Thank you, Giulia. What an incredible collection of images! I'm old enough to remember those days, and my first trip to Milan at twenty. What an eye-opener that was. My first night there, I thought all the men were gay because they were all so well-dressed and good-looking! It slowly dawned on me that everyone was just ultra chic. While I was in school for fashion, Italy was the center of the fashion universe, because of the greats you so brilliantly pay tribute to here. It made me realize just how much they shaped my aesthetic. xxx J
And that’s also why I’ve always been drawn to your style and aesthetic, Jolain, and probably why I’ve loved your content so much — it feels so comforting and familiar to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed this, and I would happily spend HOURS listening to your stories about those days. I didn’t live them first-hand, but I still get to live them through your memories xxx sending you hugs
Thanks, Giulia. I love that you appreciate and are proud of your heritage. I was fortunate to have spent a considerable amount of time traveling to Italy to work with the great Italian mills and manufacturers. That first trip, though, was with family, and it made such a huge impression. My mother and I each got a suit at Armani, who was the hot new designer! I was in heaven. I will always have a place in my heart for Italy, Italians, and Italian style. That's why I'm so drawn to you and your posts! xxx
I adore you Jolain! xx thank you so much for your incredible words and for sharing your memories with us. Now I need to see that Armani suit - hope you kept it!!
I think with the loss of Armani and Valentino, Milan Fashion Week will slowly fade. I don't know since when but New York, London, and now Milan are becoming less and less relevant, so I am wondering what will happen if these big cities don't have any designers to lead the way. Whatever we think, it's those big names that bring buyers to town.
I think New York is genuinely in a position to compete with Paris — many of the newest names in luxury fashion are there now. Milan will always remain relevant, especially with houses like Prada, but I agree: we need a new wave of creatives, and Italy isn’t always the easiest place to be young and experimental...
I don't think New York can compete with Paris because, unlike the French capital, it does not have government money supporting it. The French government has understood for long enough that the Fashion Week is not only important for an industry that bring billions yearly, but it also creates a cultural value that helps keeping the city at the center of people's minds worldwide. When you have a Paris Fashion Week, many museums and other archives open or align with the event. New York and Milan don't have that in my humble opinion. New York might have the talents, but the structure to support them isn't there. In Milan, only Prada stays to be fair. And like you said newness in Milan isn't easy to bring and then cement. That's why I believe they will slowly fade. They might stay on the calendar, but they won't have the same importance as before.
What I meant is from a brand perspective. Many of the newer brands that are growing fast right now are coming out of New York, like Khaite, Colleen Allen, Bode, and others.
I’m not comparing the cities in terms of cultural heritage, which is a completely different conversation, as all three capitals have their own history and identity.
In response to the point about Paris having strong cultural support from the government, I’d say Milan also has a deep culture of support—one that may not always come from institutions, but from the Italian people and their relationship with craftsmanship and fashion. New York, on the other hand, really excels at bringing money and business into fashion. At the end of the day, it’s still an industry, and that’s where industries tend to thrive, where money is.
Thank you, Giulia. What an incredible collection of images! I'm old enough to remember those days, and my first trip to Milan at twenty. What an eye-opener that was. My first night there, I thought all the men were gay because they were all so well-dressed and good-looking! It slowly dawned on me that everyone was just ultra chic. While I was in school for fashion, Italy was the center of the fashion universe, because of the greats you so brilliantly pay tribute to here. It made me realize just how much they shaped my aesthetic. xxx J
And that’s also why I’ve always been drawn to your style and aesthetic, Jolain, and probably why I’ve loved your content so much — it feels so comforting and familiar to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed this, and I would happily spend HOURS listening to your stories about those days. I didn’t live them first-hand, but I still get to live them through your memories xxx sending you hugs
Thanks, Giulia. I love that you appreciate and are proud of your heritage. I was fortunate to have spent a considerable amount of time traveling to Italy to work with the great Italian mills and manufacturers. That first trip, though, was with family, and it made such a huge impression. My mother and I each got a suit at Armani, who was the hot new designer! I was in heaven. I will always have a place in my heart for Italy, Italians, and Italian style. That's why I'm so drawn to you and your posts! xxx
I adore you Jolain! xx thank you so much for your incredible words and for sharing your memories with us. Now I need to see that Armani suit - hope you kept it!!
I adore you too! I get rid of everything, but not that, too much sentimental value. It was my first designer suit. I'll dig up photos and send!
I think with the loss of Armani and Valentino, Milan Fashion Week will slowly fade. I don't know since when but New York, London, and now Milan are becoming less and less relevant, so I am wondering what will happen if these big cities don't have any designers to lead the way. Whatever we think, it's those big names that bring buyers to town.
I think New York is genuinely in a position to compete with Paris — many of the newest names in luxury fashion are there now. Milan will always remain relevant, especially with houses like Prada, but I agree: we need a new wave of creatives, and Italy isn’t always the easiest place to be young and experimental...
I don't think New York can compete with Paris because, unlike the French capital, it does not have government money supporting it. The French government has understood for long enough that the Fashion Week is not only important for an industry that bring billions yearly, but it also creates a cultural value that helps keeping the city at the center of people's minds worldwide. When you have a Paris Fashion Week, many museums and other archives open or align with the event. New York and Milan don't have that in my humble opinion. New York might have the talents, but the structure to support them isn't there. In Milan, only Prada stays to be fair. And like you said newness in Milan isn't easy to bring and then cement. That's why I believe they will slowly fade. They might stay on the calendar, but they won't have the same importance as before.
What I meant is from a brand perspective. Many of the newer brands that are growing fast right now are coming out of New York, like Khaite, Colleen Allen, Bode, and others.
I’m not comparing the cities in terms of cultural heritage, which is a completely different conversation, as all three capitals have their own history and identity.
In response to the point about Paris having strong cultural support from the government, I’d say Milan also has a deep culture of support—one that may not always come from institutions, but from the Italian people and their relationship with craftsmanship and fashion. New York, on the other hand, really excels at bringing money and business into fashion. At the end of the day, it’s still an industry, and that’s where industries tend to thrive, where money is.
Amazing visuals, reminding me of my favourite classic designers! 💕 I have a few pieces of each of their designs that I treasure. Thanks, Giulia!
Thank you Sheila 🥺❤️
Beautiful Visual Voyage, I feel nostalgia for years I did not even personally witness. Inspirantional and moving 🤍
thank you my dear, and same! Makes me feel proud of being Italian xx