Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

SPRING 2014

Suit Yourself

from Poolside to Red Carpet

Display Until June 1

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Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

Beyond My Water Photographic diary of Filippo Magnini, Italy’s Magnum King of swimming, narrated by photographer Rossano Ronci.

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SPRING 2014 The 1st Men’s Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine featuring only the Best of Italy.

Cover: Filippo Magnini Editor in Chief Francesco Di Maio

Culture & Travel Editor Business Development Dafne Perticarini

PR & Communications Federica Fatale

Photo Credits Mares (Cover, p. 14, 99) Maserati (pp. 4-5) Mercedes-Benz Italia (p. 13 top) Rossano Ronci (pp. 10-11, 14 bottom, 15) Viktorija Juodenaite (pp. 20-21, 100) Natural Born Elegance, 100% Lanificio Cerruti Textiles (pp. 24-27) Julian Hargreaves & Total Look Emporio Armani (pp. 28-31) Rugby Fotosportit/FIR (pp. 56-59) City of Ravenna Archive (pp. 8-9, 74-77) Antonio Barbieri in Amando Cattolica (p. 83) P.H. Oscar Morandi (pp. 92-93)

OTHER CREDITS Makeup: Timoria McQueen, Sally Harlor Agency (pp. 20-23) Hair: Addam Moreno, Rare Salon (pp. 20-23)

Graphic Design Cecilia Giménez de Paz design@gimenezdepaz.com

Contact Info 1023-25 Clinton Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

info@uomo-moderno.com Uomo Moderno is a quarterly publication of Men’s Fashion by Francesco. © 2014, All Rights Reserved ISSN 2329-9258

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Uomo Moderno Winter 2014

rumjungle

This year Maserati celebrates 100 years of luxury cars (1914–2014).

Happy 100 th anniversary!

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what’s inside

Contents

FASHION

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Ottavio Nuccio From Tuxedos to Top Hats and Tails

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Domenico Vacca The Maserati of Menswear

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Julian Cerruti Natural Born Elegance

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Angelo Nardelli 1951 Salt of the Earth

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Matteo Molinari Traditional Tailoring with a Twist

10 Cover Story Filippo Magnini Italy’s Magnum King of Swimming

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Suit up with Head

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Beyond My Water

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Marco Nils Believe in Ourselves

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EMiLiANO RiNALDi It’s a Small World

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Two Italian Boys Loosen Up Your Buttons

DÉCOR

Travel

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70

80

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86

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Cuisine

Malph Happy Days Are Here Again

Tothem The Neptune Collection

Sicis O’clock If Watches Could Tell Time

music

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Sicis If Walls Could Talk

Natevo Let There Be…Natural Evolution

Devon&Devon “The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of”

Ernestomeda Kitchen Beauty for All

Modà Rockin’ the Boot

Travel SPORTS

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AlcolGym A Healthy Cocktail of Friendly Fun

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Marco Bortolami The Brains and Brawn of Rugby

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Ravenna Piecing It All Together

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Ravenna More than Mosaics

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Ca’ De Vèn The House of Wine

Nightlife Baia Imperiale

Nightlife Cocoricò

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Black Drops of Balsamic Gold Acetaia di Giorgio

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A Tale of Two Brothers The Chef Blogger

ARTISANS

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A Tale of Two Brothers Lucky, Luke Red Tattoos

Po Delta Park Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

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Benvenuti!

Springtime—a

season of engagements and weddings, graduations and proms, all requiring a specific attire. You rummage through your closet and discover something missing from your wardrobe: the right look for your social calendar.

Some men seek out the latest styles, others—sheer versatility. But what if the event is more formal than my casual preference? Can I mix and match? How about the time of day? The location? And on and on we go!

Building the right wardrobe—from poolside to red carpet—requires patience, planning, and preparation. It’s like piecing together an intricate mosaic, tile by tile over the course of time, all the while maintaining a clear vision of the complete picture.

But Living in Italian Style extends beyond our mere outer appearance to two characteristics that most of us have forgotten. For this reason we are travelling back in time to the mosaics of Ravenna, which speak of elegance and the quality of life.

Elegance—not beauty—is the summation of Italian fashion and design. Quality—not quantity—is the culmination of the ideal Italian life. From wardrobe to kitchen and onto the living room and garage, you can live in true Italian style no matter where are. So let’s start piecing together that uniuqe personal mosaic this season, one tile at a time.

Francesco Di Maio

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Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

Welcome to the

spring 2014 Edition of Uomo Moderno

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Beyond My Water

Filippo Magnini Italy’s Magnum King of Swimming 10

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filippo magnini

Feature Story

At the 2005 World Championships, Filippo Magnini clenched the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle—a first in the history of Italy— out-touching fierce opponents like Michael Phelps and Jason Lezak. At home he was crowned “king of Italian swimming”—a symbol that remains tattooed on his arm forever.

All in all Superpippo—as fans know him—has racked up a total of fifteen gold, thirteen silver, and twelve bronze medals in international competitions.

Now one of ten Italian athletes representing Mercedes-Benz and the designer behind a new line of swimwear, Filippo Magnini is not missing a stroke.

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On Going Upstream “As a good Italian, love for soccer always came naturally since I was a child and, I must say, I played fairly well.

But quitting soccer for swimming was no great sacrifice, because I had to concentrate only on one sport.

“At age sixteen I was ready to give up, because I was no longer achieving any results. Physically I had grown and I was not used to my body. My mom told me, ‘Ok Filippo, finish the year and stop; you don’t have to swim’. Then I won two Italian titles for the first time and I continued. Surely my family has always been by my side in whatever I did.”

His 2005 Victory “I was not particularly troubled by the opponents that day. I was a little afraid of my performance, because in swimming—especially in the 100-meter freestyle— the margin of error is reduced to a minimum. You train morning and night, waiting for that race. You have to be able to give everything in those 48 seconds. If you succeed, you can only be satisfied because the race is, above all, with yourself. Then, of course, when you raise your head and discover that you were the fastest of all, the joy is really uncontainable.”

On Representing Mercedes-Benz “Well, when a big brand like Mercedes-Benz decides to promote one of its new models, such as the new A-Class, you participate in a large number of events and travel allover. I must say, particularly the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the Laureus project is something extraordinary. We, the team, are able to give a helping hand to many young people through sports and ensure that sports are inserted into the social fiber, especially in many situations where there is a real need.”

His Personal Style “The important thing is to feel good about myself. I really like street styles; but sometimes when evening beckons, I like to dress elegantly, always with something unique that makes me stylish!”

