AZZATO & HIS MENINAS DE MADRID IN CARACAS

 

"Closing my eyes, then opening them just to see that everything is so beautiful"... I love this phrase I read a while ago. It keeps me company, it comes and resonates in me each time I see art & beauty fused right in front of my eyes as if it is 'the normal' thing to happen. I think many might experience this ravishing effect in the streets of Madrid when coming face to face with those magnificent, grand, colorful figures known as the Meninas. Clearly, there is always someone to thank; so, thank you for this delightful gift, Antonio.

Antonio Azzato, born in a Spanish-Italian home in Venezuela; is known as "Azzato, el de las Meninas de Madrid" (Azzato, the guy that makes the Meninas of Madrid). Moved by his intuition, sensibility, and artistic spirit; he won the trust of Madrid Mayor and her Office to develop a superb project that became a reality, and now the Madrileños get to enjoy again and again. Las Meninas fill with beauty, creativity, and excitement the streets of this wonderful city I call 'la ciudad sin defectos' (the city with no flaws). That is what it is for me. I adore it!

Meeting Antonio was such a delight. He projects this lovely, genuine. and honest energy. Just like those artists one loves to idealize when reading about them. Though, he is for real. Kind, humble, loyal to his values and dreams; and a non-stop deal when the road gets bumpy. 

This December 2023, he brings his Meninas with him to his beloved Caracas. And we just cannot wait! 

Here I share our lovely interview...

When did you feel the call to take the artist’s path? Was it at a young age?

As a young boy, I spontaneously wanted to give a creative touch to everything; in school, in sports, in life in general. But it wasn’t until I joined our family business (we designed furniture) that I really got into the world of the arts.

How did it happen? How did you become the sculptor of Las Meninas de Madrid?

Being an admirer of Velázquez, each time I visited the city I would go to see his Meninas in the Prado Museum. One day someone next to me started to cry in front of the painting. It was then when I really understood how effectively special this canvas was. My engineer side talked to me: “Velázquez is speaking out loud a message we are not completely getting.” This painting is, after the Mona Lisa, the most reinterpreted in the modern world. It was clear to me, I had to do something. I was determined to try to decipher the variable it contained. That is why I called it El Mensaje Infinito de Velázquez (The Infinite Message of Velázquez). I create a white figure so new messages can be transmitted.

I presented my project to the Ayuntamiento, the Mayor’s Office. Coincidentally, the Mayor then thought that the Meninas should become the icon of the city. So, they approved my idea, and here we are. After a few editions, las Meninas are part of the identity of Madrid.

Which has been the greatest challenge of this already materialized project?

Being able to organize all the communication between the important brands and companies participating and supporting the project, the Mayor’s Office, the sponsors, and the non-profit organizations, without a doubt. It wasn’t an easy job. But today, they all work in a perfect symbioses and balance. 

On the other hand, it has become a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the Pop-Art created decades ago by Warhol, Duchamps, etc. They turned brands into art pieces.

Is there a difference between Antonio the artist and Antonio the father, family and friend?

They are pretty the same. I share what I do with those close to me. I want my kids to grow in an artistic environment, impregnated with creativity. I am a very private and tranquil person. My party days passed a long time ago. Our life revolves around the arts. 

Has sculpture been your main artistic language?

No. It was first designing, painting, then photography. I used to intervene the furniture that came out with defects in our stores. I played with collage, painting… These pieces ended up becoming the most popular ones. But today, it is sculpturing the language I communicate with. 

How would you define your artistic language?

It is conceptual art. Every Menina carries a message that is implicit. Each one is a white canvas ready to become a message to be transmitted to a public that is very diverse. 

What is your most influential source of inspiration?

I have always felt fascinated with the street art. Graffiti in Caracas bridges, Banksy, etc. I love that creative communication in the streets through art. I am a fan of beauty. Clearly, perceiving what beauty is, well, that is very personal. I just always follow the path where beauty calls. 

How would you say sculpture impacts our society?

Now art is not only seen in museums. The street art talks to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Sculpture connects easier with people if it is in the streets.

You have inspired so many, Venezuelans, and others. Any word of wisdom, of advice, you might want to share with us?

It sounds cliche, but one must not abandon a deeply felt dream. And always stay humble. No one is more than anyone else. When you feel you are doing what feels right; when you are following what your dreams tell you; nothing else should matter. Always moving forward.

What can you tell us about the visit with your Meninas to Caracas this December 2023? 

I am so excited. Having the fortune and joy to come back to Venezuela with my art; the country that gave me so much; to me and to my family. I have always wanted to return and give back in some way through my art. I owe so much to this land. My father arrived from Italy with just a bag, and my mother from Spain when those European countries were going through rough times. Venezuela gave them the opportunity to build a family and raise five children. I just really want to give back. 

