NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013
ISSUE 5 - YEAR 9 | FUA/PALAZZI | JULY 2019
BIENALLE DI VENEZIA by Regan Wheat
Cover photo by the author
Every two years the contemporary art world fills the ancient palaces, shipyards and city gardens of Venice. The ancient city bursts at the seams with the most thought-provoking contemporary trends in painting, sculpture, installations, sound works, performance and everything in between. La
Biennale
di
Venezia
is
a
historic public gardens (Giardini), the
of the exhibition, chosen by Rugoff,
contemporary art exhibition held
former Navy shipyard and armory
quotes a fictitious proverb invoked
bi-annually in Venice for over a
(Arsenale) and scattered throughout
from
century. In this year’s 58th biennale,
the city in historic palaces and
The phrase has been cited multiple
Curator Ralph Rugoff, Director of
deconsecrated
times over several decades by world
the Hayward Gallery in London since
Biennale also includes 87 national
leaders
2006, has chosen 83 living artists
pavilions, and there are 21 collateral
crisis, continual states of shock and
from all over the world, including
events and peripheral exhibitions
a sense of never-ending catastrophe.
more women than in the exhibition’s
promoted by non-profit national and
Rugoff anchors the exhibition to this
history, and many artists born after
international institutions. May You
quote, reflecting on the present-day
1980. Artists’ works are located in the
Live in Interesting Times, the title
manufacturing and questioning of
churches.
The
an
ancient
to
Chinese
curse.
describesituations
of
"fake news." He has chosen artists who present alternative
can never know “what is white.” In his film, images of
points of view rather than “alternative facts.” He has
white supremacy and the LA riots from the 1990s run
not presented a theme for invited artists to respond to,
alongside footage of the white people Jaffa knows and
instead he provides a platform for the artists’ work to
loves.
provoke a dialogue with the audience. His hope is that
Friend and sometime collaborator, Kahlil Joseph, is
this quote, “May you live in interesting times,” can be
an artist and filmmaker, whose work spans cultural
turned from a curse to a challenge of transforming the
media, fine art and cinema. His most notable works in
current times into interesting ones.
popular culture are his projects with Beyoncé and Flying
Many of the 83 artists’ works in the exhibition address
Lotus- short films that fall somewhere between music
shared concerns, such as walls/boundaries/borders,
video and avant-garde cinema. Poetically situating high
alternative realities/identities, ways of seeing and
and low culture visual imagery, his project BLKNWS
unseeing, parallel worlds and forms of division. Rugoff
(2018-ongoing), created for the Biennale, navigates the
has structured the exhibition in two parts: Proposition
world of “fake news”, where anything can make headlines.
A, held in the Arsenale, and Proposition B, located in the
Non-linear and non-reductive thinking manifests in the
Central Pavilion in the Giardini; asking each of the artists
split screen juxtapositions of YouTube clips of Honey Boo
to create two totally different works for the occasion.
Boo, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Martin Luther King and
The artists’ two different works present differing points
sports imagery. BLKNWS is an artwork and a business,
of view and signal the power of art as a unique space. This
and throughout the exhibition, real-time footage of
space values the questioning and viewing of ambivalences
unfolding events will be inserted into the ongoing loop.
and its capacity to deal with paradox, contradiction and
National Pavilions of note: Poland, Switzerland, United
complexity in an increasingly polarized political reality.
States and Lithuania. For the Polish Pavilion, Roman
Haris
Epimanonda,
combines
Berlin-based
different
artist,
Stańczak presents a single object. Flight is a private
matters,
while
luxury jet turned inside out. Used by the top 1%, this is a commentary on wealth inequality in the former
is known and unknown. She won the Silver Lion for a
communist country. The dismembered airplane puts
Promising Young Participant for her work inspired by the
light on the 2010 plane crash in Russia that killed then
1940 Adolfo Bioy Casares novel, The Invention of Morel.
Polish president and other members of the government,
In her award-winning pieces, she explores the perpetual
as well as pointing to the leader of the Law and Justice
dislocation of past, present and future as well as the
party, which can be widely seen as eroding democratic
eternally distancing states of imagined relationships.
freedoms in Poland today.
Indian artist Shilpa Gupta addresses the arbitrariness
In the Swiss Pavilion, Pauline Boudry and Renate Lorenz
and repressive nature of national borders in her work.
share how a simple gesture of Moving Backwards
She works with everyday objects, installation and sound
adopts the physical body language of backing away
to speak of the lived experiences of the Radcliffe Line,
from governments with whom they disagree on borders,
which divided India and Bangladesh in 1947. For, in
gender and progressive movements of society.
your tongue, I cannot fit (2017-2018), 100 microphones,
American sculptor, Martin Puryear, gives us Liberty /
suspended from the ceiling, broadcast the silenced
Libertà, sculptures that at first glance may seem part of a
voices (in Arabic Azeri, English, Hindi, Russian) of 100
minimalist or formalist tradition, but slowly reveal their
poets, from the seventh century to today, who have been
subtle references to the history of the African American
imprisoned for their political leanings.
experience in the United States.