His Appointment as “Knight of the Republic”

On the Meaning of Italian Style

“It means a lot, very much. It is an institutional appointment but of a romantic flavor. You feel like you have represented your country and belong to that group of exceptional people who have contributed to writing its history—some more, some less. All this fills me with pride.”

“Not to alter our habits. This, in a sense, really makes me love the fact that I am Italian. With regard to many things, we are a little behind; but maybe our ability to adapt to any situation makes us even more unique in the world.”

Favorite Destinations “I love Pesaro, which is my hometown, but I’m biased! I adore all of Italy. Anyway, the important thing for me is to be with the people that I love.”

His Favorite Food “Made only in and around Pesaro, the Rossini pizza, which is a Margherita with boiled eggs and mayonnaise; or the tortellini that my mom makes with cream, sausage, and mushrooms!”

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FASHION

Beyond My Water

rumjungle

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Suit up with HEAD

“The line is inspired by the nickname that was given to me when I became world champion: Re Magno (‘Magnum King’). I immediately liked it and tattooed a crown on my arm.

“After so many years in the pool I have seen many types of suits, even very beautiful ones; but at a certain point I got the desire to create my own, something that really resembled me.

“So in agreement with my technical partner, we decided to design the line with the crown on navy-blue and white suits, goggles, and caps. I am very proud of the final product.”

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filippo magnini

Feature Story

Beyond My Water Narrated by photographer Rossano Ronci, Beyond My Water is a photographic voyage of 93 images, which unveil the life of Filippo Magnini throughout the course of a year and a half—from locker room to starting blocks. The 128-page book was presented on December 5, 2013 at L’Archivolto Events in Milan.

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From Tuxedos to Top Hats and Tails

Ottavio Nuccio Gala 16

Uomo Moderno Winter 2014

At the south-easternmost tip of the Italian “boot� lies Salento, an exotic limestone sub-peninsula, which, dividing two major seas, has yielded fertile olive groves for thousands of years. Romantically situated in a converted olive mill, Ottavio Nuccio Gala has been making wedding dreams come true since 1998. But only God can forgive a poorly dressed groom; so Leonardo Nuccio, nephew to the founder, clears up some misconceptions about formalwear for any occasion.

ottavio nuccio

Ceremony

What is the difference between the classic suit of the Baroque Collection not only distinguishes himself and tuxedo? but also expresses a mood that cannot be limited to a The tuxedo is a man’s evening attire, perfect for large events or galas, the theater, award ceremonies, or parties with a black-tie dress code. In Anglo-Saxon countries, however, the tuxedo was also imposed as a wedding suit for evening ceremonies, particularly in elegant mansions and sumptuous rooms.

The classic two-button suit, whether single or double breasted, is more suitable for more “sober” daytime civil ceremonies, preferably single breasted and with a vest to stand out from the guests.

Tie or bowtie?

Obviously a bowtie always goes with a tuxedo, but recent suits with tuxedo details are less strict and demanding, conceding a dark—perhaps thin—tie. If you choose the elegance and label of a classic tuxedo, then it is imperative to wear a bowtie and matching satin cummerbund. Whether of a solid color, striped, or with fine print, a tie is most suitable for the classic suit, morning dress, and short tails.

What about the handkerchief?

Since the handkerchief is a sign of elegance and attention to detail, independent of the style, it should always be worn in the pocket.

period wherein fashion dictates trends but rather one that can be expressed at any time in life. Some labels try exasperatingly to make it a trend, as long as they have strong marketing support.

What determines a groom’s attire?

His personality, the type of ceremony (whether civil or religious), and the type of reception he wants to give— in a restaurant or at home, sumptuous or rustic, by the sea or on the beach. No less important, he should be accompanied by someone who knows the style of the bride’s dress to avoid obvious contrasts that could result in an odd couple.

How much should he conform to the bridal party?

Follow traditions, if you want, or go totally unconventional.

How much does the time of day matter?

The Gentleman, Fashion, Emotion, and Baroque Collections provide several options, depending on time of the ceremony. We recommend black and blue for the evening and gray, black, and any light nuances only for the day—all consistent with the style of the chosen collection. Dedicated to tuxedos and tailcoats, the Black Tie Collection is intended solely for evening ceremonies and events.

Is baroque a trend, and who should consider it? Finally, what about the location or venue?

Baroque is not a trend but rather a style. Whoever wants to express himself at a major event by wearing the styles

Gentleman and Baroque for weddings in churches or the garden; Fashion and Emotion at the beach or in the garden.

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Fashion Collection

Black Tie Collection Luxurious tuxedos distinguished by charm and sensuality for award nights and commemorative evenings.

Modern, fresh, sometimes minimalist, with a touch of baroque detailing and a tailored fit.

Did You

Know?

Traditionally worn after 6pm, White Tie is the most formal Western men’s attire, comprised of black tailcoat, waistcoat, and top hat and white shirt and bowtie. Its daytime counterpart is Morning Dress, with minor variations like the tie. Black Tie is the semi-formal variant of White Tie, typically consisting of tuxedo, bowtie, and cummerbund.

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Theatrical show-stopping suits with classic baroque elegance for the modern romantic groom.

Ceremony

Gentleman Collection

Barocco Collection

ottavio nuccio

Classic tailored suits for the man who prefers unostentatious excellence.

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Domenico Vacca The Maserati of Menswear

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domenico vacca

formalwear

If you have ever had

a question about formalwear, I invite you to sit down and chat with one of the world’s most accomplished designers who has been dressing Hollywood celebrities in superb fabrics, impeccable fits, and contemporary Italian cuts since founding his eponymous label in 2002. Meet the Academy Awards’ designer of choice, Domenico Vacca.

Where do you see formalwear going?

Who is the Domenico Vacca man?

We are going back to our roots: Italian sartorial style with a contemporary twist. We revamped the sartorial style 12 years ago and many followed us, most of the time misusing the words “sartorial,” “handmade,” “Italian style,” and “luxury.” It is time to bring back the true luxury of handmade southern Italian clothes and style.

The inspiration is some of the best dressed Italian men, from Marcello Mastroianni to Gianni Agnelli and my true inspiration—my father Michele Vacca.

He is going places, all the time. There is a group of citizens of the world that are not bicultural but tricultural, and sometimes more. He works a lot, but he does not feel he works because he loves what he does. He leads; he makes things happen; he is outgoing, smart, educated, and as sharp and cool as he can be. He can wear a perfectly handmade tailored suit during the day and a black leather jacket and jeans at night.

How do you handle ongoing casualization?

Is there a difference between evening and day?

