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JOYS Fashion Book www.joysmagazine.com a unique point of view and first-hand coverage
This is the story of the dreamers and the process of manifesting their fantasies. The story of students becoming masters and masters creating their masterpieces.
This is the back and front stage of fashion.
CHAPTER 1 Paris Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2018/19 Page 4
CHAPTER 2 London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019 Page 56
CHAPTER 3 Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019 Page 84
CHAPTER 4 Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019 Page 158
CHAPTER 5 Health and Beauty True Beauty Page 218
CHAPTER 6 The Creators London Milan and Paris Page 234
CHAPTER 7 The Creators of the Future Alexandra Emanuel Page 252
Cover story: Model Giedre Kiaulenaite backstage at the Galia Lahav fashion show during Paris Haute Couture week AW1819 “Because she’s brave enough to do what she wants when she wants..” And God Created Woman A collection by Galia Lahav & Sharon Sever Photo by Gili Biegun
www.joysmagazine.com @joysmagazine Editor-in-chief Gili Biegun Contributors: Justin Young, Chantelle Thach, Ioana Cmeciu, Alice Bradley, Taylor Oryall, Alexandra Emanuel
CHAPTER 1 Paris Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2018/19
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A R I S HAUTE COUTURE The definition of fantasy. A dream come true, realized in fabric. That perfect opportunity for designers to show their creativity, uniqueness and standout. Paris Haute Couture Week AW1819 is a fairytale in billion euros.
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By Taylor Oryall and Gili Biegun
aute couture is the fine-art of high dressmaking. With a rich history and stricket rules only accredited houses by the FĂŠdĂŠration de la Haute Couture et de la Mode can be real Haute Couture. Twice a year in Paris, official and guest member houses get together to present their finests. Constructed by hand from start to finish, made with impeccable attention to details by the most talented hands in the business. This is the best from Fall/Winter 2018-2019 Haute Couture Week in Paris, from backstage to front row, Schiaparelli, Iris Van Herpen, Giambattista Valli, Galia Lahav, Azzaro, Guo Pei, Zuhair Murad and Christophe Josse.
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IRIS VAN HERPEN
Iris Van Herpen continues to push the boundaries of innovation as shown in her latest fall collection. Models took their time displaying each look as viewers attempted to understand the intricacy of each piece. Movement has always been a pinpoint of her work, and each piece depicted some form of that. The show was dark with the exception of the light following each model, and the moving glass tubes suspended from the ceiling of the venue. One could easily feel like they were in a futuristic simulation while viewing the show, all a part of Herpen’s very own scientific creation. Her laser-cut fabrics mimicked an optical illusion of waves flowing off of the body. Other designs included a wine colored bodice resembling sprawled wings, and a nude layered sheer gown that hovered and flowed around the model. Her limitless visions shined through in this collection, proving to bridge a gap between fashion and modern technology.
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GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
The venue for the Giambattista Valli show was light and spacious, complementing his fall 2018 couture collection. Amidst the greenhouse filled with lavender, feathers, and floral prints adorned mini dresses to match the theme. One could feel the freshness of the mood while thedesigns were displayed. Models wore the initials G.B.V. on their hands and arms like an accessory. Mesh net served as headpieces for the models, and dr matic sleeves were a stable amongst multiple looks: fun details meant to appeal to Valli’s youthful customer. This seasons tulle gowns came in the form of high-lows in hot pink, white, and a pale seafoam green. Valli was not afraid to show a little skin, as many looks contained cut-outs, and two-pieces exhibited midriff. Never to be mistaken as childish, several patterned suits also made their way down the runway, even a black satin jumpsuit. Looks contained a mixture of patterns, colors, and textures geniusly put together. With loyal customers such as Rihanna and Zendaya, Valli could never create anything less than extravagant.
