N/A in NYC...yet: COS by H&M

This sounds odd, right? a successful international brand that does not have a store yet in NYC? the fashion capital for definition? It can happen and I have an example.

I discovered this brand in Berlin (Germany) back in 2011. I was there for a week-end with my friends and, while we were sightseeing, we noticed the store on Friedrichstrasse and we decide it to enter, believing at first it was a local brand  I instantly liked the style: basic colors, simple, straight and sleek lines. At the register, I asked a sales person if she could tell me more about the brand and finally  I found out that is the "luxury brand" of H&M and it is named COS. COS stands for "Collection of Style" and was born in 2007. It counts 46 shops around Europe, and a new one opened in Milan.

While we are all accustomed to H&M high street and budget friendly fashion, COS is a luxury brand, where attention is given to selected materials and details. Of course prices would be a little higher, but nothing so shocking, since the low cost policy, it seems, is inherent in the DNA of the Scandinavian fashion group.

COS just opened doors before the Summer right in the Fashion District in Milan: a three floors 400 square meters shop - a mega store that is hosting its first autumn line. Benedetta sent me a few pics.

Just to have a feel of what the brand and its offering are like in other countries, I asked my friend Paola to send me some pics of the COS flagship store in Amsterdam.

I love the colors, the lines and the minimal design..it's so me! As any successful fashion brand in Europe, I don't feel we will have to wait long to have a store here in the city. In the meanwhile, if you are in Europe you can shop online at cosstores.com

fall is coming to Milan..

My friend Claudia back in Milan filled me in on what is going on in terms of Fall trends and fashion over there. After a long and nice Summer that offered the background for the month of September, now it's time to start shopping for the new season also in Milan. And Claudia is quite lucky, as her sister owns a chic boutique, "My Fifth Avenue", and therefore she has "all access" to the best Italian fashion brands. 

Here you can see an outfit she put together while in her store, an outfit she named "worwkear with a twist": black pants by Patrizia Pepe, green sweater with beaded profile by Scee by Twin Set, beige studded shoes and bag both by Patrizia Pepe. 

If you have never heard/seen of Patrizia Pepe you should check their collection. Edgy and chic. An Italian brand created in Florence by Tessilform in 1993, it is one of the most loved brand in Italy. I have always been a huge fan of it (as Claudia), and I would literally just shop there before the advent of Zara. I always found great pieces for workwear, events and nights out. I believe it is still not distributed in stores in NYC, but you can browse their e-commerce at patriziapepe.com 

september italian weddings

While we are waiting for a couple of days to officialy enter into Fall and start seeing the upcoming trends being unveiled in the 2 fashion capitals, let's finish off the summer with some wedding attire. September seems to be the new hit month to get married in Italy. The weather is lovely everywhere in my homecountry in this time of the year, so I get why. Not bridal dresses. Guests are far more interesting to me. And Italians know how to pull off a chic and elegant outfit, opting for basic colors palettes, premium fabrics and standout accessories.

And for those who have never been to a wedding in Milan, here a few insights on how Milanesi guests dress up for a wedding. I have for you 2 examples, 2 different color palettes, 2 different styles.

Let's start with my dear friend Claudia, she's wearing an effortless and ethereal blush dress, of a spanish brand that I was not actually very familiar with, Hoss Intropia. Claudia has an exquisite sense of style - always great findings. Love her late summer style, perfect choice for a chic wedding at a villa in Milan.

Hoss Intropia dress

At another Milan venue, my other dear friend Benedetta, goes for a darker and bold palette: black-and-white Moschino dress, Chanel bag and shoes, and a playful headpiece bought at La Rinascente.
Italian posh.

Moschino dress, Chanel bag, Chanel shoes

a new quest.

I know I have been away for a while. But believe me, I really needed a vacation. I enjoyed my time off from school, travelling around the East Coast. But back to business, as it happens every season, every fashion week – actually every week to be completely honest – I have started gathering all the possible fashion magazines to see how the Fashion Authories are declining Fall 2012 fashion trends, that I already seen on runways in January. A perpetual exercise, season after season.