We already responded a few years ago. Luxury casual chic is our answer. Jeans, print shirts, polos, washed shoes— yes, washed shoes—leather jackets, soft deconstructed sport jackets, soft close fitted sweaters, and an edgy men’s bracelet collection.

Yes there is. Even if the Domenico Vacca man loves suits, today he wears them most of the time without a tie, still formal but not too formal. He wears jackets at work and pulls out the power suit from his closet for board meetings, charity events, and other special occasions. At night, everything changes.

How would you describe this season?

How do venue and location affect him?

50 shades of blue, from navy blue to royal blue to baby blue with a hint of white, no prints, a lot of linen…shaken not stirred!

You want to have lunch at Cipriani uptown in a suit. You want to have dinner at Cipriani downtown in the coolest jeans, cashmere and silk V-neck sweater, and leather jacket—all by Domenico Vacca. You need an uptown and a downtown look and they both must work in New York, London, Milan, Moscow, Dubai, Shanghai, Rio….

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Golden Rules

“YOU want to be sharp and powerful, not your suit!”

“Keep it simple and classy; do not overdo it.”

“No loud ties.

No loud shirts.”

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“It is about you and your personality, not about the suit, the shirt, or the tie.”

domenico vacca

formalwear

Formalwear Faux Pas

“The size of the suit/tuxedo too big.”

“Lace up shoes instead of patent leather loafers.”

“Wingtip collar shirts…please no!”

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Julian Cerruti Natural Born Elegance

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julian cerruti

Formal Chic

You need not be a full-bred fashionista to have heard the name Cerruti: the famous fashion house that was established 1967 in Paris by Nino Cerruti—the designer from Italy’s woolen capital, Biella, whose grandfather had founded a textile mill nearly a century before.

Now Nino’s son, Julian Cerruti, continues the family legacy with a limited edition of timeless monoproducts entitled Natural Born Elegance, consisting of ties, bowties, and jackets. Julian has reinterpreted the classic jacket into five outerwear silhouettes: the Basic Jacket, the Biker Jacket, the Rain Jacket, the Sports Jacket, and the Sweater Jacket.

Let’s start at the beginning….

I was born in St. Tropez, France, and grew up in Paris.

How much time did you spend in the US? I went to boarding school there at age 14, then college, and ended up living there for over 20 years.

Who influenced you more, your father or France?

More than France, it was my father’s business that influenced my sense of style with the focus on fabric, quality, and an approach to fashion that has always tried to relate to the real lives of people and never took itself too seriously!

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What core Cerruti value do you prize most?

It all starts from the fabric!

You father once stated: “Only an excellent fabric can originate an excellent fashion….”

It is the motto for Natural Born Elegance. All our evolution is focused on the fabrics, because when a man finds the fit or shape he is comfortable with, he doesn’t really want to change this from one season to the next.

Rather, he’d like to find it in different fabrics. At least it’s the way I feel.

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julian cerruti

Formal Chic

What inspired you to create Natural Born I didn’t want to make another internet shopping mall Elegance? riddled with discounted products or overpriced gimmicks First, the incredible diversity and quantity of fabrics we produce at the mill. I was also amazed by this fantastic tool called “internet” that links the entire planet and has eliminated the obligation of physical retail stores; personally, I really do not like to go shopping. I really wanted to start an online boutique that would repeat the shapes I like so I wouldn’t have to worry about new fits.

The evolution I was looking for would be entirely in the fabrics.

This brand would put out new products all the time and not follow impossible calendars and, at the same time, would only sell limited quantities. This was very important to me as luxury has to be rarified. Something mass produced whereby thousands of people have the same was a contradiction or a bluff.

but rather a special boutique where products would have a certain exclusivity and originality.

Why only ties, bowties, and jackets?

A step at a time, we are focusing on the basic musthaves of a man’s closet; although in my opinion, it is all unisex. I think that more and more people want to find specialization; you can’t possibly make everything well.

Again, I find that gimmicks, such as branded snowboards or branded everything, are extremely unconvincing.

What is the background to the five jackets?

They are all variations of the same 2 basic models.

These variations represented for me the universe of the “blouson” and sport coat: two fundamental pieces of a man’s wardrobe.

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Modà Rockin’ the Boot

Named after a nightclub in Como for good luck, Modà played its first notes in 2002 by a group of friends who were drawn to the authentic sounds of Francesco Silvestre, nicknamed “Kekko.” Now five albums later and multiple sold-out concerts, Modà may just start rocking our world this year.

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modà

Music

Looking back, what impressed you most about What is the essence of your last album?

“Gioia” is actually a universal anthem that speaks about how, Kekko’s songs?

They were different from all the projects in which we had participated individually, so we joined immediately without thinking twice.

Is there a secret to your overnight success?

Once the group was created, instead of playing reinterpretations, we started out by carrying our original music everywhere we could, sometimes for free or very little money, and even paying—all without ever claiming to be better than others, acting, or giving false impressions. Rather, we have always been ourselves without facades, playing what came naturally to us with sincerity and without expecting anything in return.

in such a chaotic world, you can still find the strength to go forward, even beyond your limits.

Do you all share the same taste in music?

Everyone in the band has different tastes. For example, Kekko loves Vasco Rossi, Lucio Battisti, and U2; Diego— Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple; Enrico listens to songwriters; and Fabrizio—De Andrè, also tattooed on him.

What is the last CD anyone bought?

Random Access Memories by Daft Punk.

How about favorite movies….

Mediterranean, Taxi Driver, Pulp Fiction.

It doesn’t sound easy, how do you cope?

There have been many difficult moments, sometimes really hard. The key ingredient in overcoming all these things is definitely to believe 100% in what you’re doing, remaining united, and supporting one another—it is vital for bands. You have to fight together to overcome obstacles.

Tell us about Kekko’s autobiography As a Painter.

It’s how we tell the Modà story, the true story: what we have really experienced from the beginning to the present, with all the happiness, struggles, victories, defeats, laughter, and tears that are all involved.

Where do you see Italy’s music scene?

We live in a period of revival, in the sense that many genres and subgenres of music that were once deemed dead or out of fashion are coming back. There is no specific trend in the music charts. Every so many years, a certain genre prevails over the others, leaving space for another and creating natural cycles. This is even stronger in underground music where dozens of different genres coexist with their specific audience, often reaching the general public with hard work and a good dose of luck. It is not easy to get there and be heard, but there are so many bands, songwriters, and musicians. In many cities, there is great excitement….

Who knows how to rock a kitchen?