Giambattista Valli Backstage Paris Haute Couture aw1819
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From The Front Row
Azzaro Couture Runway Paris Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2018/19
AZZARO COUTURE
Azzaro’s 2018 couture collection was clearly influenced by nature, filled with tropical prints of green and purple hues. Maxime Simoens showcased a combination of masculine and feminine looks with a mixture of suits and gowns. Many of the gowns had low-cut necklines made with fabric of a polychromatic iridescent sheen. Models wore natural faces and a mixture of strappy sandals and small heels. Though the show itself was meant to resemble a walk through the jungle, a level of elegance was still maintained. Perhaps the most casual look was an oversized black bomber embellished with crystals, paired with silky trousers adorned with a matching crystal pinstripe. A silky white suit with a double breasted jacket and breakaway trousers drew many looks from the crowd, and may even be this season’s favorite look.
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ZUHAIR MURAD
A collection fit for royalty could best describe Zuhair Murad’s fall couture designs. The inspiration for the collection was imperial Russia, specifically Saint Petersburg. It would only make sense, considering models accessorized their aristocratic gowns with shimmering tiaras. Murad stuck to mature hues such as wine, silver, black, and olive green in the form of satins and velvets for this collection. The crowd all stared in awe as a double breasted off the shoulder gown with an open skirt with gold embroidery made its appearance. One could expect nothing less than the intricate beading from top to bottom of each look. Elegance and strength dripped as heels clicked and trains followed on the black and white checkered floor.
GUO PEI
Gothic architecture drawn from roman inspiration is clearly embodied in Guo Pei’s L’architecture Fall 2018 couture collection. Pei kept the colors in the collection simple solely utilizing black and nude, yet the designs were anything but. The theme was shown in dresses whose necklines resembled grand cathedrals. Grand may just be the perfect word to describe this collection that contained wired corsets connected to large crinolines that circled the body. Feathered fringe skirts and platforms added to the gothic feel by giving off the vibe of a raven perched on the edge of a Roman church.
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CHRISTOPHE JOSSE
The French designer remained consistent with his most recent couture collection. His contemporary style gleamed as models slowly made their way down the catwalk (with purpose). Heavy knits ruled the collection in different shades of nudes and pearl whites. Josse utilized mixture of textures to detail the looks. A white knit beanie accessorized two of the looks, making them appear even more warm and snug. Thread fringe hems appeared on many of the blouses, and dresses were belted with braided knit enclosed with gold hardware. Aside from the rest, a golden satin dress stood out drawing eyes from the crowd. Comfortable, but luxurious in the beautifully woven fabrics is what the Josse woman loves most.
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GALIA LAHAV
Galia Lahav’s “And God Created Women” luxury apparel collection did not disappoint in Paris this 2018 haute couture season. Complete with mid and full length gowns, the designer chose an array of greens and pale pinks as the main colors to complement the feminine silhouettes. The looks were accessorised with sunnies and wire net headpieces embellished with crystals. Silk trousers underneath open skirts masculinized some of the looks, but were paired with fitted high-neck beaded blouses. The collection was said to celebrate freedom and femininity. Both themes were felt with ruffled tulle and the fluidity of the gowns. Floral beading made an appearance in several looks, perhaps a token of the French Riviera where the designers drew inspiration from. A fifties style emerald green dress with a square neck that belted at the waist stood apart in the collection. As always, designers Galia Lahav and Sharon Sever continue to impress.
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CHAPTER 2 London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019
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O N D O N FASHION W E E K Young and ballsy, trendy and colorful, London fashion week is an experimental club for emerging designers.
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his week reflected the city’s character and was a mix of unexpected styles. An international fashion fastivity brought the runway to the streets, where its seems the real LFW is happening. This is the best from Spring/Summer 2019 London Fashion Week, from backstage to front row, Ashish, Bora Aksu, David Koma, Fyodor Golan, Nicopanda, Paul Costelloe and Ports 1961.
