By Laura Goodson
Milan Fashion Week is upon us and the excitement is palpable. The city is bursting with Fashionistas as both experts in the Fashion field and young Fashionistas alike flock to the city for a week of heart stopping Italian creativity.
For first time visitors this fashion metropolis can seem a little overwhelming. Who better to lift the lid on the city’s fashion secrets than a student of the prestigious Istituto Marangoni? We talked to Giustina Guerrieri who is currently studying Fashion Styling at I.M.
mmDSC_5303 What brought you to Milano?
I am originally form Salerno near Naples. I came to Milano to study at Marangoni, it’s one of the most important Fashion schools in the world.
I’m studying Fashion styling, it’s been my passion since I was small. I spent my entire childhood creating dresses and making outfits for myself, my friends and my sister.
What makes a great Stylist?
In order to be a good Stylist you must have curiosity. If you are curious, you are always inspired. A good Stylist must always have an open mind to tastes that are different to their own.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration from the streets, from art, history, fashion, music and cinema, all these things are connected and one influences another. Think of David Bowie for example, we think of him as a singer, but he is also a fashion icon. He is a font of inspiration.
My work is defined by both my birthplace (Salerno) and the city I have come to study in. In Salerno you are surrounded by the sea, by the blue sky and beautiful nature. Milan on the other hand has a dark and grey edge. I find this very inspiring. In a nutshell I try to mix my origins with my present life.
While everyone knows that a Stylist and a Designer do different jobs, for some the lines may seem blurred. Could you clarify the difference between the two professions?
A designer designs a dress, researching materials and textures, the stylist however takes the dress and makes a complete outfit. Most designers use stylists to give a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ a special taste that gives the collection a certain edge over the previous one.
The Big Four Fashion Siblings; Milan, London Paris and New York all bring their own merits to the table, what is Milan’s Piece di Resistance?
In terms of clothing, Milan is the capital of Pret-a-Porter. In terms of accessories, we have the best shoes and bags in the world. Casadei, Giuseppe Zanotti, Cesare Paciotti, Prada to name but a few.
Everyone produces their shoes in Italy. While Fashion houses such as Saint Laurent and Louboutin design their shoes in Paris, they come to Italy to produce them, in particular to the small town of Parabiago. The town lies North West of Milan and is known as the ‘citta della calzatura’ (the shoes city).
Where are the best places to unwind after a busy day of Runway action?
During the Fashion Week many of the bars and clubs open their doors late and welcome the Fashion crowd to mingle and exchange business cards.
On Friday 19th September PunkswearPrada (PVP), Via Santa Tecla 3 (DUOMO) will be holding a special event for Fashion week.
Straf in Piazza Duomo is also a great place to grab a drink.
The Club Hilton in Via Montegrappa is very chic and has a beautiful baroque style black and gold interior. They will also be hosting a special party for Fashion Week.
It’s time to wind down the interview, but finally which shows are you most excited about viewing this week?
Dolce and Gabana, Prada, Miu Miu, Valentino, Versace, Moschino; these are the most important fashion houses in Milano. I’m also very curious to see what Jeremy Scott of Moschino invents this week! He has taken Moschino in a very interesting direction. Everyone is waiting with baited breath.
Fashion week runs from the 17th to the 22nd of September. There are a number of events that are open to the public. To find out more information about events open to the public or to watch the live stream on line go to the Camera della Moda Fashion Pages.
Official Website of Giustina Guerrieri: http://contraddictedfashionstyling.tumblr.com
Photos: Lucilla Manino.
Words: Laura Goodson.