But, I won’t be talking much about FNO of FW here in NYC, nor Milan. It’s already done out there. Extensively. What I want to continue doing, as I did last Summer, is focusing on documenting and delving in the comparison between two of the most fashion capitals of the world, NYC and Milan, and how the trends of the Season are interpreted and pulled off – and who followed me in my journey during last Summer saw that the same trend can develop in totally different ways in the two cities.

This journey is really interesting to me. Personally, even though I have been living in NYC for 9 months, I cannot give totally up my Milanese fashion sense. What I am trying to do is to absorb the eclectic and scruffy-chic downtown vibe with my classic colors and never-out-of-fashion pieces of my trademark Milan style.

At this stage, my counterpart in Milan, Benedetta (who already participated in this blog and I thank her for the help she has given so far), is going to help me out in documenting and detailing even more what she sees and spots in Milan. So, we will be going back and forth between the two fashion capitals to actually get what’s going on, beyond the glossy magazines and personal style blogs. 

This is a documentary, a journey, an exploration on what is the definition of a trend on a runway or on a glossy fashion magazine, but how different metropolitan styles can develop a common way of styling distinctive of a city. We all follow a trend. Or more than one. Each of us. Even the most eccentric follows a group within the city he/she is leaving in. No BS. We all try to make it personal, and express ourselves (fashion=communication) trying to be unique, we always follow a rule. And we are the product of the city we live in. Iin Milan you can spot people from NYC right away; in overcrowded NYC Milanesi can be recognized instantly. Ever noticed that? I have.

There is nothing better that getting style tips from a Fashion Insider.  And this week we are all  very very very lucky, because I had a not-to-miss Q&A with Silvia Bianchi, General Manager for Neil Barrett, Milan.

Take careful notes! And thank you Silvia for your precious suggestions!

Can you describe your personal style? I love mixing male style with sexy details. I like to find the right proportions in a look. Imagine your body divided in two parts: below and over your waist. If you show one part you have to cover the other.  I like to wear very short skirts with a shirt, or long pants with a sexy top. And I never forget high heels.

How does Milan inspire your day-to-day style? Milan is a great inspiration, it is always looking forward, a step ahead. Every day and night it is playful to find something special to wear and being different. Milan gives you the opportunity to show your personality and is very demanding: always surprise with clothes and accessories, never be ordinary.

How does your job inspire your style? I loved Neil Barrett's style even before starting working here. I am very lucky to work for a fashion brand that I love – a philosophy and a style can determine every choice here. At Neil Barrett the focus is in the details: details make the difference in a dress, in shoes, in your house and in your life.

What do you think about the current summer bold color trend? Are you wearing it? How are you wearing it?  It's a few season that the fashion world is talking about color blocking and unexpected colors. Designers are very playful about it. They are making bolder choices introducing electric blue, brilliant yellow and emerald green (my favorite color in our spring summer collection). It's easier to wear black or white to be ultimately elegant, but using colors in the right way is an interesting exercise in every season. I love yellow flat sandals, emerald green dress and a hot pink bikini.

How people in Milan are wearing this summer bold colors trend? In Milan nobody is afraid to wear something bold or colorful, but without crossing the line of elegance. Especially during Milan Fashion Week, people wear looks often more interesting than the ones showed on the runway! Designers and fashion blogger take inspiration by street style like a real red carpet.

What is/are the must-have pieces for this summer in Milan? This season offers wonderful geometric prints. The main theme is somewhat classic, but with a touch of bold. In winter the must was a Celine bag. This season everyone has chosen Stella McCartney or a bold colored clutch, funnier for a night out. During a summer day I would rather use big sized bags to carry everything for the city. I like to carry big bags at the beach as well to be always ready to go to a pool party! 