Kekko with his Catalan lobster, but also Diego’s pasta alla carbonara is not bad! Enrico is a great sommelier!

Your favorite meal together....

Hard to say for all five, but we would say what pacifies us all is a beautiful table with raw and cooked fish to our heart’s content.

Any superstitions?

We take a group photo before any type of event that we are going to do, whether live, a TV broadcast, or otherwise. The photo ritual is a must.

How do you relax on tour?

Visiting the city where we are, shopping, or simply getting comfortable in the hotel or our dressing room.

Your wish for an international duet....

U2!

Finally, where next after Europe?

We will be in New York, in May. Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

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Diego Arrigoni (electric guitar), Enrico Zapparoli (bass guitar), Francesco “Kekko� Silvestre (lead singer), Claudio Dirani (drums), Stefano Forcella (bass guitar)

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modà

Music

Did You

Know?

Modà is rocking the charts with 1.7 million Facebook Likes 130 million YouTube Views 188 thousand Twitter Followers

2011 Viva i romantici (‘Long Live the Romantics’)

2013 Gioia (‘Joy’)

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Angelo Nardelli 1951

Salt of the Earth 32

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angelo nardelli 1951

Semi-Formal

White mounds of salt

dot the ground. Towering windmills of stone punctuate the sky. This spring season, Angelo Nardelli journeys to Agrigento where saline marshes glisten under the Sicilian sun. For the core inspiration, however, you will have to point your sails north to Nissa La Bella on the French Riviera.

Angelo Nardelli founded his eponymous label in 1951 as a producer of coats and cloaks in the Apulian town of Martina Franca. Eventually his son, Domenico, took over the helm, navigating the company onto the international scene.

Faithful to the founder, Angelo Nardelli 1951 is ideal for the urban man who is always on the go, whether casual or formal, always classic but with daring details and a stroke of unpredictability. The collection comprises a total look, which is easy to mix and match. “The 2014 spring collection of Angelo Nardelli 1951 is inspired by the French Riviera. We chose the color palette thinking about that brilliant painter Matisse, who saw Nice as a painting of fireworks. “In the design phase, we actually travelled to the facades of Old Nice, where yellow ochre becomes red in the space of a few meters, and to the thousands of markets (flowers, fish, fruit, and vegetables!) where colors mix with aromas. We chose the color palette precisely because of the magic of Nice.�

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angelo nardelli 1951

Semi-Formal

Did You

Know?

The extraction of salt from the saline marches of Sicily was officially documented during the time of the Normans (1061AD) but most likely dates back to the Phoenicians three thousand years ago.

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Matteo Molinari 36

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matteo molinari

Semi-Formal

After graduating in Philosophy, Communication, and Semiotics, Matteo Molinari moved to London at the age of 26 to study Fashion. There, he reengineered something that he had once considered “tacky� into a manly embellishment, relying on the resourcefulness of his aunt and other local women back home.

While mesh, embroidery, and lace have been growing trends in womenswear, Matteo has pioneered their foray into menswear through a combination of high-tech fabrics.

Born in Belluno, Matteo was raised in the Venetian Alps where, for centuries, women have perfected the art of meticulous handcrafts, which he now transforms into edgy streetwear, blurring the lines of gender.

Traditional Tailoring with a Twist Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

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“From early times crochet was produced by nuns, who, in European convents, not only worked with cotton and other fibers but also thin metal chains to produce borders and decorations for clothes and furnishings of the aristocracy and religious.”

“For the 2014 spring/ summer season, I looked at ancient techniques used in religious garments like drawn threadwork and crochet, mixed and built on the basis of aluminum chains.”

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matteo molinari

Semi-Formal

“Inspired by these artifacts, we have reinterpreted the technique in a contemporary context, combining crochet with metal chain. The paneling of tops and jackets is built on a mix of hand knitting, crochet net, and crocheted metal chains, developing a new fabric composed by all these crafts worked together.”

“The union of technology and traditional crafts is central to my design methodology, which is suitable to produce desirable contemporary menswear with a functional and wearable appeal.”

“Two of the earliest crochet examples that have come down to us are a lace of thin metal meshing from the 17th century (part of a collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London) and an excerpt of 1580 inventory documenting a dress decorated with lace in thin metal chain, owned by Elizabeth I.”

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AlcolGym A Healthy Cocktail of Friendly Fun

You may have heard of agrotourism, but what about agrosportism? Imagine a gym equipped with a bar or, better yet, situated in a winery! How about a bike club that treks through the hills of Piedmont with a secret itinerary of delectable stops? Or rubbing elbows at the table after catching some waves off the coast of Sardinia!

Alcogym sprang forth in 2002 from the garage of a winery in Barbaresco where it was natural for Francesco Rava and his friend Luca to pop a cork after pumping some iron. Their philosophy of wine and sports as a way of life quickly grew contagious among friends, who now form the staff of a dozen enthusiasts. Alcolgym.com 40

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alcolgym

Sports

2014 Calendar of Events

Saturday, May 17

Saturday, September 20

Spring Break: AlcolGym takes you back to school La Morra, Piedmont

Alcololympics 2014: Sport meets wine in the AlcolGym Olympic Games

Saturday, June 21

Sunday, October 19

AlcolBike: Cycling through the streets & locales of Alba. Alba, Piedmont

The Vineyard Trail: A marathon through wineries & vineyards Organized by the Barolo Boys of Monforte Monforte, Piedmont

Saturday, July 26 Barbaresco Remix No. 3: A remix of music, wine & food Barbaresco, Piedmont

Saturday, August 30 Falletto Castle Remix No. 2: A remix of music, wine & food Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont

Thursday, December 11 Feast of the Fat Ox in CarrĂš 2014: Dinner at 6 in the morning!

AlcolGym, Piedmont

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s with AlcolGym Uomo Moderno Spring 2014

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AlcolGym can toast to a soccer team and volleyball team, as well as a group of marathoners and triathletes who compete at the national level, countless amateur cyclists, and surfers.

One of the most spirited events of the year is AlcolBike , a wine and gastronomic bike ride through the surrounding areas of Alba with up to 1,000 cyclists in attendance!

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alcolgym

Sports

If you love mixing good wine and music, block out your calendars for Barbaresco and Falletto Castle Remixes in mid-summer.

Surf in Italy? Try 7,500 km (4,660 miles) of coast with 4 days a week, 6 months per year, just off of Alghero and Oristano in Sardinia! Or join AlcolGym regularly in one of 50 spots along the coast of Liguria, ranging from beginner waves in Andora and San Remo to expert surf in Levanto and Varazze.