Ngonyama,
Hail
visual
Cypriot
navigating the discarded cultural ephemeral of what
Somnyama
various
a
Lioness
Winner of the Golden Lion for Best National Participation,
(2012-ongoing) by South African visual activist Zanele
the
Dark
Lithuanian artists, Rugilè Barzdžiukaitè, Vaiva Grainytè
Muholi, is a series of larger-than-life black and white
and Lina Lapelytè bring their respective worlds of writing,
photographs from her evolving archive of black South
filmmaking, theater and
African lesbians, which showcases the importance of
makeshift beach constructed in an old warehouse.This is
black representation and of writing one’s own self.
where performers, along with beachgoers, operatically
Los Angeles artists taking center stage are Arthur
sing ordinary stories. Sun & Sea (marina) Opera-
Jaffa and Kahlil Joseph. Jaffa draws from found images,
performance for 13 voices is a durational performance
historical photographs, music videos and news footage
activated once weekly, and otherwise the remnants seen
regarding the black body. In his video, The White Album
from above, broadly address issues of climate change
(2019), which won him the prestigious Golden Lion for
and consumerism. The exhibition is open to the public 11
the Best Participant, he questions the construction of
May - 24 November 2019. More information can be found
what it means to be white from the vantage point of a
https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2019
black person and how the black person must know, yet 2
performance together on a
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
FOOD AND WINE
EXPLORING THE BREWPUBS OF FLORENCE
by Syndey Pogue
Photo from Unsplashed
Anyone can tell you that Florence (especially during the summer) is flocked by thousands of locals and tourists alike. Ergo, anyone can argue that there are as many different ways to experience Florence as there are people who explore it. But have you ever considered experiencing this city through the ambery-golden lense of a craft beer? If you haven’t, I’d certainly recommend it. Like with wine, I have come to find out that beer has become an integral part of not only the Italian palate, but of Italian culture as a whole. Although, it wasn’t always this way. For centuries, beer in Italy was far overshadowed by its more popular counterpart, wine. It was only around a century ago that beer started to become more elemental within Italian culture, making it incredibly young, comparatively. This hasn’t deterred the Italians from integrating this beverage into their daily life, as there are now many brewpubs dedicated to helping everyone explore the world of beer. In the air of discovering Italy from this perspective, I visited three of said brewpubs to discover exactly what it was I was missing out on. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The first place I visited was a gastropub called “Pint of View” at Borgo Tegolaio, 17. Alongside a clever name, this little pub seems to extend creativity into their menu. They offer a nice variety of beer-many coming from different microbreweries in Italy while often including some options from Germany and Belgium. A personal favorite of mine was “Seta Special,” brewed by Birrificio Rurale. Better yet, this pub has a unique twist in cultural palate. Much of their food menu is of Korean influence, offering unique appetizers, main courses and desserts (with vegan options included). To top all that, there is free wifi included, putting a bow on the already pleasant experience. Another gastropub I went to was called Diorama. Located on Via Pisana, 78/9, this pub makes for a great scene for those who enjoy an eclectic mix of music taste complemented by a collage of posters, trinkets and unique decorations, 3
all of which ornament the small space. They also offer a
television screen, Black Lodge makes for a great place to
menu of food options, ranging from paninis to tagliere di
be for those seeking that classic pub vibe. While this pub
formaggi. Most pertinent however, is that they also host
may have the signature look, they go above expectations
a nice selection of craft beers to choose from. Personally,
when it comes to their beer selection. Changing their
I went with their Pilsner from Rothhaus. It was crisp,
options every week, they often host many beers from
light and certainly refreshing enough to rejuvenate my
microbreweries in Italy. But, keeping in similar intent as
palate for the last leg of my journey.
the other two, Black lodge seems to make an additional
Last, but certainly not least, is Black Lodge, located on
effort to include craft beers from other European
Piazza del Tiratoio, 6R. Speckled with round wooden
breweries beyond Italian borders.
tables, stools, a small bar and adorned with a mounted
THE ITALIAN APERITIVO 100 YEARS LATER by Maryum Salim Photo from Unsplash
Aperitivo is an Italian tradition held between 7 pm and 9 pm that entails Italians enjoying one another’s company and the taste of wine, cocktails, cheeses, meats, pizzas and sometimes small portions of pastas. In Milan and northern cities, Aperitivo is said to be the most authentic since it originally started in northern Italy. The event of Aperitivo serves a purpose of allowing people to unwind after a typical day while initiating one’s appetite for dinner. Aperitivo is the time to drink an unusual flavored, or bitter, cocktail or a fine wine that goes well with this variety of salty hand foods. Over time, and with the 100 year mark of the Negroni cocktail, many places in Florence have grown to really accentuate the experience. In Florence, it is essential to try a Negroni cocktail during Aperitivo. The drink is a mix of Campari, Gin and Red Vermouth, garnished with orange slice; typically it is 1oz, 3cl Gin; 1oz, 3cl Red Vermouth and a slice of orange, but parts vary by region and the type of food that is served along with it. The origins of this drink were derived from Count Camillo Negroni. He wanted a stronger mix while visiting the Caffè Casoni in Florence, so he asked Fosco Scarselli to replace soda water for Gin, and a masterpiece was brought into existence. Many believe that the urge and inspiration for this swap was brought on by his travels abroad and his time in America where he worked as a cowboy.