What are some of your favorite places to shop in Milan? And online? I like to go around the city to discover new shops and new brands. If you follow the trends of the top fashion brands, then you can play them out with the new talents. In Milan I like Clan Cafè in the Brera district, Antonioli in the Navigli district and Agent Provocateur at Rinascente. Online I opt for net-a-porter.com, luisaviaroma.com and other main Italian brands’ online stores. And of course neilbarrett.com!

http://www.isfashionmypassion.com/2012/07/braccialetti-cruciani-uno-tira-laltro.html

I have recently been told by my friend back in Milan about a new viral multi-colored trend for all the Italian fashionistas: Cruciani’s bracelets! Unfortunately they are not sold in the US for now, but it is a fun, colorful and summery trend worth to write about.

Cruciani’s bracelets are macramè, summery and fun “must have” accessory in Milan. Perfect for all ages, Italian celebrities, bloggers and even Italian Olympic athletes have been all spotted wearing them. But let’s get into the details.

The phenomenon of four-leaf clover bracelets by Cruciani broke in August 2011 when, in front of Cruciani's boutique in Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany), people were queuing to grab one or more colors of the bracelet of the summer. And the word of mouth did not take long to spread all over Italy.

Cruciani’s bracelets made their grand debut in Milan back in September 2011 at THE fashion event of the year, Milan’s Vogue Fashion Night Out. Cruciani dedicated a limited edition of the bracelets, created ad hoc for the Milan’s Fashion Week and its success was instant among the Milanese fashion crowd. Cipriani’s partnership with the famous textile group Caprai, made this collection even more valuable for the exclusive craftsmanship. The bracelets are all made from needle lace macramé by Caprai textile group: absolutely 100% made in Italy.

http://www.fashionblog.it/galleria/braccialetti-cruciani-dove-trovarli-ecco-tutti-i-punti-vendita/4

The most famous Cruciani’s bracelets are easily distinguishable from 7 shamrocks macramé lace flanked by a C. In particular, the bracelet with the cloverleaf was born from an idea by Luca Caprai and now it is available in a variety of subjects: from the famous four-leaf clover, to hearts, to the ultimate success, the butterfly. Each represents a symbol, respectively luck, love and femininity and freedom.

The price of the bracelets Cruciani varies depending on the model, but the average for each bracelet would be 10 euros, that is $14 dollars, so it is really budget friendly! You can check all the bracelets out and buy them online (shipping in Europe) at www.braccialetticruciani.it. You can find the complete list of licensed retailers in Milan here.

http://it.paperblog.com/braccialetti-cruciani-il-fresco-accessorio-dell-estate-2012-1173664/

http://www.styleite.com/media/schiaparelli-prada-impossible-conversations-review/#0

Color inspiration at The MET. Today I visited the successful exhibition "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible conversations"  at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This exhibition is a retrospective on the not-so-well-recalled eclectic Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, stilista Milanese globally acclaimed for her creative minimalism. 


The exhibition opens and reiterates with videos (directed by Baz Luhrmann), in which we see these 2 fashion masters sit at two opposites of a big black table sipping champagne, and talking about their inspiration on fashion, how they envision women and their style throughout the years. 

You'll find more than 90 outfits and 30 accessories that capture the most iconic pieces of the two designers, and you will appreciate the similarities and parallelisms (“Waist Up/Waist Down”) of the two Italian designers, starting from the Twenties and Thirties for Schiapparelli, to the Eighties and contemporary for Prada. They definitely explored very similar themes (in fact the exhibition at the end leaves you with a sense that Prada has re-interpreted very clearly Schiaparelli's key styling concepts throughout the years), but the outcome of the two designers has been different as it is filled by the culture, inspiration of the era in which they have played.


If you are in NYC and you haven’t seen it so far, hurry up! It will be open just until August 19, 2012 and it is well worth the visit.

http://www.metmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/listings/2012/impossible-conversations/introduction

calzedonia.it

Today is the day that in Milan everybody – and I literally mean everybody and the city becomes a “ghost city” for the entire month of August – goes in vacation, as it is the first weekend bridging into August. All my friends back in Milan are ready to leave for the beautiful beaches in Italy, or are already travelling to do so.

So, thinking about vacation time and tanning on the beach, I am thinking also about beachwear!