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FYODOR GOLAN LOST & FOUND
For SS19 Fyodor Golan was influenced by water pollution and forgotten at sea treasures. Like mermaids washed to shore Golan’s models walked the runway in colourful and elaborate garments reminding us all the critical point our home planet is at. From seashells and pearls to plastic waste, all equal fair game in this collection. A Collaboration with SEGA’s Sonic The Hedgehog, adds a nostalgic touch to the collection, focusing on early pixelated imagery. The colourful combinations and collaged pieces were inspired by American painter Jamie Adams and photographs of pastel discarded waste sculptures by Thirza Schaap. “Being inspired by the oceans we couldn’t avoid the topic of plastic waste. We’ve teamed up with the charity ‘Plastic Oceans UK’ who have
helped us collect abandoned fishing nets that are forming one of the largest dangers to marine life. These have been used in the set to illustrate this important issue, conveying a positive message and supporting ocean clean up and repurposing waste.” ‘’We would always want you to be the best version of yourself, individual and connected to your environment, our work is there to support, encourage and inspire.” Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman.
ASHISH
For the past two seasons, designers have been insistent on embracing nineties excess, by way of iridescent sequins and towering glass-look heels. It was immediately clear when sitting down on the FROW for the Ashish SS19 show, that Ashish Gupta would not disappoint in delivering an authentic underground club experience in the versatile BFC Show Space. Models danced on and around podiums, caressing each other rhythmically and care-free to the bassy music. Perhaps in a nod to the recently changed law decriminalising homosexuality in India; a definite cause for celebration. Much of Ashish’s designs focused on how the material hangs off the female form to create barely-there
garments. From the slinky slip dresses to the asymmetric spaghetti strap tops, the fabric moved freely off the models, creating a lightweight look ready for the rave. Clear heels were used seamlessly throughout the show, effortlessly elongating the frame, and placing all the attention on the garments. Graphic hoodies with glittering sexual slogans were a hit on the catwalk. Phones lurched up from laps of influencers and journalists ready to video the sparkling “Send Nudes” and “S&M Sex & Magic” phrases along the runway, further propelling the idea that statement slogan garments are here to stay for SS19.
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Models danced along the catwalk, their skin slathered in oil and hair dripping with water. The wet and wild hair and dewy makeup featured flashes of fluorescent colour to the eyes, a vibrant ode to the rave scene. The British designer continued to celebrate his Indian origin with colourful splashes of orange, pink and green. Blush orange scale-look skirts and slip dresses were a successful embodiment of the club culture in the nineties. Think plunging necklines, raw hems and mini-skirts small enough to act as a belt. Your new after hours dress code is here and it’s ready to play.
The Secret Garden The power of nature, flowers and vegetation sprout CALCATERRA between the concrete cracks. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s book The Secret Garden was not only an inspiration but also the process behind Calcaterra’s SS19 collection. Silk, linen and cotton are transformed into “new materials” thanks to sophistication and research. Daniele Calcaterra is a fabric master using natural textiles and grant them with grater caricature. “…and in the grass under the trees and the grey urns in the alcoves and here and there everywhere, were touches or splashes of gold and purple and white and the trees were showing pink and snow above his head and there were flutterings of wings and faint sweet pipes and humming and scents and scents…” Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
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GENNY
Genny’s spring/summer 2019 show left every woman in the room with an upbringing of chic elegance. Prior to the Genny spring/ summer 2019 show, the pre-show backstage was filled with preparation. Models were getting dressed as the hair and makeup team produced dewy, fresh looks. Tons of photographers surrounded the backstage shoot. Regardless of how busy it was backstage in the humid weather of early fall in Milano, everyone worked cohesively and had positive attitudes moments before the Genny’s spring/summer 2019 show.