In modern times, Aperitivo has evolved to sometimes replace dinner, although it is not supposed to, because
During Aperitivo, drinks are discounted and sometimes
of the buffet options that a lot of places offer. If one does
have added supplement to help enhance the various
not come from Aperitivo with a smile across their face or
flavors. Aperitivo is an opportunity to immerse into the
a newly-made friend, then it is safe to say they are not
culture and converse with the locals.
doing it right, especially here in Florence!
4
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
TRAVEL TRAVEL
FRIARS AND PERFUMES By Emily Lock, Kelly Vilbig, Gabrielle Acurso Florence has many sights to offer its
their remedies to the public. When
Acqua Della Regina which was the
visitors. Piazza Santa Maria Novella
the black plague hit Florence, the
perfume created by the Dominican
is no exception. This piazza draws
Dominicans monks played a critical
monks
people in with the beautiful basilica
role in the treatment of individuals
before her marriage to the King
and wonderful food surrounding the
suffering from the deadly disease.
of France. The museum contains
square. But just one minute away
Now over 400 years since they first
original apothecary equipment and
from the piazza sits one of Europe’s
opened to the public, the Officina
machinery used by the monks to
oldest
pharmacies.
The
for
Catherine
de
Medici
Officina
Profumo Farmaceutica still sells their
develop their products throughout
Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria
product to the people of Florence,
the years.
Novella is one of Florence’s best kept
as well as cities in Europe, United
The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
secrets that is teeming with history.
States, Australia, Japan, and Korea.
offers visitors a view into the history
The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica
The building itself has been restored,
of medicinal practices and a chance
originates from 1221 when Dominican
and today functions as a shop and
to take home some of their traditional
monks came to Florence and began
free museum. The store sells soaps,
products. This shop has a proud
using herbs from their gardens as
perfumes, and other body care items.
history and is a unique experience
medicinal remedies. In 1612, the
Most products are made original
for anyone who enters.
monks opened their doors to sell
from the historic recipes, such as
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM SOCIAL MEDIA? by Mackenzie Gellner Photo by the author
The photo-sharing media giant Instagram is useful for
Italy is known as a popular tourist destination with its
catching up with your family and friends’ lives, keeping
historic art and architecture. Though it is as beautiful
up-to-date on trendy news, and also for sharing your life
online as it is off, the photo isn’t always capturing
through a snapshot (or several).
everything.
Dr.
Mary
Ann
Bellini,
an
American
psychologist practicing in Florence, explains how the However, social media can cause a person to step out
beautiful architecture within Florence, such as the
of their experience because they become too focused
Duomo, isn’t necessarily being lived, but captured.
on showing others they are having a good time. This is especially noted when traveling because users are drawn
“It becomes important to you, and real, when you take
into capturing every moment to share with their friends,
the shot and you send it. You post it, then it means OK
family and other followers.
you’ve been there, you’ve experienced it. No, it means 5
you’re great at taking pictures. But what are your feelings
Similar situation to the historic monuments are all the
about it? How are you comparing this to other things?”
food photo-ops that occur. According to the Journal of Consumer Psychology, evaluating food before it’s eaten
In Florence, for example, heavily visited tourist spots
makes the meal less enjoyable because it can affect a
are the Duomo, Gucci Garden and every gelato or pizza
person’s satiation or satisfaction of eating it.
haven. As stunning as all these spots are, every photo is a snapshot not a storybook.
Dr. Mary Ann Bellini describes her own experience with these types of situations when she attended an art show,
Endless crowds gather around the cathedral in the Piazza
which featured works by Leonardo da Vinci, where she
del Duomo, posing and taking photos of the historic
explains seeing 90% of attendees taking photos of the
monument from every possible angle. The difference
pieces.
between the reality and social media version is the subtraction of the hectic walk through these photoshoots
“It’s making it into something that is not your experience
under the beaming sun. People are frustrated and the
unless you take the picture and send it to others,” she
temperature is hot, but that is not seen in the post under
states.
the caption “Summer Vibes.” “Look at this beautiful sculpture, you’re never going to When photographing monuments, Dr. Mary Ann Bellini
see it again because I think it came from England, it’s
doesn’t believe it should be about getting the perfect
from the 1500s or 1300s, it’s right there in front of you.
angle for your Instagram; it should spark feelings and
You can see and move all around it, look at it. What do
reflections.
you see? Don’t just take the snap of it and then say, ‘Ok, I’ve seen the show.”
“Imagine that period of time, what do you feel about this, what does it give you? Sadness, excitement, does it make you feel emotionally involved? That’s what I think is the most negative [about social media],” she states.
