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VIVIENNE WESTWOOD 80 YEARS ?! NO: SHE IS TIMELESS

Apr 12, 2021 | A COFFEE WITH, FASHION, SHOES, WOMEN

Vivienne Westwood was born on April 8, 1941 in Derbyshire, a land that I immediately associate with Austenian atmospheres, but I have always attributed a Scottish soul to her, and I certainly do not feel I can attribute her 80 years in the personal sense.

The experience, on the other hand, is immeasurable, and in this regard I would be rather inclined to remember a different anniversary: in 1971, 50 years ago, in Chelsea – 430 King’s road a boutique was born destined to become history and become part of the places to visit: Let it rock.

It was punk at its deepest root, destined to evolve by continuing to be ahead of its time and to transform itself into the World’s End with the famous clock running backwards, obviously a “pearl” for me.

Another anniversary, this time to turn 40 is Pirates (1981): the first show, which went directly into history. In this video you can see the iconic Squiggle pattern inspired by the marine rope, subsequently reused in many variations on garments and accessories of all kinds.

In fact lately I’ve often talked about bags, so this time maybe it’s the case to take shoes more into consideration, or, better still, let’s stay on Pirate Boots, what do you think?

The symbolic fabric of the 90s, on the other hand, is Harris Tweed, idea born seeing a girl in the subway wearing a Harris Tweed jacket, in fact, and a bag containing ballet shoes.

As iconic garments we can directly consider the Time Machine Collection: National Museums Scotland.

From the 2000s I would like to mention in particular the costumes created for the ballet of the New Year’s concert in Wien. I remember that I was looking without knowing anything and that I immediately felt the need to go and find who had created that look that had so impressed me.

Vivienne strikes now and forever.
This is her birthday message.
This is her featuring Without You from My Fair Lady.
These are the issues on which she invites us to reflect.

And she writes them with “footprints” … who knows me “already knows” that they have always been my signature … right Luciana?

THE CONVENTION IS “OF ISTANBUL” BUT TURKEY ABANDONES

Mar 30, 2021 | WOMEN, WORLD

It was 2018 when little Amine’s face aroused general indignation.

The news reported that the anguish of her expression, which has impressed me personally, was generated when she was told that if she died a martyr she would have the honors of the flag.

Now, net of all the geopolitics, reasons and counter-maneuvers, the fact remains that this photo was a bit of a sort of prelude to many subsequent things.

The latest in chronological order is the signature on the presidential decree which sanctions the exit of the Convention which bears the name of the Turkish capital.

A paradox.

The Council of Europe adopted the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence on 11 May 2011.

The Istanbul Convention is widely recognized as the most ambitious legal instrument aimed at preventing and combating violence against women, domestic violence and gender-based violence, such as human rights violations.

It entered into force in 2014 – just three years after its adoption, reflecting the need for member states to have a legally binding treaty to guide them in their efforts to end the violence.

UNWOMEN of which I have already spoken about Emma Watson, strongly called for the withdrawal to be reconsidered with this statement.

Zehra Zumrut Selçuk, head of the ministry of family, labor and social services in Turkey, reassured by replying that women’s rights are guaranteed in national legislation, in particular in the Turkish Constitution, and in a tweet communicated the intention to continue with zero tolerance because violence against women is a crime against humanity.

Well.
What I don’t understand is: why then disavow a treaty that goes in the exact same direction?

Or rather, I understand it, in the context of internal strategies that are based on political maneuvers. Like everything else, after all.

But in the end: for Turkey, Europe yes or Europe no? This is the dilemma …

STARTUP “IN BAG”

Mar 13, 2021 | FASHION, WOMEN

If I say work, what do you answer me?

I would like the answer to be positive and satisfied, to be able to draw up a sort of countertrend in this BLACK period from the working point of view, and not only, of course.

The mass media repeat the statistics according to which the most women lose their jobs, which even before it is not that they were widely used as resources … and then thoughts run, ride, we do not give up!
Yes, but what do we make up?

Start up.
According to the Mise the Innovative Startup is a young company, with a high technological content, with strong growth potential.
Do you know any of them?

In my wandering I literally bounced on the Bouncing Bags by Elisabetta Viola that I find a stroke of genius in the field of upcycling I highly recommend you take a look at the site and the concept.

What struck me most is the idea.
Undoubtedly made with impeccable style.
Pure quality. Chapeau.

But I also had another love at first sight.
I admit, it was first of all for the name: I sew so I don’t kill people … what could I ever add? With a brand like this he has already won everything.

But no, and it is to be expected: originality is creativity and therefore Marianna Andolfi offers us a very particular process through two ancient techniques.

Waxing with untreated beeswax and hand printing with carved stamps. Here you can find the procedure.