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Marco Nils Believe in Ourselves Recognizable ,

resilient, combative yet carefree—these are just a few of the adjectives that describe the two-fold collection of Marco Nils.

Beyond the Clouds embodies the bohemian soul in a Sixties’ mood, with microprint and camo blazers worn nonchalantly over tees. Wide Blue Road crowns denim as the “cannot-do-without” of the season—scraped, worn, torn, and studded—all in new washes.

Marco Nils was founded in 2011 by New Fly Industries with the aim of coining a brand name that would reflect the passion and spiritedness of the Neapolitan soul but with an international flavor.

Celebrating nature and all its impetuousness, this season Marco Nils hints to the shapes of leaves, flowers, and fruit, as well as colors that are reminiscent of the sea, land, and forest.

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marco nils

Casual

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marco nils

Casual

Did You

Know?

Jeans trace their origins to the city of Genoa, which was renowned for a corduroy-like material that sailors used to weatherproof their goods on the docks. Exported by Genovese sailors, this fabric was later called Gênes, which is the French word for Genoa— hence the word jeans.

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EMiLiANO RiNALDi It’s a Small World

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Fashion Forward

It all starts here in Tuscany, my land and source of inspiration. The love and affection for my country is present in every one of my collections. For example, the leaf and branch prints come from a photo of the undergrowth around my house, and even the

Presented at the 19th-century Lemon House of Tuscany’s Villa Vittoria, Emiliano Rinaldi encapsulates this season’s direction as he juxtaposes playful patterns with classic styles, interrupting all white suits with vibrant prints. In pure and simple words, Emiliano Rinaldi, who founded his eponymous label in 2010, expounds on the muse behind his collection.

green color cotton/linen fabric comes from the green countryside.

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Green, cream, and dark gray are the predominant colors: the countryside, the purity, the chic and noble part. The collection features more smoking jackets and pajama style pants with a comfortable fit and no shortage of double-breasted jackets with windproof fabric in green and traditional prints. Everything comes to life with the fabrics, such as cotton/linen, silk, viscose, and cotton.

Like all my collections, It’s a Small World was inspired by the passions, feelings, and ideologies that are part of my life. In particular, the latest collection was inspired by my best friend’s way of life, which I also share: travel. The meaning is, if you have personality and character, you will be comfortable anywhere in the world with any person you meet and in any outfit you wear.

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Fashion Forward

The inspiration came from my best friend’s trip to Asia, as well as his extravagance, vices, virtues, and unmistakable style. I envisioned him on the streets of Beijing, the beaches of Koh Samui, and in the nightclubs of Macau.

The Emiliano Rinaldi man has personality, character, and innate taste. He is a man with a noble spirit who loves strong passions and emotions. Heedless of fashions, he manages to reinterpret everything that he does into his own style.

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Two Italian Boys

Loosen Up Your Buttons

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Conceived in 2012, Two Italian Boys is the brainchild of Ruggiero Cortellino, who rediscovers Italian elegance this season by returning men back to the Seventies in celebration of aristocratic Milan. Festivities encompass casual suiting— at times with shorts, single- and double-breasted jackets, and athletic footwear—teemed with color blocking, floral print blocking, stripe blocking, and polka-dot blocking in multi-chromatic silhouettes. So, you had better loosen up if you are going to suit up with Two Italian Boys.

I was born 1984 in Barletta, Apulia, and I come from a strong entrepreneurial family. In fact, my father is the founder of an important footwear company, which I used to raid as a child amidst the collections, patternmakers, leathers, and prototypes.

At age 26, I had been working happily in Milan but I couldn’t resist any more; I almost could not sleep from excitement. I remember the years as intense but satisfying as a passion for fashion grew within me: not a simple desire to possess things, but the will to create something personal in the world of menswear.

I questioned whether I was ready to undertake a journey in such a complex sector and at that particular time. But I was super convinced deep within me, so I decided to launch.

I wondered what type of name could represent a young Italian brand, not only with a clear link to traditional Italian tailoring but also international aesthetic innovation.

The image of these two young handsome Italian boys that were elegant but not too conventional seemed right.

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More than an outfit, elegance is an innate

I have an enormous respect for a traditional Italian

attitude that has to do with a person’s soul

tailoring. We are recognized as the best in the world for

and the way of doing things, neither of which

both the construction and presentation of a garment.

can be bought. A label expresses a notion of

On the international level we are masters of style but

relaxed elegance because we want to wear

with absolute contemporary execution, which requires

our clothes without strain or superstructures

strong experimentation in the search for materials,

and with an absolutely natural attitude that

increasingly updated and all-natural combinations, and

distinguishes our sense of being a man.

fits that conform to present-day needs.

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two italian boys

Fashion Forward

Therefore, we don’t target an age but rather an

He is a man quick in thought and action, determined,

attitude: the individual that appreciates tradition

cultured, attentive to his own body and mind—a

in a modern context—from the 20-year-old who

person that observes and analyzes. He travels and

wears a Seventies-inspired jacket at a nightclub with

knows how to enjoy life in all its facets. His main

friends or romantic dinner with his girlfriend to the

characteristic remains the kindness and grace with

50-year-old who wears a smoking jacket to corporate

which he approaches daily life.

meetings.

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Marco Bortolami

The Brains and Brawn of Rugby

Age: 33 Hometown: Padua Height: 6’ 5” (1.96 m) Weight 247 lbs. (112 kg)

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Collisions, gridlocks, and pileups —sound like the daily commute on the local interstate? Not quite.

Imagine a ménage à trois of basketball, soccer, and football—but without the padding. You have just stepped into the adrenalin-inducing world of Marco Bortolami, 38time former captain of the Italian national rugby team and current captain of Le Zebre.

Where do you get your intense zeal for rugby?

My passion for rugby was passed on to me by my father, a former player of Petrarca Padova. On Sundays, I used to accompany him to the stadium to watch the games; so it was natural for me to fall in love with the sport.

What was it like to be captain of a British team?

England invented rugby and, for this, rugby has a profound culture that permeates the entire society. Rugby is a purely Anglo-Saxon sport in its many components: discipline, fair play, hardness of fighting within the rules. Having the opportunity to play with them was the greatest. Then, becoming the captain of a British team for an Italian was a unique event in history. Playing a role so delicate has been a great professional and personal challenge, which excited me.

Does your success wear a price tag?

Reaching the ultimate on the professional level all came at a price: staying far away from family, friends, and my country was not easy; but with the help of my wife, it has been an opportunity to know a different culture and also enrich myself from a human standpoint.