I will be accompanied by brilliant talents and artists, such as Deyna Castellano, Gleyber Torres, Ronald Acuña, Oscar de León, Ángel Sánchez. This makes me feel so grateful and fortunate.

Las Meninas will arrive to Caracas by the end of December 2023. And their exhibition will start in January to celebrate and welcome the new year 2024.

It has been such an honor, Antonio. Thank you for your time, and for making us so proud. We can only wish you the very best. See you soon! 

Much love,

Gaby

ANTONIO AZZATO Y SUS MENINAS DE MADRID A CARACAS

“Cerrar los ojos, volverlos a abrir y ver que todo es precioso” … Esta frase la leí años atrás y todavía resuena, permanece en mí y se activa inevitablemente cuando cualquier día, común y corriente, de repente belleza y arte aparecen fundidas frente a mis ojos sin buscarlo. Supongo que ese mismo efecto tendrá sobre muchos de los que, andando por las calles de Madrid en su rutina diaria, se topan con enormes meninas, bellísimas, generalmente llenas de colores; que emocionan, la verdad. Y siempre hay alguien a quien agradecer; así es que gracias por ese regalo, Antonio.

Antonio Azzato, de madre española y padre italiano, pero nacido en tierra venezolana; es el conocido “Azzato, el de las Meninas de Madrid”; y no por casualidad. Movido por su intuición, sensibilidad y corazón de artista; se ganó la confianza del Ayuntamiento de la cuidad para comenzar un proyecto que, ya materializado luego de varios años, llena de belleza, creatividad y sentimientos las calles de Madrid; o como me encanta llamarla, ‘la ciudad sin defectos’ (así la escogí ver y adorar).

Ojalá todos pudiesen conocer a Azzato; porque es una de esas personas que transmite una energía tan bonita, genuina y sincera. Él es como esos artistas que idealizamos cuando leemos sobre ellos; solo que en este caso el artista es de verdad un hombre auténtico, sencillo, super amable, fiel a sus valores y sueños; que no se paraliza o intimida si el camino se pone curvo o bifurca.

Ahora Caracas se convierte en su terreno de juego; pues este diciembre 2023 trae a sus Meninas acompañado de talentos y artistas muy queridos por los venezolanos. Algo que llena de una enorme ilusión a tantos.

Aquí les comparto nuestra entrevista…

¿Desde pequeño sentiste que el camino de artista era el tuyo?

Siempre desde muy pequeño buscaba darle la vuelta creativa a todo. Desde la parte académica del colegio hasta en los deportes, que me encantan. Y fue cuando tuve la oportunidad de experimentar en el negocio familiar de diseño de muebles que todo este tema artístico explotó.

¿Cómo es que te convertiste en el escultor de las Meninas de Madrid?

Siempre he sido un fanático de Velázquez. Cada vez que venía a España me iba a visitar el Museo del Prado para ver las Meninas. Un día me topé con alguien que lloraba mientras veía el cuadro. Ese día entendí que efectivamente era una pintura muy especial; y me habló mi lado de ingeniero industrial: “Aquí hay algo que nos está gritando Velázquez que no estamos viendo”. Y cuando me encontré con que es uno de los cuadros más reinterpretados de la historia del arte junto con la Mona Lisa, dije “Quiero hacer algo con él. Hay una variable que descifrar detrás de este lienzo”. Razón por la que lo llamé El Mensaje Infinito de Velázquez. Por eso creo una figura en blanco, para que una muestra que es representativa de una ciudad me ayude a seguir transmitiendo mensajes.

Presenté mi proyecto al Ayuntamiento de Madrid. Casualmente, la alcaldesa de ese momento pensaba que la Menina debía ser el icono de la ciudad. Aprobaron mi proyecto y aquí estamos. Luego de ediciones consecutivas se ha logrado que efectivamente la Menina sea símbolo y le aporte identidad a la ciudad.

¿Cuál ha sido el reto más grande de este proyecto ya materializado?

Sin duda, el poder organizar la comunicación entre las grandes marcas que apoyan y patrocinan el evento, el Ayuntamiento, los artistas que las intervienen y las fundaciones. Poner a todos estos actores de acuerdo y que fluya el trabajo no es tarea fácil. Hoy día existe una buena simbiosis y equilibrio entre ellos. 

Además, se ha vuelto una oportunidad para rendir homenaje al Pop Art que décadas atrás surgió con talentos como Warhol, Duchamp… Ellos convirtieron marcas en obras de arte. Así es como todos han encontrado su lugar dentro del proyecto, y  se mantienen unidos.