Sara Cavazza Facchini, creative director of Genny, had full attendance of seated and standing guests at the Palazzo Reale venue in Milano. The room was filled with contemporary fashion professionals. Sara Cavazza Facchini opened the show with a powerful cobalt blue trench coat dress. Along with this seasons most wanted shoe, the cut out heel, our eyes were peeled and eager to witness the rest of the collection unveil. As the models fiercely walked down the runway, there was a strong presence of women empowerment. Every single look that strut down the catwalk had an eye catching detail that beamed off the bright lights in the palace. There was a strong feminine-chic attitude as the first silky white and silver draped garment came down the runway. The plastic corsets that accentuated the slim cut silhouettes were brilliantly styled and showed versatility for each and every piece. Facchini used bright fuschia and metallic colors made of silky fabrics periodically throughout the show to keep the audience’s attention. Some key trends that were presented in this collection were 70’s slim silhouettes, corset belts, iridescent and metallic fabrics, plastic garments, and bold colors. Genny’s spring/summer 2019 collection is a fashion-forward business women’s dream wardrobe.
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GENNY Milan Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019
FROM THE FRONT ROW
GENNY Milan Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019
“The Enchanted Garden” collection speaks to its name by fusing floral patterns, pastel fabrics, and soft flowing silhouettes making a dream collection turn to reality. The Villa Reale in the Palestro district of Milan held Luisa Beccaria’s enchanting show outside LUISA BECCARIA with flower petals along the catwalk. Guests even matched the theme with their white paper parasol umbrellas that they were gifted for the show. Luisa Beccaria devoted time researching on the best fabrics for this spring/summer 2019 collection to find a new concept of three dimensional fabrics. The ruffled gowns, matching sets, and quilted pieces were made of pastel-colored fabrics from organdy, tulle, cotton, gauze, linen, and delicate brocade. The feminine collection opened with flouncing garments made of fil coupé and water color-like hues. The pieces resembled the famous painter Claude Monet’s soft floral paintings while also holding a fairytale like presence from Alice in Wonderland. Luisa Beccaria designed formal evening attire by incorporating cocktail dresses and summer capes with red, pink, and yellow floral prints made of fil coupé and organdy. The summer ruffled gowns pranced rhythmically down the catwalk with large bows accentuating an hourglass-like figure to create small-waisted silhouettes. Three dimensional embroideries of flowers and butterflies appeared on long flowing summer dresses and structured evening gowns. Each look was pulled together with tiaras, veil-like head accessories, and metallic raffia caps. The shoes were kept simple with satin sandals and mules with bows to gear full focus on this enchanting collection. The garments in this collection are perfect for having a spot of tea in a beautiful garden or possibly even falling down a rabbit hole.
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MISSONI
Milan Fashion Week hosted Missoni’s 65th year as a family of fashion. Pianist and composer, Michael Nyman, opened up Missoni’s SS19 show with a powerful song that filled the roof of the Fiera di Milano and compliment the models as they walked the runway. This being Angela Missoni’s 20th year as the fashion house’s designer, many people in this industry could agree that this was her best collection yet. Guests were impressed that Angela Missoni created something different than her previous collections.
Unlike previous Missoni collections of heavier knit pieces and warm color palettes, this season consisted of fabrics that looked airy and liquifying, along with a cool toned seaside color palette of hues of green, blue, purple, grey, and white. Missoni’s signature knit chevron patterns were made of metallic and light colored fibers and curated into an effortless yet tailored spring/summer wardrobe. The collection consisted of kimonos, gauzy dresses, long cardigans, knitted denim, and flowing trousers. The knitted neckties and woven head scarves were an eye catching accessory in this collection along with the long-haired flat mules. Ruffled dresses are popular to look out for this spring/summer which Missoni showcased beautifully with an assortment of colorful layered knit fabrics. The dresses were made of woven metallic knits in sparkly green, gold, lilac, and baby blue. The models had a mermaid-like presence as they walked down the catwalk in sheer seaside colored patterns and fabrics and iridescent makeup. The makeup looks complimented their sparkling outfits with muted blue, green, and purple shadows and strong highlights on the tear ducts of the eyes. Missoni’s collection showcased fresh trends for the spring/summer season as well as staying familiar and true to Missoni’s signature patterned pieces. Throughout Missoni’s spring/summer 2019 show, Angela Missoni demonstrated how to follow this seasons trends in an organic and effortless style.