And in Milan everybody LOVES Calzedonia’s swimwear – which is unfortunately not available in the US. I have been a dedicated and loyal fan of their collections since they opened in 1986 in Italy and season after season they have become the most trendy, fashionable and successful Italian brand for hosiery and beachwear. So as I am not in Milan, I have missed my yearly Calzedonia’s beachwear shopping, but my mother was so nice to send me one J

Calzedonia Store - Corso Buenos Aires, Milan

Calzedonia’s beachwear for Summer 2012 is all about bright colors! My favorite collection is the one called “Raffy”, simple styles and young lines for an easy to wear bikinis to comfortably fit the body. Patterns are declined into three different models: push-up, bandeau (my all time favorite!) or triangle tops. And you can choose whatever color you prefer, as each pattern is offered in every color of the season. Raffy collection is a timeless trend for all women, with different body types, as you can mix and match different styles for top and bottoms and different sizes as well.

Calzedonia Store - Corso Buenos Aires, Milan

Below some examples of the swimwear collection for this Summer. It is not easy to find a definite one trend for the swimwear this summer, the brand likes to present various offers from bandeau bikinis (the most popular trend and I would say also the most comfortable for tanning), triangle bikinis, to more edgy paillettes bikinis. What do you think? 

http://mtroppacioccolata.blogspot.com/2012/05/lestate-2012-secondo-calzedonia.html

The bikini my mom sent me :) http://mtroppacioccolata.blogspot.com/2012/05/lestate-2012-secondo-calzedonia.html

http://mtroppacioccolata.blogspot.com/2012/05/lestate-2012-secondo-calzedonia.html

http://mtroppacioccolata.blogspot.com/2012/05/lestate-2012-secondo-calzedonia.html

The brand launched a campaign for this Summer to recycle old swimwear, in collaboration with "I: collect Ag", a company that operates in the field of environmentally compatible recycling.

http://shopsandthecity.blogosfere.it/2012/04/nuova-vita-al-costume-calzedonia-lancia-loperazione-riciclo.html

Until June 30, all types of swimwear for men, women and children, regardless of brand - and not necessarily purchased from Calzedonia - would be revived in the form of insulating material for buildings, share rubbery carpets, upholstery. But even stuffing of toys, bags or rags for cleaning.

Green initiative, among many others that occupy the front pages of newspapers in this period, which also brings an economic advantage to those who embrace it: for every old lady costume, whole or bikini, which will be returned, there will be a discount 5 euros on the purchase of a new bikini. An interesting idea without any doubt.

My best friend Benedetta in Milan is a true fashionista. She is always on top of every trend and as long as we have know each other, we have always shared the same taste in fashion and often bought the same clothes without even shopping together! As now we are living in two different cities, the way we can share our fashionable findings is sending pictures of our new purchases to each other and this blog is becoming quite handy also to share with other fashionistas as well.

The other day Benedetta sent me an email saying that she bought this fabulous pair of “sneaker heels” and I was curious to see the pic, and here it is!

A white sneaker with a neon pink pump drawn on it! I haven’t seen them worn here in NYC, but she told me that in Milan is becoming a trend. The brand  Be&D has introduced the “sneaker heel” that plays tricks on the eyes with a hot pink silhouette of a sexy stiletto along its side. Unlike other heel lace-ups, these shoes are actually real sneakers; meaning your feet will be planted safely on the ground at all times. Some might argue that Be&D is running along the same lines as faux evening wear, such as “à la tuxedo” T-shirts, but Benedetta and I like them a lot as a clever, clever, and fun alternative to this season's trend high fashion sneaker, featured in various fashion magazines as well. 

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/bazaar-blog/were-obsessed-be-and-d-big-city-sneakers-022812

So, if you want to give a twist and not wear your colored Converse this summer, go for this fun pair of sneakers. The price is pretty affordable too, Be&D Brightlight Big City sneaker, $128, on beandd.com. You can view the Moda Operandi video below directed by Bettina Santo Domingo and including all the graphic-printed sneakers in the Be&D collection. Enjoy!