¿Quién es el Antonio artista? ¿Se diferencia del Antonio padre, familia, amigo?

Son bien parecidos. Todo lo comparto con mi entorno más íntimo. Quiero que mis hijos crezcan en un ambiente artístico, impregnado de creatividad. Soy muy familiar y tranquilo. Mi etapa de fiestas ya pasó hace años. Busco que mi trabajo y mi casa sean una sola cosa, porque todo gira en torno al arte.

¿Y la escultura, siempre ha sido tu principal lenguaje artístico?

No. Primero fue el diseño, pintar. Luego la fotografía y después la escultura. En nuestras tiendas intervenía con diferentes técnicas artísticas los muebles que salían defectuosos. Esos resultaban ser los más populares y mejor vendidos. Pero hoy día la escultura se convirtió en mi principal lenguaje de comunicación.

¿Cómo definirías tu lenguaje artístico?

Es arte conceptual. Cada Menina tiene un mensaje implícito. El lienzo en blanco se convierte en un mensaje que desea ser transmitido, que conecte con un público que es diferente.

¿Cuál es tu principal fuente de inspiración?

El arte urbano siempre me ha encantado. Los grafitis de los puentes de Caracas… Esa comunicación en la calle a través del arte. Siempre he sido un fanático de la belleza, que es algo muy personal y subjetivo. Sigo siempre aquello que internamente veo y siento como belleza.  

¿Cómo sientes que la escultura impacta a la sociedad de hoy?

Ya no se ve tanto en los museos como antes. El arte urbano les habla a todos en el día a día. La escultura conecta con la sociedad más si está en la calle.

Eres orgullo e inspiración para venezolanos y no venezolanos. ¿Algún consejo o aprendizaje que nos quieras compartir?

Suena trillado, pero es el no abandonar un sueño del cual estás convencido. Y siempre mantenerse humilde. Nadie es más que nadie. Cuando sientes que estás haciendo lo correcto con tu vida, siguiendo tus sueños; eso es lo que nos tiene que importar. Siempre hacia adelante.

¿Qué nos puedes contar de la visita con tus Meninas a Caracas?

La emoción no cabe dentro de mí. Dicen que nadie es profeta en su tierra. Yo estoy teniendo la fortuna y dicha de regresar con mi arte a Venezuela; una tierra que me lo dio todo, a mi y a mi familia. Siempre quise volver y aportar de alguna manera a través del arte. Le debo tanto. Mi padre llegó de Italia con una maleta y mi madre de España en momentos cuando esos países no estaban bien. Venezuela les permitió sacar adelante a cinco hijos. Quiero darle de vuelta. Y poder estar acompañado en la exhibición con talentos que dejan siempre el nombre de Venezuela en alto, como Deyna Castellano, Gleyber Torres, Ronald Acuña, Oscar de León, Ángel Sánchez; me llena de orgullo y me hace sentir muy agradecido.

Las Meninas llegan a Caracas a finales de diciembre. Se exponen la primera semana de enero dando la bienvenida al año.

Antonio, solo me queda desearte de corazón lo mejor siempre. Gracias. ¡Venezuela se merece todo lo bueno! ¡Aquí te esperamos!

Gaby

PARIS PRÊT-À-PORTER SPRING 2024 TRENDS

Paris runways are always an invitation to dream the perfect dream with our eyes wide open. So much beauty, style, elegance; as well as lovely riskier proposals we might not want to ignore. 

Quiet luxury was deliciously felt. Sure, there were divine maximalism and extravaganza; but sublime simplicity was undoubtedly one protagonist. Loved it!

Here some delightful trends to watch closely…

ULTRA DEEP PLUNGING

Very low-cut necklines on gorgeous dresses, tops and blouses, looked incredibly sexy and elegant. (Balmain)

SIMPLE SOPHISTICATION 

Clean lines and silhouettes, classic cuts and lengths; wonderful femininity sparkled with drops of brilliant masculinity. Knee-length and midi dresses were key! (Rahul Mishra Afew)

FLOWY GOWNS

Silky, breezy long gowns with delicate volume and simple details; in tamed and very elegant tones. (Saint Laurent) 

SHIRT DRESSES WITH A TWIST

Semi-constructed, wrapped-around, twisted, asymmetric shirts or shirt dresses; delivering cool upgrades for our everyday outfits. (Dries Van Noten)

BRIGHT RED

From sumptuous night gowns to casual/sporty sets in absolutely fantastic bright red. (Hermès)

THE SINGLE OFF-SHOULDER

Sexy and cool off-the-shoulder asymmetric tops, blouses, jumpsuits and dresses; bearing one-shoulder skin. (Christian Dior)