What do you discuss in your book?

In my autobiography Vita da Capitano (‘Life as a Captain’), I

sports

explain that the main task of a captain must be inspiration of the group. You have to set an example, which pushes others to give their best, and have a vision that goes beyond the ordinary. Many of us have a conservative estimate of what we are capable of doing, many times in order to avoid disappointment. But it is precisely the ability to impose increasingly exciting challenges every day that enables us to achieve goals that even we had not imagined to be attainable.

How important is diet?

Rugby players are known to be very bulky; but as with any professional athlete, we also do pay attention to what we eat. The quantities are not very restrictive, but the quality of what we eat makes a difference! Personally, I eat a lot of vegetables and protein, preferably fish accompanied with whole grains, especially before games. I almost always avoid dairy products, refined sugars, and particularly fatty foods!

Is there life after rugby?

The uniqueness of rugby lies in keeping the same behavior even afterwards in normal life. The fact that I resumed my studies at the university is an ambitious project; but if I want to fulfill my boyhood dream of one day working for Ferrari, a degree in mechanical engineering is the only way possible!

What advice do you offer to other dreamers?

Each of us must never stop dreaming, because only dreams can give us enthusiasm, energy, and inspiration in what we do. Dreaming with your feet firmly on the ground is the best way to realize yourself in life, whatever path you take!

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Zebre Rugby Based in Parma and operated by the Italian Rugby Federation, Zebre (‘zebras’) is a professional rugby team that participates in the RaboDirect Pro 12, in which 12 teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales compete.

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marco bortolami

Did You

Know?

sports

The Brits planted the first rugby seeds in Genoa back in the 1890s, with the French watering them in the early 1900s. A national team sprouted in 1928 upon the formation of a new governing body, the Federation of Italian Rugby. Now there exist over 1,000 rugby clubs in Italy, boasting 73,000 male players and 8,000 female players.

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Malph

Happy Days Are Here Again

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Avant-Garde

Anyone who lived through the Seventies will most likely remember Ralph Malph, the practical joker on Happy Days—a TV series that idolized teenage life in the late 50s and early 60s. Laid up in bed with a fractured shoulder that he had suffered from a three-meter wave while surfing in Hawaii, Luca Gregorio only needed a spark. Fun, whimsical, outside-the-box—Ralph became Luca’s Malph—a quirky line of Italian streetwear.

What was your design concept this season?

There are three themes: balloons, beaches, and bakeries.

The simple world of balloons is deconstructed in several ways, from the conceptual to rock ‘n’ roll, such as a balloon cactus. The world of beaches is very graphic, playing with tinted pictures that distort and divert your attention from the photo itself. The world of bakeries is determined by a number of desserts that take different ordinary forms like stars made from ice-cream cones, donuts that become flowers, and more.

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Avant-Garde

Explain the kilts with leggings….

It is one of the combinations that we thought would be effective for the 2014 spring/summer collection presented in Paris last July at the exhibition Who’s Next. We were right because they liked it.

How much attention do you pay to trends?

We do not follow trends, nor do we go against them: we simply take cues from what the market readily accepts: t-shirts and sweatshirts, for example. But we deconstruct them into the Malph style, which must always be grossly different to impress and attract.

Finally, who is the Malph-kind-of person?

The man or woman who wants to put on something different, never seen before—only pure and inedited emotions. Then, quality is an unavoidable must.

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Tothem

Neptune Collection

The

Dwelling on the ocean floor in a palace of coral and precious gems, he rode the seas in a chariot of gold, holding a trident in hand and accompanied by dolphins. Handsome yet moody, he was the son of Titans. The Greeks knew him as “Poseidon,” but he was called “Neptune” by the Romans.

Such is the backdrop to the Neptune Collection, which surfaces this spring from the abysses of the deep blue, inviting you to take the plunge into a mythical sea world of kaleidoscopic prints and psychedelic marine life.

Tothem was founded 2012 in Milan, combining fashion, photography, and digital printing into a neoexhibitionist style.

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Avant-Garde

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Avant-Garde

Mosaic of Neptune and his sea-goddess cohort, Amphitrite, found on a wall in Herculaneum, which was buried by Vesuvius in 79AD.

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If Mosaics Could Tell Time

Sicis O’clock

By the 18th century, jewelers in Rome were fashioning gold and tiny pieces of glass that were less than a millimeter in diameter into a type of micro mosaic known as “the eternal painting.�

Now in Ravenna, master mosaicists at Sicis weave miniature gold rods and Venetian enamel into eternal nano-mosaic paintings, which are set on the dials of refined watches.

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sicis o’clock

Accessories

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Sicis If Walls Could Talk

From the graceful floors of Rome to the gilded walls and ceilings of Byzantium, mosaics have adorned private dwellings, basilicas, and civic buildings for thousands of years. But, now, no commercial or residential space can escape the unmatched elegance of Sicis mosaics.

If walls could only talk, they would probably say Sicis. In Ravenna. Since 1987.

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Decorative Art

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Decorative Art

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Ravenna Piecing It All Together

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Travel

Ravenna’s 1,500-year-old churches undoubtedly boast the most exquisite Byzantine mosaics outside Turkey, but there is a missing tile to this puzzle; that is, why Ravenna? So, let’s piece it all back together.

Meanwhile, Ravenna replaced Rome briefly as the capital of the fractured Western Roman Empire. But in the 6th century, the city was conquered by the Eastern Roman Empire, which infused the city with Byzantine architecture, religion, art, and culture.

By the 5th century AD, the foundation of the Roman Empire had cracked in two. The shattered Western Roman Empire had been centered in Rome; while the shining Eastern Roman Empire selected Byzantium as its capital—later named Constantinople and, then, Istanbul.

For this reason, Ravenna’s mosaics reflect the abstract decorative styles of the Byzantine Empire rather than the realism of Roman stone carpets. Moreover, the mosaics of Ravenna not only adorn floors but also entire walls and ceilings, with glass tiles set in gold and positioned to shimmer in the sunlight.

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Ravenna’s mosaics are housed in 5th- and 6th-century monuments, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Basilica of San Vitale Mausoleum of Galla Placidia Neonian Baptistery Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo Arian Baptistery Archiepiscopal Chapel Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe Mausoleum of Theodoric

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Travel

Did You

Know?

Although the Western and Eastern Roman Empires have long collapsed, their legacies exist today in the expressions of the Catholic Church in the West and the Orthodox Church in the East.

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Ravenna More Than Mosaics While everyone has heard of Rome—the cradle of Latin civilization that covered much of Europe and North Africa—few know of Ravenna, the petite jewel on the Italic peninsula that emerged as capital of the Western Roman Empire in 402.