In Milan, colors are not just for accessories: home decor as well is jumping into the bright color trend this summer. Here you can see one example of a white table in a home decor Milanese boutique, beautifully laid with dishes, glasses and cutlery in our favorite bright colors of the season: tangerine, red, acid green, purple. What I like the most is the fact that there is not a "one tone" approach with the white table, but they have used all the possible colors, clashing one against the other, but perfectly resembling the bright colors of the rainbow. I personally love bright color home decor, especially for the kitchen and bathroom, and when I moved to New York I really bought everything in different bright or neon color, and I love how the nuances perfectly complement each other in a bold home-color-blocking way. 


In April 2012 in Milan there was a very popular Home Design event, called Fuorisalone, which gathers interior designer, companies and simply home decor lovers in one of the most famous design districts of the city: via Tortona. This year I unfortunately missed it because I was here in New York, but I came across this comprehensive visual summary of the Fuorisalone event trends - and the brights and neon colors can be easily spotted.

http://www.kikocosmetics.com/eshop/it

When I moved to New York one of the first things I wanted to do was to get a manicure and pedicure here. Why? Because there is this myth about New York perfect manicures and pedicures, fashionable nail polish and the fact that you can get it almost everuwhere at anytime. OPI and Essie here are the top nail polishes and they offer different collections inspired by the colors of the season.

Also in Milan you can get great manicure treatments and there is a great nail polish that you cannot find here in New York – yet. KIKO Milano is a Milan cosmetic brand that is very popular in Italy. It offers from makeup to skincare, from face and body treatments to nail polish. High quality at very affordable prices. For example, a nail polish is €2.5 or lipsticks €3, pretty affordable!

Their concept quite recalls the MAC one, with an infinite range and shades of colors for each product. But it has a vibe of Italian style. And it is a nice way to try out new colors or new products without spending a fortune and without give up to quality.

A great Italian brand, highly professional, good quality products and an unbeatable price tag. I recommend you go try this brand. It has everything you would find with the other high end make-up brands such as MAC, Chanel, Dior, YSL, etc..and you can get the same results. It is also a great find to enrich your make-up collection with new colors and limited edition products, such this nail color summer bright color edition.

http://www.mandulis.net/2012/03/06/kiko-cosmetics-radical-free-nail-polish/

KIKO Milano is available for online in the following countries - Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Portugal & UK at www.kikocosmetics.com.

http://fontcrafts.com/2012/02/boldly-dare-to-be-a-pop-of-color-in-a-black-white-world-printable/

Are Brights the new Black?

And if this summer we will take an eternal classic like the "Little Black Dress" and we will change it in "Little Bright Dress"? It is a time for a little fashion-philosophy consideration. If we pay just a little bit of attention around in New York or in Milan, or flip through magazines, or browse the fashion blogs, brights are really the new black, even though writing it sounds a paradox. I believe it has really become and developed in the must of the season. And it does not stop to dresses and clothes, but it covers shoes and accessories as we will see in my next incoming posts. 


Can we say that brights, season after season, are becoming a classic? Will brights eventually not fade away, season after season, as black does? Will brights be reinvented and reinterpreted? Will it remain a classic choice? Or it will eventually fade away by the next Spring/Summer? Even though in the imaginary brights are usually associated with eccentricity, now everyone can opt for it and it would be a trendy choice: the boldest would go for color-blocking outfits or colorful dresses. Those who like sobriety would opt for a bright or neon color bag, shoes or jewels. Whatever is the personal style, everyone in New York as well as in Milan are embracing this playful trend. And to me it has all the potential to become a new classic.

http://97sullivan.com/tag/fashion-2/

A chat with a Milan style expert: Giulia Pieroni, Fashion Editor, Vogue Bambini

Read super carefully this Q&A with a very talented Fashion Editor about the Bright Color Summer trend inspirations and vibe in Milan. 

Who else can tell us all about it better than Giulia?

Can you describe your personal style?
I cannot live without vintage earrings, shirts (better if white) and lipstick. Backpack and “ventaglio” (fan). I find myself comfortable in any way, sometimes mix & matching works for me.

How does Milan inspire your day-to-day style?

