressed up or down; try a beautifully-stamped Italian leather belt to cinch in the waist of your shirt dress or a little cashmere cardigan to drape over the shoulders of your shift. You can go anywhere in an LBD: from drinks at Harry’s Bar inRome, dinner at Cipriani in Venice to a delicious ice cream at Cova in Milan.
A well-cut suit is a worthwhile investment. If you choose wisely, you will be able to wear the jacket and trousers as separates, which makes a careful wardrobe choice go a long way. Any trouser style will do: cigarette pants for those long of leg, highwaisted for the fashionistas among you or tapered if you prefer a more classic silhouette. The key is in the cut. Make sure the suit fits you like a dream and if it doesn’t take it to a tailor – a true Italian will not suffer an ill-fitting outfit.
Accessories are where you make your personal mark. A jewel-coloured scarf, an iridescent silk blouse, a neon pump, some understated yet fabulous jewellery; Italians prefer to personalise with details.
Logos are out. The only thing worth advertising is yourself. Italian designers have been hailed the world over since the heady, stylised days of Elsa Schiaparelli. Referred to by Coco Chanel as ‘the Italian artist who makes clothes’, Schiaparelli loved to juxtapose colours, textures and silhouettes and is often acknowledged as the designer’s designer. More recently the houses of Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Missoni, Versace, Valentino, Armani and Cavalli have dominated the fashion headlines. Whether it is the subdued chic of Armani or the extravagant glamour of Cavalli, Italian designers retain their pole position at the top of the fashion world’s radar.
With the upcoming designs of ex-Fendi designer Sergio Zambon taking the Milanese catwalk by storm, the Italians seem set to remain contentedly at the top of the fashion tree. What I love about Italian style is, quite simply, the Italians.
Spring/Summer 2012 Sale April 22nd -28th 20% off
Baci Boutique 279 Mott Street, NoLita, NYC 11am- 8pm
One of New York City’s most fashionable neighborhoods, used to be inhabited by Italian immigrants and was part of the five points of Manhattan. Today it is called NoLita and it has most recently become more Italian again, this time with an upscale essence.
Torrisi a small but always packed Italian specialty restaurant, just opened a Diner next door. Emporio Restaurant is also always full, then there is the first ever Italian Pizzeria Lombardi’s, plus the brand new Social Club Cafe 285 Mott street, just to name a view.
NoLita (North of Little Italy) has also become a retail destination for stylish shoppers who prefere boutiques over big brand names.
So many small boutique have come and gone over the past 10 years, but there has NEVER been an all exclusive Italian women’s fashion Boutique in NoLita, except for Baci, who moved into 279 Mott street between Houston and Prince one year ago. The store is well designed and has a lovely back yard. Baci’s revolving collection is imported exclusively and is NOT available anywhere else in the USA.
You are invited and please do not miss this Shopping Event!
“Spring Special”
What: We are offering 20% off our exclusively imported Italian Spring//Summer 2012 Women’s collection, accessories and shoes.
Come enjoy our European Style along with a glass of refreshing Prosecco & Strawberries in our fabulous new backyard.
Have a look at our latest Spring/Summer 2012 collection Video
Where and When:Baci Boutique is located in the heart of NoLita, 279 Mott Street between Houston and Prince. Sunday April 22nd - Sat. April 28th from 11am-8pm RSVP: adi@bacifashion.com Tel: 212 775-1100 for a better shopping experience.
We are looking forward to seeing you,
Regards,
The Baci Team
“A man cannot be made comfortable without his own approval.”
~Barbara Walters
This beautiful Parisian apartment belongs to none other than Cristian Lacroix. Beautiful french furniture and funky pops of color make the style of the apartment his own!
IVillage gave us this fantastic tip to save both time and frustration. Try keeping a notepad by the phone. Use the notepad as a todo list of sorts. When something pops into your head during the day you the pad to keep a running todo list and mark off things as they are completed! I always feel so rewarded after marking off an item from my todo list. Don’t you?
Who made your Oscar Best Dressed List? We loved Emma Stone’s ravishing red, Michelle Williams pretty in pink and dazzling gold of Stacey Keilber!