Residence to Byzantine emperors a century later, Ravenna was impregnated with the power and finance to woo Arabs, Jews, Armenians, and Greeks who molded the city’s character, language, and cuisine into all that is reflected outside its magnificent mosaics.

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Ravenna and its surroundings have inspired numerous historical figures like Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, US-born writer T.S. Eliot, and English poet Lord Byron. A tug of war between Florence and Ravenna still wages over the body of Dante Alighieri, who spent his last days there.

If you have three days or three hours, Ravenna promises to inspire you too with more than mosaics and monuments, as you catch some golden rays at a seaside resort or dance your heart out in a nearby club. Perhaps you prefer the calm of the Po Delta Park for some bird watching. Definitely pack a piadina and a bottle of Sangiovese for an inspiring lunch.

po delta park

Travel

Po Delta Park Pialassa Baiona: canoe through a brackish lagoon of shallow ponds connected by canals and dotted with old hunting lodges and flocks of migratory birds.

Oasis Punte Albarete: trail through underwater meadowlands and a submerged forest that provides refuge to assorted species of rare birds.

San Vitale Pine Forest: horseback ride through ancient woodlands that date back to Byzantine emperors.

Ortazzo & Ortazzino: go completely wild in the uncontaminated wetlands of this rich biodiversity.

Furlana Valley: don’t forget your binoculars when you visit this sanctuary of flamingos and spoonbills in the southern Comacchio valley.

Comacchio: stroll along the canals of “little Venice,” the enchanting lagoon town.

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Ca’De Vèn The House of Wine

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ca’ de vèn

Known as an “hostaria” in Ravenna at the time, Ca’ De Vèn came to life as a tavern in 1548. Now, almost five hundred years later, the locale is a cantina and full-fledged restaurant based on the traditions of Romagna, hosting evenings of culture and music in a cozy atmosphere. Protagonist of the menu is none other than the piadina, a sort of flatbread sandwich.

What are the piadina’s main ingredients?

Like all good things in cuisine, the secret lies in its simplicity.

We use only local flour, lard, bicarbonate, water, and we let the dough rest for 24 hours. That’s all.

Are there local variations?

The cacione is a closed piadina like a calzone. It is famous in the area of Ravenna. Cacione is easier to eat because all the ingredients remain inside and does not limit the filling. We suggest the classic one with squacquerone cheese and local herbs or the one with sausage and roasted onions.

What is a typical of a holiday menu?

Holiday menus vary from family to family but roughly follow the same script: a simple way of eating, inspired by the countryside and its products. For the first dish, we eat cappelletti filled with meat and in a broth or tagliatelle with a meat sauce; for the second dish, grilled meat or roasted poultry. All this is washed down with a red Sangiovese di Romagna wine, which is one of the most popular on Italian tables, thanks to its balanced taste (not too sweet or too tannic), and appealing to everyone.

Travel

How would you describe your wine list?

Albana recalls the golden hues of the sunset.

Sangiovese di Romagna: a frank character like us.

Cagnina: cheerful, good company.

Trebbiano: pure and simple.

Colli di Faenza: serious with a strong temperament.

Pagadebit: light and lively.

What is the origin of Pagadebit, which means ‘pay debts’?

This white wine, with the typical straw yellow color and floral scent, was a milestone for farmers. In fact, the vine is particularly resistant and able to survive under all weather conditions. Thus, it was a guarantee to the farmer, who was able to pay the debts contracted during the year.

The local cuisine is strongly characterized by pork, what do you suggest?

The coppa di testa is a cold cut used less today but emits an inebriating aroma from inside a hot piadina. This product is typical of central Italy and is made from the pig’s head, well washed and without the ears, boiled for four hours with other less noble parts of the animal. After baking, the head is cut, removing all bones and cartilage, and left bagged to rest until firm.

Interview with Maria Grazia Guidi by Dafne Perticarini.

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Nightlife on the Romagnola

Baia Imperiale Rising from a hill surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Baia Imperiale dominates the coast with effigies of Roman emperors, majestic columns, flaming braziers, and a bronze statue of the Roman sea god—Neptune.

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Rated as one of the world’s top nightclubs, Baia Imperiale promises a spectacular view from the Terrace of Caesars, as well as imperial DJs spinning in the temple.

nightlife

Travel

Beaches, theme parks, and resorts by day. Restaurants and dance clubs by night. Welcome to the Romagnola Riviera on the Adriatic Coast—140 kilometers (87 miles) of entertainment around the clock.

Cocoricò

Enshrouded in the mystique of a glass pyramid on the hills of Riccione, Cocoricò is notorious for its unbridled entertainment, mixing the beats of house and techno until the early rays of dawn.

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Natevo

Let There Be‌Natural Evolution

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natevo

Décor

Bookcases whose lights dance on walls; armchairs that emit warm and cold hues; floodlit coffee tables and nightstands that open into displays; skis that serve as coat stands with a splash of light—welcome to the illuminated world of Natevo furniture.

Based on crowd funding and “likes,” the aim of Natevo is to reduce waste and optimize production through an innovative process of natural selection by the consumer, who determines the launch of products submitted by designers.

To ensure quality and functionality, a panel of experts examines each submission, which, only upon approval, is fashioned into a prototype and posted online.

Natevo is a brand by Flou, which was founded in 1978 as a producer of beds, bedding, bedrooms, and mattresses. Imagine an eco-friendly apartment without even one lamp. Now, it is up to you to see the light!

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Devon&Devon

“The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of”

Washbasins

that pay tribute to Humphrey Bogart with an American Deco flair, bathroom vanities and sink consoles as light as a melody in the Thirties, faucets that tap to the beats of the Roaring Twenties—all in polished nickel, antique copper, enameled cast iron, precious woods, and marble.

Devon&Devon, since 1989, has been reinventing personal wellness and hygiene care with artistic bathroom solutions that refresh our inner being, as well as our practical physical needs.

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DĂŠcor

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Ernestomeda Kitchen Beauty for All

CarrĂŠ Eclectic, versatile elegance by Marc Sadler, with customizable groove door handles for no less than 230,000 shapes, colors, and sizes.

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Décor

Ernestomeda was founded in 1996 on the premise that “beauty is not the privilege of the few but rather a common heritage that lives in the experiences, memories, and dreams of every individual, with the kitchen—the room where people come together and share every day—as its key point of expression.”

Emetrica Elegant minimalism and convenience by Andreucci & Hoisl, with grip grooves and full height handles on cupboards.