IL GIARDINO DEI SEMPLICI by Sydney Pogue Photo by Sailko from Wikipedia
Imagine sitting quietly on a park bench underneath a tree. You take a deep breath in, golden rays of sun peek through the gaps in the forest canopy and cast you in a dappled checkerboard of dark and light. You can smell aromas ranging from sweet to tangy, pine laden, and grassy notes accented with a tinge of citrus— all of which reside harmoniously in one place. The best part is, you are not only sitting contently in a garden, but you are sitting in one of the oldest medical gardens in the world. The Orto Botanico-Giardino dei Semplici, which simply goes by the name of “Giardino dei Semplici,” is a botanical garden that resides within the heart of the city. Its official creation was at the hands of Cosimo I de’Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany at the time, who officially inaugurated the garden on December 1st, 1545. Initially dedicated to the medicinal discovery of plants, it eventually became a vital source of knowledge for not only nearby medical schools and hospitals, but has been 6
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
an influential source to pharmacological research as a
all concentrically frame an elegant fountain at the very
whole.
center of this park, which in itself has become a tiny ecosystem for small fish and water species.
That isn't to say the influence of this garden has come without any hardship though. Unfortunately, in the Fall
As part of the Museum of Natural History of the University
of 2014, a storm hit Florence and resulted in severe
of Florence, Giardino dei Semplici is also dedicated to
damage to the grounds. However, after a few years of
providing an enjoyable experience for those who have
recovery, and dedicated care on behalf of the University
disabilities, such as sight impairment. The garden claims
of Florence, the garden is now again open to the public.
on their website to have flowers which are “sensory, tactile, and olfactory‌ specially designed for our sight-
Over the years, Giardino dei Semplici has come to
impaired visitors�. In this way, the university has put a
accumulate various flora and fauna that reach outside
commendable effort into obtaining knowledge of various
the parameters of Tuscan medicinal study. In fact,
species beyond the Tuscany region, all the while making
there are also food plants, oaks, ornamental plants,
an effort to educate the public amidst a scenic stroll.
mesophilous plants and even poisonous plants, amongst many others for those curious enough. The garden is also
Better yet, for any students of the Tuscany region,
decorated with the occasional park bench, stone chairs
this endeavor is completely free. The gardens offer an
and tables, and a small pond. For those more invested in
opportunity to those who are not only interested in the
the historical aspects, there exists some greenery that is
history of matters regarding botany or pharmacology,
hundreds of years old. One such specimen is a yew tree,
but also provide a peaceful stroll on a summer afternoon.
known specifically as a Taxus Baccata, which was planted
Either way, it is certainly a simple, yet spontaneous
in 1720. All of these unique and interesting attractions
adventure worth considering.
WELLNESS ON THE ARNO by Anna-Marie Kimberling, Lauren Allen Photo by the author
Florence is a city in which many people find themselves
oil for butter. The Mediterranean diet leaves a lasting
on a pursuit of health and wellness. From changing their
impact on the gastronomy system, and if coupled with
diets to a Mediterranean version, or participating in more
exercise, overall health may improve.
physical activities, it is a place where you can better
The Mediterranean lifestyle follows a diet inspired by the
yourself both mentally and physically. Even if you are
eating habits of countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy.
only visiting Florence for a few days, it is recommended
It developed in the late 1960s and was first published
that you eat more fruits and vegetables, substituting olive
in 1975 by Ancel and Margaret Keys (Keys, 1975). The 7
principles of this diet are based on the high consumption
and leads to longer, healthier lives (Ströhle, 2009). If ever
of olive oil, fish, legumes and vegetables followed by the
traveling to Florence, Italy, it’s recommended to bring a
moderate consumption of dairy products and wine. The
good pair of walking shoes and a water bottle.
diet benefits heart health and is said to lower risk of mortality.
A main destination for those looking to participate in sports and leisure is the Arno River, where many sporting
In the center of Florence you can find a multitude of
activities take place.
restaurants. However, diet is not the only reason for better health and wellness of the citizens of Florence.
There are two main rowing clubs in Florence that use the Arno for their practices. These row clubs promote
Locals and tourists alike use walking or biking as their
physical fitness and also give many a way of bonding
main form of transportation, as most of the ideal sights
with those around them, strengthening ties with old and
and destinations are within a reasonable distance from
new friends. Standing over the river, where the rowers
the city center. While this might not seem like it would
practice, are a multitude of scenic bridges where anyone
affect one’s health and wellness, this daily exercise
can take a stroll for both exercise and sightseeing.
actually holds a huge impact on our health, both mental and physical. An active lifestyle has been shown to improve
There are many reasons to visit Florence, from the
mental health; exercise reduces the negative symptoms
beautiful, rich culture to wanting to learn a healthier way
associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and
of living. This city is the perfect place to pursue one’s
other traumatic events. It also promotes a healthy heart
health and wellness.