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GIADA SS19 Backstage with M.A.C COSMETICS
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Manuel Facchini’s collection “Reburn” was inspired by a legacy that began in the early 90s, the Burning BYBLOS Man festival, which takes place in Nevada once a year. With electronic dance consuming the burning man, Facchini decided to create a collection using metallics, electric colors, and sporty festival matching sets to give off a techno aesthetic. During a burning man festival, many things would get burnt over the course of the week. Whatever remained on site would be encouraged to recycle in its correct categories. Throughout the collection, Facchini referenced the music festival’s urge to recycle by writing words like “glass” and “plastic” on the pockets as well as, printing recycle logos on the front and back of shirts. Facchini created this collection in favor of the younger generations today who have created the social norm of attending music festivals frequently. The matching sets and jumpers in this collection were inspired by classic utility and workwear uniforms which were revamped with reflective materials, neon colors, and plastic colorful fringes. Facchini wrapped up the showcase of his spring/summer collection with more fringe pieces and reflective material boots to remind attendees of his futuristic festival theme. Byblos’ created a cohesive collection for young individualists who gravitate towards wild colors and logos in an effortless sporty style.
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Anna Yang, creative director of ANNAKIKI, launched her namesake label in 2012. This fashion season being ANNAKIKI’s fourth time participating in Milan Fashion Week, her spring/summer 2019 ANNAKIKI collection was almost a neon electric party to celebrate the young designer’s success in the recent years. Periodically you would see a silver sequined dress or skirt come down the runway like a disco ball to add to the fun of this party-like fashion show. This season, Anna Yang leaned on highlighter colors, patent leathers, and sequins in favor of her younger audience. This collection brought back ANNAKIKI’s sharp silhouettes as well as incorporating futuristic ensembles with matching sunglasses to go with this seasons theme. The audience of young buyers, influencers, and press were amazed by the striking highlighter pink patent matching suit that came down the runway with drawstrings to give it a sporty and wearable look. ANNAKIKI’s spring/summer collection consisted of acid shades of lime greens, yellows, and pinks. Anna Yang made the futuristic collection seem wearable to any fashion enthusiast by pairing it along classic leather pieces and big fold-over bags to pull together the entire look. Many could argue that neon colors are intimidating and difficult to pull off, however his collection inspired fashion enthusiasts to step out of their comfort zone by embracing the neon color trend for this spring/summer. Pair an ANNAKIKI neon set with denim, leather, stunner shades, or a large fold-over bag and you will be in trend for this upcoming season. This collection taught us how to be pull off standing out in bright colors and sharp silhouettes while still maintaining an effortless wearable style. Like Anna Yang said herself, “ANNAKIKI advocates uniqueness, rebellion and innovation with an independent attitude.”
Rahul Mishra A storytelling collection where every print is a memory of an unforgettable childhood in a culturally rich land. Fresh and clean looks in white and bright colors, crisps and flowing fabrics, Mishra took old crafts of Chikankari and Daraz and brought them to Paris Fashion Week.
Uma Wang A nomad traveler on the road. Carrying oversized strapped bags, layering, tying around the waist what is necessary for now and later. Natural flow of neutral colors and fabrics. In masculine jacket and feminine touch. Genderless sexuality on the go.
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Y vison “Dream Traveler�. Designer Ye Weicheng is inspired by an African tribal adventure. Ye manifested a dream to his runway with high-saturated colors, exaggerated wrap-around shapes, intricate winding ropes, raffles and textures. This collaboration between Ye Weicheng and JESSIE & JANE designer Ying Jiang created classic and fashionable bags with psychedelic abstract patterns and saturated contrasts.
Valentin Yudashkin Backstage between Russia and Japan. Spring Summer 2019. Paris Fashion Week.