Milan is a radial and circular city, there is no “one way” here. It is inspiring and the city gets inspired. It looks for the best and then it exploits it. And you can find the best only if you want to find it. There’s a very exclusive vibe.

How does your job inspire your style?

My inspiration often comes from the memories of my daily life: Sicily, Milan and my “on the road” life. Also from a leaf: "Si sta, come d'autunno, sugli alberi..." (Cit. Ungaretti, Italian poet). From there thousands of inspirations come to me.

What do you think about the current summer bold color trend? Are you wearing it? How are you wearing it?

I enjoy Sun Colors: orange and yellow. I like to wear them in a sober way.

How people in Milan are wearing this summer bold colors trend?

Milanesi are the neighbors of the fashion world, they are the first who meet the trends and they – nearly always – embrace them.

What is/are the must-have pieces for this summer in Milan?

A neon color piece. And a pleated skirt.

What are some of your favorite places to shop in Milan?  And online?

I actually don’t have any favorite place. When I feel it is the right price for the right piece, I just buy it, wherever I am in a street market or in Via della Spiga. Same thing online: I jump from one website to the other, following what I like most.

In Milan, the bright color trend is all in the accessories. Chic Milanesi cannot give up the beloved monogrammed Italian designers bags, with the famous and ultra-recognizable logos like Fendi or Gucci. People in Milan are well known to opt for the classic beige/neutral nuances (like these monogrammed classic Fendi bags), declined in all possible materials from classic leather to canvas.

But this summer next to the classic color collections, designers and boutiques have introduced also the boldest colors of the season. In this pic for example, a bright yellow patent leather Dolce&Gabbana “Sicily” bag, paired with matching yellow ballet flats. This bag and shoe choice would usually be paired with very understated colors for the clothing outfit, for example all black, or black-and-white, or denim and white.

The mainstream color blocking trend in Milan is majorly focused on accessories, rather than on matching together contrasting color in clothes, or adding complementary colors for accessories as seen in New York City. The bold choice in Milan is adding color to a neutral outfit through accessories.

And matching the color of shoes and handbag would be the best way to experiment the trend. There was a time when matching your shoes and bags color used to be a hard and fast rule. Even though most stylists may say it can feel somewhat old fashioned, I believe matching shoes and handbag creates a unique and chic fashion statement, and it also adds more personality to a more basic outfit. And it certainly gives an instant polished and timeless look, whatever color you are choosing. I believe it is one of those timeless fashion choices especially if shoes and handbag color match exactly. 

Just to give and idea of what happens in Milan, here is a pic of my best friend B. We met for lunch and she was wearing basic colors (white blouse and jeans), platform sandals in white and was carrying a Banane Taipei yellow bag (very fashionable now in Milan) with an Hermes Birkin stamped on it ("meta-chic", chic within chic).

That's the quintessence of the Milan street style for the Bright-ful trend: just a touch of color, but not too much.

Now it's the turn of NYC people.

1 fashionable trend of the season. 2 fashion capitals. A trend face-off.


From Milan to New York City. This has been and will be my journey. And this would be an exclusive comparative research on trends from the streets of two of the major fashion capitals of the world. What is trend-ful in Milan? How does it translate in NYC? 

Let's start with the Bright Colors S/S 2012 trend. From tangerine, to fluorescent yellow, from electric blue, to emerald green a pop of color was seen everywhere during fashion weeks. 

What happens on the streets though? In Milan everyone is well known to be fashionable, chic and elegant. Being fashionable in Milan usually means conforming to the rule of wearing basic colors (black, blue, camel and white), choosing great fits and expensive fabrics, opting and showing off the well know designers labels. But I just came back from a trip there and I was quite impressed to see the that this season the bright color trend was embraced widely. The way the Milanesi are going for this is very clean and simple, adding a little bit of color especially with accessories (bags, shoes, scarves, jewels) matched with the basic neutrals. Keeping it simple, clean, classy and chic.

How is the trend lived in New York? I can anticipate that here it is embraced very differently on the streets. I see unique and highly individual interpretations of the trend. Nothing confoming to any set rule. High-street fashion everywhere. The answer and the comparison will be given post after post..