THE FAMILY AND THE BRIDGE by Anna-Marie Kimberling, Lauren Allen
The Medici family played a drastic role in why Florence
role in the lifestyles of the citizens, and so they decided
flourishes the way it does today. They not only changed
to act upon this sanitary problem. In 1593 Ferdinand I
the city itself, but they also impacted people all across
decreed that only jewelers and goldsmiths could reside
Italy. What began as a modest family of bankers, soon
on the Ponte Vecchio. This improved the quality of life of
grew into a prestigious group of people changing the
many citizens, as it brought in more wealth and a cleaner
lives their whole town. The Medici reign lasted through
environment. However more changes were soon to come.
the Renaissance period, and their history can been seen written on the walls throughout the city, from their
Although the Medici family lived and walked with the
palaces and statues, to the Vasari Corridor. The remnants
common man for years, the family soon set off on a pursuit
of their past tell the story of their relationship with the
of separation from the crowds. The initial idea was based
people of Florence and the city itself.
on the needs of one man, as it became challenging for the Grand Duke to freely move between his home and the
They’ve also shaped the architecture around them. In
government palace. In 1565, he had the Vasari Corridor
their daily lives, they often crossed the famous Ponte
constructed to run across the Ponte Vecchio, connecting
Vecchio bridge, which it is home to several shops since the
the Palazzo Vecchio to Uffizi. This gave the Medici family
13th century. For many years, butchers and fishmongers
a safe route of travel throughout the city, and also a way
occupied this space and would often dispose of their
to separate themselves from the more modest families.
waste products into the Arno River. This created not
Their changes brought the city into a new era, as well as
only a horrendous smell throughout Florence, but also
making them one of the wealthiest families in Italy.
a sanitary issue. The family knew the river played a key 8
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
FASHION
FLY LOOK OF THE MONTH Model: Aisha Grady Photography: Corina Divito, Zuhra Rahmaty Styling: Corina Divito, Zuhra Rahmaty, Melonie Tang Summer has officially kicked off in
vibrant green Pucci pants, allows the
Italy, and it surely packs a punch! Are
funky patterns on the capris to stand
you trying to get out and explore the
out.
beauty of the city? Join us and our
For shoes, we’ve paired a neutral
model, Aisha, as we take you through
wedge from the Italian brand Andrea
the beautiful streets of Florence.
Pierago. We think it’s best to stick to something more neutral for this
Here at FLY, we value staying true to
look to balance out the bold colors
your fashion identity while doing the
and prints of the outfit. Additionally,
things you love. It can be a struggle
the
to look cute while doing your regular
comfort and stability while out in
activities. Follow us on this journey as
the city and maneuvering through
we put together the perfect outfit to
the cobblestone streets.
platform
wedge
adds
more
help you look trendy while exploring the streets of Florence.
To accessorize, we’ve added a bag and a pop of green eyeshadow. We
At FLY, we are all about bold prints
decided to go with something that
and bright colors. We prefer to stand
matches the green tone of the look,
out from the crowd rather than blend
and this little clasp bag and eye look
in. This month’s FLY look is light and
does the trick.
airy but still very fashion forwardperfect for those days you’re out
With this outfit, you’re ready to
exploring the city and wanting to
explore Florence and look fabulous
look your best.
while doing it. Whether it be to gaze at
the beautiful view from
Inspired by the designs of Emilio
Piazzale Michaelangelo or take in
Pucci, we decided to pair green,
the breathtaking architecture of the
uniquely patterned capris, designed
Duomo, check out FLY for all your
by Pucci himself, with a cream-
summer wardrobe needs. We’ll be
toned, sleeveless silk blouse. The
sure to keep you looking trendy on
neutral-colored top paired with the
your adventures all summer long!
9
DITCH THE BLACK... OR AT LEAST WORK WITH IT by Sophie Lavigne, Leah Smith, Chloe Tomalin-Reeves and Taylor
Photos by the authors
energizing. Studies reported by psychology professor Norbert Schwarz at the University of Michigan, prove that infusing vibrancy to your closet can greatly impact your mood. Black will always be chic. By no means are we telling you not to wear it; however, there are constructive ways to integrate color into your typical all-black outfit. Merging small amounts of colour into your accessories can bring a mundane outfit to a whole new level. With that being said, FLY’s new emerging designer, Lavandalab, has an eye for color. Although she is mostly known for her signature color, lavender, she also features handmade designs with bold blues, yellows, purples and pinks. Lavandalab’s trademark piece is a tea-length-fullskirt that embodies creativity and self expression. Pair any of her statement bottoms with a simple white tee to give your everyday summer pieces a pop of color. Or if you are feeling more confident, here we paired her patterned cerulean palazzo pant with a striking silk top.