OVERSIZE BLAZER 

Either with sporty, casual, day-at-the-office or soirée-gala outfits; XXL irreverent blazers were found everywhere. (Givenchy)

DAYTIME BLING

Pailletes, glittery embroidery, metallic fabrics & materials… paired up with sporty or casual pieces for a special daytime ensemble. (Coperni)

KNITTED

Fabulous knitted pieces; some with superb texture in the hems and trims. The column silhouette was a winner. (Paco Rabanne) 

 

BUBBLE-SLEEVES

Stylish, voluminous bubble-sleeves looked gorgeous on dresses, tops and toppers. Fabulous on a metallic dress! Ufffff… (Chloé)

UNEXPECTED PAIRING

Ultra bright shades one usually might not dare pairing, crashing tones or miss matching prints; very nonchalant and so hot. (Balmain) 

MONOCHROMATIC DELIGHT

Head-to-toe perfection in tasteful all-black, white; or ultra-bright tones. Wonderful tailored sets were super popular! (Issey Miyake)

BUCOLIC FLORALS

Romantic, glamorous floral gowns in soft or bright colors, felt like coming out of an exquisite dream. (Giambattista Valli)

THE SHORT LEATHER DRESS

Very Parisian in its simplicity and cool, nonchalant vibes, in beautiful one-toned leather, will always be a must. (Isabel Marant)

CUT-OUT EMBROIDERY

Spectacular cut-out embroidery with its 3D airs,  building entire outfits, or strategically placed. So perfect!  (Valentino)

MATCHING SETS

Tailored or breezy matching sets; in masculine-inspired fabrics, feminine or romantic prints and patterns. Those with bralettes and cropped tops looked fantastic!. (Schiaparelli)

Life is a runway!

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to the superb Vogue’s Runway App and its brilliant collaborators.

MILAN READY-TO-WEAR SPRING 2023 TRENDS

Total expertise in delivering fantastic fabrics & materials, brilliant elaboration & techniques; specially when it comes to tailoring; superb taste & beauty; these sum up just a drop of one can say about the beloved Italian fashion and its forever covetable collections. Simply fantastic! No exceptions. 

Here a taste of some lovely inspirations…

MODERN GODDESSES

Delicate, asymmetric lines; soft silhouettes in subtle fabrics and lovely light colors. (Alberta Ferretti) 

MERMAID SKIRTS

Lengthy mermaid skirts with strategic cuts & details; ideal either for daytime or party-ready ensembles. (Etro)

SWEET RETRO 

Mini skirts, ultra-short shorts, shift dresses, almost infantiles tops and bottoms; in a variety of sweet colors recalling a sort of ‘Twiggy fascination’. (Versace)

EXTRA-LONG SHIRTS 

Stylish long shirts, partially unbuttoned; on light-fitted bottoms, in monochromatic or color-blocked combinations. (Fendi)

TEXTURIZED SWEATERS 

Texture played a key role through almost every collection; being colorful sweaters a top favorite choice for the more casual looks. (MSGM)

SILKY FLORALS

Delicate silky dresses, matching sets and ensembles in feminine floral prints; in vibrant and pastel tones. (Luisa Beccaria)

THE GOLDEN LADY

Superb metallic golden dresses, separates, and key pieces in sumptuous fabrics. Exquisite! (Blumarine) 

CLEAN ARCHITECTURAL LINES

Inviting minimalism with an ‘extra’ reflected on perfectly well-thought, clean architectural lines; specially applied to genius tailoring. (Giada)

SUMMERY STRIPES

Total looks or key pieces in beautiful stripes; white & blue were for sure a top favorite, speaking up summery days. (Alberta Ferretti)

PENCIL SKIRTS 

The eternally tasteful pencil skirt, in light or heavier-weight fabrics looked gorgeous with sporty, casual or elegant tops and jackets. (Gucci)

ELEVATED SHORTS

Wonderful sophisticated shorts; played in matching tailored sets, or paired up with great modern toppers and coats. (Emporio Armani)

TIMELESS MIDI-DRESSES 

Modern and refined midi dresses, showing off to perfection wonderful doses of femininity through their beautiful fabrics, lines and silhouettes. (Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini)

SIMPLE MASCULINITY 

Monochromatic, minimal suits; with structure or silky lines, inviting us to experiment with the delight of masculine fashion. (Boss)

SUMPTUOUS DECONSTRUCTION 

Strategically deconstructed tailored pieces, dresses, shirting, bottoms; playful asymmetric cuts, hems, and detailing looked so elegant. (Dolce & Gabbana)

MESH

Sensual, body-hugging mesh dresses and separates in nude, bright or metallic tones. (Genny)

Next stop, Paris…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue’s Runway App and its brilliant collaborators.