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Silverbox Simply severe by Pietro Arosio, when kitchen and living areas converge.

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Décor

Icon Charming minimalism and lived-in luxury by Giuseppe Bavuso, featuring perforated “Air” doors and wall cabinets with rotating doors.

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Black Drops of Balsamic Gold Acetaia di Giorgio

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acetaia di giorgio

Cuisine

Authentic balsamic vinegar has been produced for nearly 1,000 years in the areas of Modena and Reggio Emilia and is currently protected by law under the official names: Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena DOP and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia DOP. DOP is the acronym for Denominazione d’origine protetta or PDO, which in English stands for ‘Protected Designation of Origin’, signifying its legal protection by European Law since 1986.

Produced from the reduction of cooked white Trebbiano grapes, which is called “must,” authentic balsamic vinegar is aged from twelve to twenty-five years in a succession of registered barrels made from exotic woods like cherry, mulberry, juniper, and chestnut.

Despite its recent trendiness, most people have never seen a bottle of authentic balsamic vinegar, much less tasted this velvety black gold. What commonly fill the shelves are less expensive balsamic vinegars, which lack the official designation of Tradizionale.

The Barbieri family of Acetaia di Giorgio has been guarding the balsamic tradition for hundreds of years with a secret recipe of local grapes, which are boiled for hours and then poured into the first and largest wooden barrel in a battery of seven casts decreasing in size.

These commercial grade balsamic vinegars are typically made from wine vinegar and grape juice or “must,” often containing caramel and sugar. If you cannot find or afford a DOP brand, be sure to read the labels for any extracts, sweeteners, or artificial coloring and—better yet—look for the certified Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP.

Fermentation occurs in the first three larger barrels, with the ripening process ensuing in the fourth and fifth, and the aging—in the sixth and seventh. Each year in the spring, the evaporated portions are filled with must from the preceding larger and younger casks.

Only after twelve years can a maximum of two liters (quarts) be removed from the smallest barrel for sale. A local consortium governs the standardization of bottle designs, labels, and identifiably colored caps.

IGP is the acronym for Indicazione geografica protetta or PGI, which in English means ‘Protected Geographical Indication’. Made from wine vinegar and the must from at least one of seven Modenese grapes, PGI balsamic vinegar of Modena is matured for a minimum of sixty days, claiming the title “aged” only if maturation surpasses three years.

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A Tale of Two Brothers The Chef Blogger

Two brothers. Two professions. One in the kitchen, the other in a studio. Christian Consilvio is a seasoned chef whose logo consists of a wooden rolling pin, several leaves, and the sun—symbols that depict his culinary philosophy of traditional techniques and natural ingredients. From the trenches of restaurant kitchens to luxurious hotels, Christian combines over 25 years of experience into his new recipe called chefblog.it.

On Tradition “Tradition is the basis of cooking, offering us a solid foundation on which to stand; while innovation serves to progress and approach a more natural, sustainable cuisine. Innovation requires a good knowledge of tradition and Italian cuisine.

Knowing how to combine the two is fundamental today.”

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On Vegetarianism “Over the last 15 years, cooking has changed enormously; but vegetarian and vegan cuisines in Italy are still not in vogue. It is difficult to find a restaurant with a vegetarian menu and, even more so, a vegan one.

“A few years ago I embarked on a path to a more natural cuisine, particularly but not exclusively vegetarian, which resulted in a quest for natural products, closer attention to the environmental impact, and respect for animals—but without extremes. Not forgetting the economic side, I like to think that good cuisine should be available to everyone.

“I have been interested in gluten-free cooking for some time and, since I was already on the path to natural vegetarian cooking, I combined the two into natural cooking without gluten. In addition to my previous choices and growth process, gluten-free and dairy-free recipes will form the basis of my new book.”

a tale of two brothers

Cuisine

An Indispensable Ingredient “Extra virgin olive oil because it is really difficult to cook without it.”

His First Dish “Cake on Saturday afternoon with my mother: as a child I was very happy to help her in the kitchen.”

Favorite Foreign Cuisines “I really like Indian food for the use of spices, which we find in vegetarian cuisine.”

On Men in the Kitchen “From what I see on blogs, incoming mail, and the number of food bloggers, women express the most interest; and I must say they are very capable. If we look closely, there is a slight increase in men, but more as spectators who write to me only when they want advice for a romantic dinner.”

His Favorite Dish “My favorite food is pizza.”

An Imaginary Meal “I read that Albert Einstein was a vegetarian; so given the choice, I would invite him, cook a nice dinner of haute vegetarian cuisine, and ask so many questions.”

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A Tale of Two Brothers Lucky, Luke Red Tattoos Two brothers. Two artists. One a tattooist, the other a chef. Otherwise known as “Luke Red” or just “Lucky,” Gianluca Consilvio is a body artist in Verona. Since one of the trends this season is body art, not mere stickers or face paint, Gianluca describes his personal journey into the field, as well as the state of the art in Italy.

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a tale of two brothers

Artisans

“I entered the world of tattooing

out of hunger. At that time I was living off my paintings and my economic situation was quite disastrous. Tattooing offered me an opportunity to live off a form of art, which, for me, was a dream.

“I confess that I am self-taught. It was so difficult that, after my first attempts, I returned to painting, abandoning tattoos for about a year. Then I regained my courage.

Words of Wisdom “To avoid surprises, the customer and tattoo artist should have the best of communication. Full harmony with the client is a key factor for me. Moreover, a serious professional should never try to persuade customers but rather consult them to the fullest.”

“I perform most of my work in two ways: custom and freehand.

Custom consists of hand drawings on paper that are transferred onto the skin via stencil, while freehand utilizes special markers directly applied to the skin. I use freehand a lot because of the skin’s perfect contours and the natural curves of the body which can alter the perception of paper designs.

“The first tattoo artists in Italy were travelers who had learned the art around the world: former Vietnam veterans who had moved to Italy, casino dealers, and ex-sailors. Through their journeys, they had come in contact with people who initiated them into this fascinating ancestral art.

“Previously only military, bikers, and ex-cons got tattoos, but now even ordinary people think a small drawing on their body could be interesting.

“All in all, tattoos are viewed positively today. They have become a widely accepted phenomenon, thanks to the media, such as the television series Miami Ink.”

A Word to Novices “Be very critical of yourself and discover your limits.

Artists create virtuosity within their limitations. Learn to say ‘no’. Customers appreciate honesty first. Don’t think you can do everything; you don’t have to prove anything but to yourself, so be consistent.”

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