It’s no secret; colour is a game changer. To an all black outfit which, may speak to sophistication, adding a pop of color will brighten your mood and add a bold statement to any look. But why is wearing color important? Color portrays confidence, and you can’t make a first impression twice. Whether you realize it or not, what your put on the outside speaks to who you are on the inside. Studies show that wearing colour can assist you in exhibiting that inner morale. According to The Telegraph, 20% of 18-34 year olds reported wearing colour at the office assisted in gaining promotion. Additionally 20% of 25-34 year olds surveyed that it advanced their pay raise. For those of you with a fear of color, you can begin with incorporating navy blues or maroons. Slowly building your way up to brighter, more vibrant colors like reds, yellows and greens, wearing these colours can be 10
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
MATCHY MATCHY
by Demah Al Balkhi, Chimnaz Ganbarova, Harmeet Kaur Bal, Huyen Truong Thuc Nguyen Photo from Unsplash
Do you ever wonder why matching
designers,
including
Gucci,
have
FLY (Fashion Loves You) has taken
your outfit isn’t a cherished trend?
gone from matching same colored/
on this trend. Here are some tips
Well, this article will unravel the
printed blazer with pants or even
and tricks to help you pull off a
issue of why this trend deserves to
wearing a monochromatic look.
fashionable matchy look! Keep in
be embraced more by fashion lovers.
mind, in order to achieve that matchy
Wearing matching outfits, or as
This concept of wearing a matching
trend you could also match your
we’re calling it, “matchy-matchy,” is
outfit and streetwear styles are
outfit to your shoes, like a yellow,
going to make it a lot easier for you
meant for each other, like a full neon
plaid trench coat dress can be paired
to start your day in trend rather than
outfit with top, bottom, outer cover
with the same yellow, plaid-printed
spending hours in front of the mirror
being neon and nude boots.
boots, so indulge in prints.
deciding what goes well with what. Wearing be
a
matching
challenging
for
outfit
sure,
but
Don’t
forget about the small details-the
can it
isn’t impossible. On the runway,
Luxury brands, like Versace, have
best way to create a matching outfit
added
is by adding accessories.
their
own
signature
on
the trend which trickled down to
Don’t be scared because you won’t
Florentine boutiques like Dixie.
know it until you try it!
11
FERRAGAMO STORY by Natalie Lorenzo Photos by the author
technology. Other artists are looking at the importance of a collective commitment to refounding society and the future overall. The start of this luxurious brand was founded back in the year of 1927. Salvatore Ferragamo had returned from
his
journey
in
Hollywood,
California where he made a name for himself among the stars creating fabulous and unique footwear. He knew he wanted to go to Florence, Italy, which was the capital of Italian elegance and leather craftsmanship at the time. The Florentine artisans helped his dreams become a reality. The headquarters opened in 1938 after Ferragamo bought the Palazzo Spini Feroni, which was the heart of Florence. Since then it has been a symbol in the fashion industry As a child, I had a passion for fashion
The museum is located in the lower
and designing: I would constantly
level of Palazzo Spini Feroni, a
be drawing different dresses and
Medieval Palace built back in the year
outfits while playing dress up with
1289. They opened the doors to the
my neighbors. I saw my passion only
public in 1995 in an effort to illustrate
grew as I got older and was able to
Ferragamo’s artistic skills and the
explore my Nana’s closet. My Nana
impact he played in the history
who is originally from Palermo, Sicily
of shoe design and international
was exposed to the “Italian fashion”
fashion.
and lifestyle at a young age. This time era is when some of the greatest
Composed of different exhibits the
designers known today started their
museum is built like a maze. You
journey
industry.
start with number one and follow the
Gucci, Pucci and Ferragamo are just
numbers, leading you to the different
a few big names that picked Florence,
rooms with the exhibits.
in
the
fashion
Italy as their home for their next big creation, forever changing the
The word “sustainability” is this
fashion industry.
year's
theme
throughout
the
whole museum, and is displayed in Since arriving in Florence,
I have
every exhibit you enter. The idea
had the opportunity to dig deeper
of sustainability is a focus among
into my love for fashion with visiting
numerous
some of these historical marks that
on
land Florence on the maps. The
with nature, the use of organic
Salvatore Ferragamo Museum is one
materials and the re-creation of
of them.
materials
12
artists,
recovering
some
the
between
focusing
relationship
nature
and
with holding press, photoshoots, receiving clients and inspiration.
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
STUDENT VOICE
LISTENING TO THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE by Brigida Caruso
Photo by the author
A cool breeze blows towards me, and I bask in the relief
finger. The pages are silky smooth beneath my fingertips,
it gives me. A figure of marble is standing next to me,
but stiff to turn. The sun beams down my side, raising
taller in person than pictures could possibly convey.
drops of sticky sweat to the surface of my skin. The heat
She is draped in fabric that billows around her and has
bakes my mind until it is as malleable as clay. I easily slip
concern etched into her face. I wonder why she feels that
into a trance of words in my head.
way, knowing perfectly well that I could probably search
The spell is broken by the high-pitched joyous squeals
for the answer and have it in minutes. I take a seat next
of a toddler who sits a few feet from me. His bright eyes
to her. She stares down at me; a motherly guardian.
look up at me, sparkling as his front teeth stick out from
Looking at the book in my hands, I relax until I can fall
his smile. The bitter scent of his mother’s espresso drifts
into the lull of my mind’s eye. Inked symbols stare at me
into my nose. I raise from my seat and unstick my thighs
from beige pages. I slide a finger along the thin edge,
from the stone stairs with a tug.
