MILAN READY-TO-WEAR FASHION TRENDS FALL/WINTER 2024

An exquisite mix of feminine and masculine panache, total mastery of every couture and fashion technique, sublime tradition mixed with  the perfect dose of modernity… La moda italiana always becomes an infinite source of inspiration, impregnated with beyond-excellent taste, quiet and not-so-quiet luxury. Again and again, Milano runways are simply spectacular! 

Here some of the most inviting trends from the Fall / Winter 2024 ready-to-wear collections…

COLOR-BLOCKING

Beautiful contrasting color-blocking asymmetrically played on great dresses, sets, separates and coats; resulting in attractive modernity. (Bottega Veneta)

EQUESTRIAN

Elegant equestrian airs achieved through perfect tailoring, beautiful fabrics, clean lines, sharp detailing, dark tones, and fabulous knee high boots. (Fendi)

LEATHER DRESSES

Tubular, A-lined, asymmetric, saturated with interesting cuts and detailing, including sexy hardware accents; leather dresses fascinated the public in hues ranging from light and muted, to loud and vibrant. (Antonio Marras)

SUPERB TEXTURES

Flamboyant, ultra-rich, colorful, varied and mixed textures; elevating everyday pieces to another (high) fashion level. (Diesel)

WRAPPED AROUND

Impecable regal XL capes and toppers, covering sophisticated ensembles that spoke super attractive stealth wealth fashion. (Del Core)

ELEGANT SHORTS

Elegant, sensual shorts; perfectly tailored to accompany superb tops,  jackets, and (short or long) coats. (Tom Ford) 

WARM TUBULAR DRESSES

Many, many runways included as a key piece the very practical, body hugging or straight warm jersey or knitted dress; in monochromatic, colorful or artsy looks. (Marco Rimaldi)

TRANSPARENCIES 

Sheer dresses, including plenty of slips, tops and bottoms with all-over transparencies or strategic ones; resulting in an exclusive sensuality worth experimenting. (Alberta Ferretti) 

OVERSIZE PUFFER

Amusing, delightful oversized puffers in loud hues, prints and patterns; many matching or mix-matching the rest of the ensemble. (Roberto Cavalli) 

PANTSUITS

Wonderful, ultra-elegant pantsuits with perfectly fitted or relaxed tailoring; in classic masculine fabrics, or bright-and-shine fancy materials. (Brunello Cucinelli)

LEATHER SETS

Gorgeous matching sets (skirts and pants in all their lengths) in exquisite leather; from classic total-blackness, passing through the most elegant tones; up to edgy color combinations and painterly airs. (Roberto Cavalli)

HUGE SHOULDER PADS

Huge, irreverent and deliciously masculine shoulder pads; not only in gorgeous XL long coats but in shorter tailored jackets and toppers. (Etro)

ARTSY 

Great artsy prints, patterns and colorful treatments on wonderful fabrics; conceived to accompany cool, relax but still very sophisticated silhouettes. (MM6 Maison Margiela) 

THE BLACK SUIT 

Eternal, so tasteful and full of character, the black suit (pants or skirts); with or without shirt, tee or sweater under; looked fantastic in all possible fits; from the ultra-tailored, to the XL and very relaxed one. (Moschino)

PUNK

Dark, gothic looks full of punk elements and vibes. All-black, white, strong reds and burgundy; checkered fabrics, fishnets, pantyhose, a lot of leather, hardware details and edgy hairstyles and makeup. (Versace)

LINGERIE INSPIRATION

From delicates silk and lace slip dresses for a night-out; to sheer tops, blouses and separates… Everything very well conceived, exuding tasteful sexiness. (Gucci)

PATENT PERFECT 

Extraordinary, very shiny head-to-toe ensembles in fabulous patent leather or coated fabrics; in classy or loud hues. The best looks were accompanied by magnificent XL furry coats. (MSGM)

GEOMETRIC DELIGHT

Rich, geometric abstraction, played with contrasts;  was another favorite of the print & pattern choices of the magnificent Italian fashion houses. (Missoni)

 

TUXEDO ENCHANTMENT

Tantalizing, very sexy masculinity was not only articulated through beyond-masterful tailoring; since the tuxedo was and always will be (hopefully) a protagonist in the runways. (Dolce & Gabbana) 

Next stop, Paris…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue Runway app and its brilliant collaborators. 

LONDON FASHION WEEK FALL / WINTER 2024 TRENDS

London fashion weeks always carry with them fabulous Victorian, gothic, punk, and artsy vibes that,  mixed or pure; they always feel inviting and exciting. Minimalism, romanticism, sensuality and plenty of sweetness also play their key role; and this time was not an exception.