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Victoria/Tomas in Tropical summer inspired by a Parisian heatwave. From The Front Row Of Paris Fashion Week SS19
MASHAMA For her Spring Summer 2019 MASHAMA ‘’embraces global influences, illuminating them in an aesthetic that is exclusively Chinese.’’ Ma designs for the strong women in their search for self identity. Inspired by an sci-fi movie ‘’Annihilation’’ Ma interpret the films battle scene as a woman’s daily battle protected only by the clothes she wear. Military green, khaki, camel, denim, green & brown check, frayed edges, cargo pockets and zips.
CHAPTER 5 Our Products True Beauty
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rue Beauty come from with in. It can be said about our personality- how kind we are for ourselves and for our surrounding? What is the state of our wellbeing? If we take care of our minds, treat ourselves with the same kindness we treat our surrounding a real beauty will show on the surface. It is something about the calm, kind individual that portray beauty. Another point of view about inner beauty is how the products we consume and how they affect us. Food for example becomes who we are. It becomes our skin, hair and our nails. JOYS Fashion Book team favourite products are created by small brands that treat their environment and surrounding with the same kindness they treat the beauty products they produce.
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with Supplements
EAR’s vitamins Perform (with Vitamin B12+ Bacopa) and Explore (with Vitamin C + Rhodiola) were created by its founder’s respect for simplicity, design and function. These essential daily vitamins are designed to be perfectly absorbed by the body and through healthy body achieve beauty. The benefits of well absorbed vitamins and supplements are many. They promote improved immune function and support the production of energy, support the activity of a healthy nervous system. Some can even help dealing with stress and anxiety. All BEAR products are Vegan, GMO Free & Gluten Free.
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R U E BEAUTY with regeneration
La Mer was created to heal scars for a personal use of a scientist who tried to heel himself with science. What are wrinkles but a result of a natural process of scaring by the sun and other environmental causes done to us with time. La Mer’s unique scientific formula was designed to recover damaged skin.
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ur hands are the part of the body that is most exposed for environmental damage (apart of our well taken care of face). We don’t really think about our hand that way; our hands are a tool. We wash our face, peel the skin, use serums creams, day and light. Our hand should receive similar consideration as they are an important part of who we are. Tangent GC organic hands careline is made in France and Sweden using natural ingredients only. Pure vegetable oils, lye, pearl ash, cellulose gum, shea butter, aloe vera, olive and coconut oils, salt and water. No colour, no preservatives, no petrochemicals. With this kind of goodness true beauty is the only result.
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xperimental perfume club is a young woman owned perfumery based in London. This bespoke lab offers a ‘’find yourself in a scent’’ workshops, guiding perfume influsiastics and scent lovers in their journey to create their own perfume. Recently they’ve launched their first ‘layers’ box that allows anyone around the world to combine 3 unique perfumes in order to create their perfect scent. My personal tip is to spray as you like. No need to scientific measuring; just spray randomly until you are happy with the combination.
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the total package
he entire package of true beauty from within can be found in the center of Florence. RELAX Firenze combines a spa, yoga centre, and beauty treatments. ‘’A temple for wellness, natural health, meditation and bodywork.’’ RELAX are using fantastic natural products to take care of your body while taking care of you soul. The center will guide you to your dietary need, offer yoga and pilates classes, massages and a big rage of beauty treatments.
CHAPTER 6 The Creators London, Milan and Paris
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CREATORS during
FASHION WEEK
From London via Milan to Paris JOYS Magazine’s team was running in heels for the best coverage in town.