LONDON READY-TO-WEAR SPRING 2024

Brilliant variety of styles; from minimal, all through theatrical, artsy, opulent; up to the always well-received notes of gothic and punk, though these two last ones felt softer. London’s ready-to-wear spring 2024 collections will give us plenty to revel and have fun with. 

Here some inspiration…

XL RUFFLES
Elegant extra-large ruffles, as key detailing or on head-to-toe dresses and ensembles. (Palmer Harding)

FULL ON COLOR
Ultra bright colors were welcomed. Monochromatic or daring melanges of loud shades, for day and night. (David Koma)

LIGHT-TONED DELICACY
Delicate colors and textures played in monochromatic layering looked simply magnificent. (16Arlington)

OVERSIZE TAILORING 
Fabulous tailored pieces with extra volume and plenty of masculine vibes. (JW Anderson)

VINTAGE FLORALS 

Floral looks carrying a vintage feel; not only in their prints; but also in their cuts, silhouettes and detailing. (Erdem)

DRESSY SHORTS
Shorts spoke class and tastefulness; specially those introduced on tailored sets, while mixing neutral and bright shades. (Eudon Choi)

ALWAYS DENIM

Total looks in denim; where dresses and layered pieces were conceived to bring stylish comfort. (Rag & Bone)

HALF & HALF
Playful mix-matching, color blocking, and paneling invited a fresh elegance in. (Roksanda)

HIGH SLIT
Sexy ultra-high slits for day-time casual dresses and nighttime gowns looked fabulous . (Feben)

TIMELESS BLACK
Gorgeous total looks in black: Victorian, gothic, punk, artsy, sumptuous or minimal; they all irradiated so much personality.  (David Koma)

Next stop, Milan…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pics are not mine. They belong to the brilliant Vogue’s Runway App and its superb collaborators. 

NEW YORK READY-TO-WEAR TRENDS SPRING 2023

There is great appreciation for the New York-stablished designers, for how their collections looked so covetable and wearable; even the edgier proposals invite us to join in their fashion visions. I love this!  Everything felt modern, stylish and fresh. 

Here some trends worth indulging in.

RELAXED TROUSERS
Elegant yet nonchalant, easy-fitted trousers. Better if paired with cropped layered pieces on top. (Loveshackfancy)

OVERSIZED SLEEVES 

Huge flowy or structurized sleeves styled with tigh or very short bottoms. (Khaite)

DENIM WITH TWIST
Classy, ultra washed, died or ripped; mixed with noble materials, or presented as patchwork; fresh denim pieces are not to be missed! (Brandon Maxwell) 

UNTUCKED 
Untucked or half-tucked shirts for casual or fancy looks injected that dose of full confidence we all adore. (Michael Kors Collection)

PUFFED SLEEVES 
Feminine puffed sleeves looked fabulous in well-tailored dresses and oversize tops. (Bibhu Mohapatra)

CITY SAFARI
Beautiful multiple pleated pockets, buttons, zippers, extra hardware; earthy shades, and  confortable though still stylish fits proved that safari vibes are always on! (Veronica Beard)

THE ELEVATED BRALETTE
Sensual, tasteful bralettes were all over; accompanying sporty, casual or more elevated ensembles. (3.1 Phillip Lim)

EMBELLISHED BOMBERS
Embellished, fancy bombers looked great; specially those paired with micro shorts, mini skirts and A-line bottoms. (Jason Wu Collection) 

THE DENIM SET
Casual-cool denim matching sets, with relaxed or tailored fits; in simple or asymmetric lines. (Zero + Maria Cornejo)

THE SHIRT DRESS

Multifunctional, lovely shirt dresses; some with extra detailing and heavier/fancier fabrics. (Yigal Azrouel)

POLKA DOTS
Sleek dresses, sexy sets and girlie ensembles in timeless polka dots were popular choices among the new proposals. (Carolina Herrera)

MISMATCHING SLEEVES
Delightful mismatching sleeves; with varied lines, tones and materials felt special. (Gabriela Hearst)

MAXI SKIRTS
Fabulous maxi skirts in soft or heavy fabrics; in minimal or more extravagant looks, to wear night and day. (Brandon Maxwell)

SPANISH AIRS
Plenty of flamenco influences: Lady-like silhouettes, folkloric prints, standout ruffles, superb lace, opulent tones… Spanish airs never get old. (Naeem Khan)
Life is a runway! 

Next stop, London….

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue’s Runway fabulous App and its collaborators.