Here some trends to fall for…

MATCHING SETS

Fabulous matching sets in monochromatic, plain, metallic tones; or in highly graphic or floral prints and patterns; for every single taste. (Marques’ Almeida) 

DECONSTRUCTED DENIM 

A superb melange of tones, washes, dyes; played even further through edgy patchwork, deconstruction and asymmetry looked so cool! (Masha Popova)

GRAFFITIS

Colorful graffitis as a stand-out theme, or as a fresh remark on ultra-easy to wear tees and separates. (Mark Fast)

EARTHY MIX

Brown, green, beige, camel, mustard… So many beautiful earthy colors and tonalities perfectly mixed in layers of marvelous pieces; resulting in a timeless wonderful style. (JW Anderson) 

EXTRA LONG SKIRTS

Sophisticated but charged with a nonchalant touch; wrapped-around, tubular, with high slits A-lines, structure or light weight… Extra long skirts were everywhere. (Burberry)

CORSETED 

Well defined waists through corseting; as part of the dress, top or coat; or as a key addition to articulate modern moods. (Simone Rocha)

URBAN WHITE

Great eclectic ensembles in head-to-toe white and off-white; brilliantly mixing romantic, punk, Victorian and urban elements. (Marques’ Almeida) 

SENSUAL ELEGANCE 

Very clean lines, timeless pieces: Soft blouses, measured lengths, tailored coats… Silk, leather and sequins; and a dose of irresistible sensual elegance. Simple perfection! (Emilia Wickstead) 

REGAL PRESENCE 

Regal volumes; theatrical drapes, ruffles, bows, and beyond-rich detailing and colors; resulted in unforgettable night gowns. (Richard Quinn) 

Next stop, Milan…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby

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

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2024

Fashion weeks are on! Such an exciting time, perfect to refresh our minds and hearts through fascinating, inspiring fashion. 

New York was all about modern, tasteful style; so easy to absorb. Everything felt very inviting and ultra-wearable; charged with magnificent stylish functionality.

Here some trends to be enchanted by… 

ELEGANT LAYERING 

Timeless, tasteful pieces layered to perfection in sophisticated, tamed tones or fun, loud ones. (3.1 Phillip Lim)

THE EVERY-DAY FUR JACKET

Gorgeous, exciting fur jackets to wear day-to-night; in monochromatic vibrant hues or superb color combinations. (Cinq à Sept)

WRITTEN PRINTS 

Letters, words, messages; including poems (by Lord Byron in Libertine’s looks); stood out in head-to-toe stylish outfits, or as key artsy detailing. (Libertine) 

FLASHY MINI DRESSES

Ultra-short, shiny mini-dresses in beautiful sequins, rich beading or metallic fabrics could never be left aside. (Laquan Smith)

SOPHISTICATED LOOSENESS

Unrestrained, soft, loose-fitting gowns and separates with an inherent divine elegance marked by touches of asymmetry. (Prabal Gurung) 

ARTSY VIBES

Inviting figurative and abstract art was strategically articulated in prints, patterns, silhouettes and detailing. (Alice + Olivia)

MODERN RUFFLES

Lovely and refreshed small, medium or large multiple ruffles on skirts, tops, coats and dresses; in muted or loud colors felt modern and delightful. (Ulla Johnson) 

VINTAGE COORDINATED SETS

Colorful 60s & 70s vintage vibes fascinated through vibrant matching sets with loose or very tight fits. (Naeem Khan)

FULL ON GRAY

Elegant, forever-in-vogue, monochromatic ensembles in gray; brilliantly achieved through layering gorgeous, well-thought classic pieces with a touch of edge. (Michael Kors)

 

 

DENIM SKIRTS 

Denim skirts are so back, apparently to stay; in all washes, fits and lengths; full of reinvented modern detailing. (3.1 Phillip Lim)

ROMANTIC TULLE

Very rich total looks in tulle; many showing off masterful, lovely  multi-tiered ruffles in a wonderful and romantic way. (Carolina Herrera) 

BOLEROS

Divine, sexy bolero jackets accompanying beautiful straight or voluminous skirts looked espectacular. (Christian Siriano)

Next stop, London…

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby 

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

PARIS COUTURE SPRING 2024

Just like a dream, Paris couture runways become pathways that invite us to enter into the most gorgeous, surreal experiences. So much elegance, luxury, mastery, and beyond spectacular beauty can only leaves us wanting for more. 

Here some wonderful inspiration from the Spring 2024 Couture runways…

SWEET FAIRYTALE

Soft, delightful pastel hues; tender drapes, subtle, flowy fabrics, delicate textures; and sensual yet very classy skin-bearing touches. (Elie Saab)

BRIGHT & SHINE SUITS

Great suits in lavish high-shine materials with fabulous skillful cuts, fits and detailing. (Fendi)

VERY HIGH SLITS 

Simple or elaborated elegant designs, showing off really high slits, in brilliant and tasteful ways. (Valentino)

EXTREME TEXTURE

Voluminous, texturized silhouettes; tops, dresses, coats & capes in vibrant tones and rich materials. Feathers as the top favorite! (Giambattista Valli)

DELICATE LAYERS

Sublime layers of the most refined, delicate fabrics; superbly thought to create an inviting, timeless elegance. (Armani Privé)

SUPREME DRAPING 

Masterful draping following spectacular asymmetric lines, embracing the body, and resulting in sensual pieces of art to wear. (Zuhair Murad)

HIGH FASHION DECONSTRUCTION 

Gorgeous, artful deconstruction on superb high-fashion dresses and separates; marked by irresistible edgy asymmetry. (Viktor & Rolf)

OVERSIZE ELEGANCE 

Oversized tailored pieces, dresses and total looks became a magnificent source of sumptuous inspiration. (Valentino)

ARTSY-CHARGED 

Mixed-media articulated  on over-the-top decorated dresses that resulted in a fascinating melange of luxury and edginess. (Schiaparelli) 

THE ROBE DRESS

Exquisite and very elegant long robe-dresses in silky fabrics with sumptuous details. (Alexis Mabille) 

And this is only the beginning… Happy 2024! 

Life is a runway! 

Much love,

Gaby 

*Pictures are not mine. They belong to Vogue’s Runway App and their super talented collaborators. 

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