too deep in my own head to realize I had almost cut my
BOOK IN HAND
by Rida Rana
The darkness of the night slowly disappears as an orange
stands behind an enormous statue in hope to capture the
hue rises from the sky. My eyes pierce open wide at the
beauty of the piece. In awe at his talent, I approach him
barren Piazza della Signoria. Little hills form upon my
with curiosity and lean against the refreshing metal that
arms which urge me to reach for a sweater. A man treks
acts as a barrier around the statue. Suction cups, one
across the uneven stones with his luggage in hand and a
after another, grasp the stone floor and release at ease.
rainstorm forms in my ears. A woman rides by on a red
My head pivots to the right and I gasp, as it was the sound
bicycle whose ratty chain reveals its old age. It drifts off
of a runner jetting across the open space. A crescendo
into the distance, as does she, and a roar of an engine
of murmurs disrupts the serenity of the vicinity as a
ignites the piazza as a produce truck sets off on its
herd of tourists approaches the geometric structure in
journey. A large pigeon flies right before my eyes, not
the center. The melodic ring of church bells plays in the
afraid to make itself known. The strength of the bird is
distance. I shake my head in disbelief as my digital watch
remarkable as I hear its forceful flaps. With each flutter
displays 7:00 A.M.
of its wings, it ascends higher into the sky. A young artist 13
FACES & PLACES
SHAKESPEARE IN FLORENCE
by Emily Lock, Kelly Vilbig, Gabrielle Acurso
Photos Dante and Beatrice (painting) by Henry Holiday from Wikipedia
Everyone knows the story of
Shakespeare’s Romeo
fell in love, sadly her father already promised her to
and Juliet, but Florence has its own great love stories.
another, Francesco Agolanti. In these times, marrying for
Fortunately, they have a much happier ending. Florence
love was out of the question. Ginerva went through with
has a long history containing some of the most wealthy
her marriage to Francesco. Shortly after Ginerva and
and influential families of all time. The famous Medici
Francesco’s
family owned the largest bank in Europe during the
depressed. Her condition worsened, causing her doctors
fifteenth century; the Bardi family helped finance the
to pronounce her dead and she was buried in the family
voyages of Christopher Columbus and John Cabot to the
crypt. Ginevra awoke, terrified as she had been buried
Americas; and the Buondelmonti family held many of the
alive, and trapped beneath the city.
wedding,
she
became
gravely
ill
and
political positions in the city of Florence. While these families held great power in the city, sometimes they had
Through her determination, she managed to escape the
little power over their lovestruck children.
crypt and rushed home, hoping to find comfort from her loved ones. However, her family and husband became full
Like many of the Florentine families who wanted
of terror and refused to let her in. The only person who
to keep their power, the Bardis and Buondelmontis
believed her was her true love, Antonio.
had an ongoing feud. This was not the first time the Buondelmonti were feuding with other families in
Thinking this was their second chance at love, the two
Florence. Disagreements with the Amidei family about
planned to wed. After hearing that Ginevra was truly
a marriage resulted in a blood bath. This feud between
alive and planned a marriage with Antonio, Francesco
the Bardi and the Buondelmonti families began due to
demanded a dowry since he was losing his wife. When
their younger members, Dianora Bardi and Ippolito
Bishop Council heard of the dreadful experience she
Buondelmonti, who the families had forbidden from
endured, they made a unique decision. Since Ginevra’s
being together. However, their families’ objections did
first marriage was impeded by her ‘death’, she had
not stop them. When their families discovered their love
fulfilled the requirement of “till death do us part” and
affair, Ippolito was sentenced to death. His last request
was allowed to wed Antonio in her new life.
was to see the love of his life, Dianora. The moment
You are still able to retrace the paths of these love stories.
Dianora saw Ippolito, she ran into his arms and asked
The Palazzo Buondelmonti, where Ippolito lived, can still
the Signoria, the Florentine courts of the time, to spare
be found in Piazza Santa Trinita. The crypt of the Almieri
his life. The Signoria were moved by the fact that these
family, were Ginerva was initially buried, lays under the
two descendants of rival families were truly in love and
Piazza del Duomo. Legend states that Ginerva’s ghost
decided to pardoned
can be seen walking the piazza at night!
Ippolito. After this public display, their families saw their fault and allowed the young couple to wed.
These stories live on today, appealing to any hopeless romantic visiting Florence. Fortunately, for these lovers
Another prominent Florentine love story is the one of
and listeners, these stories have a sweeter ending than
Ginevra degli Almieri and Antonio Rondinelli. The two
their Shakespearean counterparts.
14
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
WATERCOLORS OF ITALY by Abigail Long
When students come to Italy, they always end up making great memories. Most try to record them by way of diaries and/or pictures, but Abigail Long decided to record everything by putting them in watercolors. Here’s a small selection of the art she shared with us for you to enjoy.
15
REFLECTIONS by Jordan Solich
A brief series of portraits by photography student Jordan Solich regarding the change in perception when you capture the human visage through a screen or reflective surface.