Philosophy and a pinch of magic.
I absolutely agree, after all, as far as I’m concerned, bags undoubtedly represent a magical dimension …

I always joke about the contents of my bag, indeed, I take the opportunity to relaunch the idea of the world that bags can hold abat jour included or excluded? What do you say? After all, you never know …

IN GOOD COMPANY

Dec 5, 2020 | A COFFEE WITH, CHRONICLE, MOVIES, WOMEN, WORLD

It’s the title of one of Scarlett Johansson’s many movies, but I’d say it’s a great caption for this image too.

Natalie Portman is indeed a good company to share a coffee with.

With her Scarlett also shared the sisterhood on the set of the film in which they played Anna and Maria Bolena which unfortunately I have not yet seen. You?

On the other hand, I have seen many others, starting with The Horse Whisperer, although she had already worked in other films: in fact she started very young and her career was a varied crescendo of characters and genres in which she always ranged with success.

In recent days, however, I was struck by her image rigorously without superstructures, as if to underline even more the accuracy of the appeal for the release of four people detained in Egypt, among whom we know in particular the case of Patrick Zaki.

Before being arrested during a visit to his family, Patrick Zaki attended the University of Bologna which in recent months has undertaken many initiatives in his favor, also by the rector himself who mentioned him in the opening address of the University.

But it is Scarlett’s words that hit the mark: “Speaking out loud has become dangerous today in Egypt” and for me they sound particularly terrible even in the light of what happened to Giulio Regeni.

After this message three people were released, but not Patrick Zaki, even if surprisingly, today there will be the hearing that after the renewal of the pre-trial detention was scheduled for January.

We therefore join the hopes that Zaki will soon find himself in good company.

And above all, we all continue to defend a fundamental and very important value: freedom of thought and speech.

I had already mentioned Evelyn Beatrice Hall:

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

And since I recently talked about George Orwell I would also mention

If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.

WALKING ON THE VIA FRANCIGENA

Oct 16, 2020 | WOMEN, ITALY, ITALY, WOMEN

As often happens, Monica tells me a good story, but this time it is not written in a book: the story of Cindy Nanette and Mina, and it is only at the beginning.

They left Pontarlier in France on September 10th and are planning to arrive in Rome for Christmas.

These days they are in Lomellina: today in particular in Mortara, after having made a stop yesterday in Robbio

I, who was a child, let’s say … a little earlier I immediately thought of Remi, Joli Coeur, Capi and Zerbino, but beyond the poetic image I find the message that embodies leaving now really important.

Since it was declared a Cultural Itinerary, the Via Francigena has taken on a further role in addition to the spiritual one and initiatives connections and contacts have multiplied, thanks also to the web network that offers valid background support.

What struck me, however, is the particular “historical moment”: while everyone closes, while more or less visible barriers arise, Cindy Chopard sets out, relying on the good heart of the people and hospitality.

The idea of reaching the goal for Christmas is not of secondary importance. Curious coincidence: I underlined the 100 days countdown exactly one month ago.

But as the scenario changes from day to day, perhaps never as now we are all living in the uncertainty of what this Autumn, which is presenting its first colds, and the next Winter will have in store for us.

So everyone has before her/him a sort of journey made up of different steps, to be taken more or less metaphorically, during which we can perhaps follow some other stages of Cindy and her traveling companions.

100 DAYS STILL CHRISTMAS

Sep 16, 2020 | BOOKS, WOMEN

Tell me that you too are part of those who love and await Christmas with the same enthusiasm as children!

I admit that every Christmas the spirit is put to the test more and more harshly, but magic always finds a way to fulfill itself and give the spell, albeit in different forms.

I also like to live the wait, to think about when I will remove the decorations from the historical boxes that keep them, to free them and the most suggestive atmosphere of the year ever.

Do you make preparations in advance?
Today there are 100 days to Christmas that seem a lot but they are few and I found myself dreaming to think back to the best moments.

What does Christmas represent for you?
The tree, the lights, the gifts …
What kind of gifts do you prefer?

Obviously, for those who love reading, long moments in the bookshop between classics and novelties are on the horizon, immersed in the indecision between inviting covers and important advice.

For example, I always have lists of back issues and long annotations such as The Count of Monte Cristo.
But maybe you are among those who have already framed everything very clearly.

In any case will you allow me an additional idea?
It is a real “signal” mine: SegnaLì

They are not just bookmarks.
They are not just notebooks.
They are the result of a thought dedicated to reading, they are the fruit of the love for books expressed in gestures taken care of down to the smallest detail by artisan hands that take care of the realization with carefully selected materials, and who carry out every single gesture with passion up to customized packaging, as a last courtesy before the delivery step.

I had a particularly special gift: Mariposas.
And from now on I will no longer be able to think of a butterfly without associating the thought with the creator and without trying to imagine Campidanoshire as Gabriella likes to define her land.

But did I already mention that there are 100 days to Christmas !?