Couture per favore ;)

Runway Show

My coat:)

The pre-show dancers

This semester has been such a worldwind...yesterday our Fashion Product Development Strategies(a mouthful...I know) teacher invited us to the Federico Sangalli showroom at San Babila. It was a much needed break as we've been working on four marketing analysis projects for that class alone. San Babila is the metro stop that begins the designer shops. Positioned near Via della Spiga and Montenapoleone (where any designer must be seen in Milan) we knew this would be an exceptional visit. As we all squeezed into a tiny lift...can't really consider this an elevator...we awaited what we would find in the 7th floor showroom. Two employees greeted us as we reached the showroom and immediately began showing us the handmade designs that the company is famous for. Every piece of clothing is handmade...all they have to assist them in the clothing construction is two pedal machines. This gives the clothing a personalized fit that their customers love. As we examined the plisses and embroidery of the couture clothing we "oohed" and "awed" at the beauty, intricacy, and time that was apparent in every item of clothing. After seeing the vintage clothing and the new collection for Spring/Summer 2011, we met the "ladies," a group of six women carefully sewing and embroidering what would be a wedding dress. Most of them were over 70 and were masters of the trade. When they fit a customer for an outfit they create a personalized mannequin so they will have their exact measurements. They showed us examples of the details they use for their couture line and during the entire visit I was so taken aback by all of the time that went into the creation of their lines. I mean, after being inundated by fast fashion and Zara clothing that thousands of other girls have that are mass-produced...Federico Sangalli was like a breath of fresh air. It was real fashion. We saw the sketches, the clothing construction, and the finished product. No one piece was alike. Customers call to make appointments from all over the world for the Opera, weddings, premiers, and clothing for every day life. If they like something from one of the collections, they are fitted and a new personalized piece is created for them. The line began in 1972 with Federico Sangalli's grandmother. He even came in to greet us and showed us his latest fashion show. Before every fashion show he has a famous choreographer or dancer entertain the audience giving an even more personalized touch to his line. Toward the end of the visit the employees invited us to try on the clothes from the past lines and then informed us that they were all for sale! We jumped at the chance to own such a piece of artwork and tried on everything in the showroom. Larra and I purchased some beautiful coats from last years winter collection that had only ever been worn by the models of the shows and are so grateful and honored to be able to own such unique pieces of couture. The experience was wonderful and amazing and whenever I wear my coat I can remember the designers, the "ladies" and my trip to the Federico Sangalli showroom:) http://www.federicosangalli.com/