16
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
17
ALUMNI PROFILE FUA: Why did you choose to study at FUA? I chose to study at FUA based on the fashion program that FUA offers, and I’ve always wanted to study abroad; so once I did my research on FUA, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me. FUA: Why Florence? Why Italy? Italy has always been a place known for fashion, especially Florence! Gucci, Ferragamo and many other high-end brands started their careers in Italy, which always interested me. I also love leather and knew that Florence was known for leather as well, so I knew I would be able to fit in very well. I’m also Italian, so I was 100% prepared to have amazing food, which I did! No surprise there! FUA: Did you do any internship or SPEL with FUA? If yes, tell us about it. I did a fashion management experiental learning placement with FUA, and I loved every single second of it. FLY (Fashion Loves You) was my second home, and I learned so much from Gaia and Marisol while I was there. I did everything and anything that you could possibly think of when it comes to the fashion industry. I did some social media marketing, looks of the month and week, designed my own scarf collection with two other FUA students, created fashion events and created visual displays throughout the store.
INTERVIEW WITH ALEXANDRA BELLER by FUA Alumni Association Photo by the author
FUA: Introduce yourself (name, last name, where are you from, major, university, etc) Hi, my name is Alexandra Beller, and I am from Homer Glen, IL studying retail merchandising with a minor in social media
FUA: What did you do at FUA that helped you in your career and/or in your personal growth? In which way studying abroad (at FUA) changed your life/professional path/career? While I was at FUA, I dedicated my time and effort into learning more about the classes I was taking. As well as taking the time to progress as a fashion student and as an individual trying to have a career in the fashion industry. I became more confident in my abilities and became more confident in myself as a person. Although some moments were not
marketing at Bradley University.
picture-perfect, I was able to learn from my mistakes, and I
FUA: When did you study at FUA? (year, semester, session,
at FUA. Out of a whim, I applied for Louis Vuitton, and I can
etc.) I studied at FUA during the Spring Semester of 2019 from
would not be who I am today without the experiences I had say that without the life changing experiences I had at FUA, I wouldn’t have applied for that job and would not be doing this
January to May.
interview today! Everything happens for a reason, right?!?
FUA: Tell us about your profession and/or what you have
FUA: Have you traveled with FUA? How was it?
been up to since you left Florence Since I left Florence, I have been working and balancing summer classes. I applied for a seasonal position at Louis Vuitton in Chicago while I was in Florence, had my interview when I got home and started training right away, which is absolutely crazy! 18
I did a few class trips with FUA, and I loved it. It was amazing to take the information we learn in class in a different environment. Professor Nannini was a great example of showing me this. She taught us that no matter what you learn in a classroom, if you truly pay attention and notice the small details, you can use them in your everyday lives.
NEWSLETTER JULY 2019
FUA: Have you taken part in any Alumni events yet? If yes
FUA: If you had 60 seconds to convince a friend that they
tell us about.
should study abroad at FUA, what would you say?
Unfortunately, I have not taken part in any aAlumni events,
I would say that studying abroad with FUA is an experience
but I’m hoping to in the future!
to know another part of yourself that you never thought was possible. You will laugh endlessly, love every single place you
FUA- What are your favorite FUA memories?
travel to, and make life long friends from those you least
Just being able to develop relationships with students and
expect.
professors has been an amazing experience for me. I could talk about every single memory that was my favorite, but
FUA: Describe your FUA experience with a word.
that would take hours! Overall, being able placesparts of
There are so many words that I could use to describe FUA
America, and in Italy, was truly a life changing experience,
with, but whenever someone asks me how my study abroad
and I would do anything to experience that all over again!
experience was, one word always comes to mind: lifechanging!
FUA: Are you still friends/in contact with someone you have met at FUA?
FUA: What are your plans for the future?
I still stay in contact with some of my the friends and my
The plans for the future is to graduate Bradley with my
professors that I met through FUA. Just the other day, one of
Bachelor’s degree in retail merchandising and social media
my friends was talking about going back to Florence in a few
marketing, and eventually start my personal styling business
years, and I told her that we are going to do it 110%.
after a few years in the luxury industry. I have always loved knowing people’s passions and dreams and incorporating
FUA: What would you say to any future students looking into
that into what they wear. I hope in a few years I can come
FUA?
back to Florence and expand my business as well!
I would say that take in every day with a positive mindset, and have fun! FUA is an amazing university and no matter what classes you take, you will have fun and learn so much about yourself. Trust me you will! 19
BLENDING NEWSLETTER
Coordinamento Editoriale | Managing Editor
Supplemento di |
Tommaso Monaci
Supplement to Blending Magazine Reg. Trib. di Firenze n° 5844 del 29 luglio 2011
Redattore Associato | Contributing Editor
Anno 9 - Numero 5 - Luglio 2019
A lice Fratoni
Year 9 - Issue 5 - July 2019
Redazione testi | Copy Editors Editore | Publisher
A llie Jones
Florence Campus per INGORDA Editore
M acKenzie Gellner
Via Alfonso Lamarmora, 39 50121 Firenze
Consulenti Accademici | Faculty Advisors A ndrea M ancini
Sede editoriale |
Claudio Rodeghiero
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Editorial Headquarters
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with and for students of Florence
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The newsletter collaborates with the Student Life Department and
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For information contact:
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