Photos by Chantelle Thach, Alice Bradley, Justin Young, Ioana Cmeciu and Gili Biegun streetstyle looks worn by Editor-in-chief Gili Biegun duting LFW MFW PFW SS19
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Chantelle Thach
Firenze. Photo by
dress by Gerard
A long green flowing
On the left: Long coat by Gerard Firenze. Photo by Ioana Cmeclu During Paris Fashion Week Above: in Paris. Photo by Gili Biegun
during Paris Fashion Week
Photo by Ioana Cmeclu
floral bag
ze and a Paolo Perugini
Wool suit by Gerard Firen-
On the right: Photo by Gili Biegun in London Above: stars suit by Malan Breton before his show during London Fashion Week SS19 and an YSL clutch. Photo by: Justin Young
On the left: Light blue oversize knit wear by H&M and a sparkling miniskirt by Zara during PFW SS19. Above: Arlo Haisek gold plated ‘‘Pollock’’ rings. Photos by Ioana Cmeclu
On the left: A double sided 2 colours leather briefcase by A.Cloud worn with Gerard Firenze mustard knit, Gerard Firenze silk blouse , Asos light blue ruffle dress and Asos gold shoes during PFW SS19. Photo by Chantelle Thach Above: The streets of Paris that day. Photos by Gili Biegun
Fashion Week SS19
Bradley During London
FIRENZE. Photo by Alice
Black jumper by AVAVAV
CHAPTER 7 The Creators of the future ALEXANDRAEMANUEL
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THE CREATORS OF THE FUTURE
Fashion design graduate, Alexandra Emanuel speaks about her Minimalistic Luxury Leather Goods Brand. By Chantelle Thach and Gili Biegun Alexandra created a timeless luxury leather goods brand geared for established millenial women. Alexandra describes her client as a woman who grew up in the age of globalization and technical revolution. This woman places a premium on convenience and new experiences. A L E X A N D R A E M A N U E L clients’ wardrobes consists of sophisticated and timeless pieces made of high quality rather than quantity. Alexandra says, “as a designer I hope to reach women that enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors, women who are professionals in their field, and women who have an appreciation for high quality goods. These are all occasions that I design for and what influences the brand the most.”
What originally led you to leave Michigan and pursue fashion in Paris and Florence? I’ve always been attracted to beautiful things. I picked this up from my parents who have a great eye and appreciation for art, interiors, film and fashion, too, so I knew that I wanted to follow my passions on a path that allowed me to further develop these interests. As a child I was often crafting with my mom, who made mini couture wedding gowns, and also started a jewelry line with a friend that was sold in a top designer store in New York, so I saw a pattern of combining creativity with entrepreneurship as being the path I wanted to take. While completing my degree in Communications and Global Media, I had several internships in the fashion industry from styling to PR and pattern design, and this fueled my drive to learn more. For me, Paris is where fashion, as we know it today, all began. And I wanted to be close to the subject. Paris led me to New York where I had an incredible experience working for a startup womenswear brand. There, I was able to learn the ins and outs of fashion business, but what I was missing was the technical design skills needed to eventually start my own brand. As a minimalist, I find
that handbags are the perfect accessory and I sought out school in Florence to be in the best place for leather craft. What inspires your designs for your brand? I am most inspired by nature. I find natural surroundings offer great beauty in colors, tones, textures and lines, so I am constantly thinking of ways to translate this into a wearable item. Moreover, I’m driven by discernment and always keep this in mind when designing pieces to ensure they are of both quality and practicality. What is your favorite piece from your current collection? I absolutely love the Mini Zip Box Bag! It’s the perfect balance between functionality, carrying the essential, and clean lines that can pull any look together. Do you find yourself following any trends through your collections? While it’s important to be aware of trends, I like to stay away from designing season specific pieces as I aim to create timeless products with a minimalist aesthetic. However, minimalism is definitely a subject of now, of which I am
taking note. What is a signature style for A LE XAN D RA E MAN U E L? Small, simple, and structured. A lot of the inspiration for my collection was drawn from wooden interior design and I found the clean geometric lines of Scandinavian home furnishings make for incredible handbag construction as well. In efforts to streamline and avoid over-complicated or over-embellished looks, I design with ease always in mind, creating pieces that I compare to quiet luxury. What are some upcoming plans that you have for yourself as a designer and owner of your namesake company? Now that I’ve finished my Master’s in Accessories Design, I am working as a freelance handbag designer for a few small companies. At the same time, I am developing my second collection for A L E X A N D R A E M A N U E L. In the future, I hope to open a concept store that merges all of my influences, from film and art to interior design and nature, to create an experience and a space for people to enjoy and shop.