Lake Como Lifestyle

JO LOVES AGAIN

lakecomo — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:14:33 +0000

Jo Malone talks to Lake Como Lifestyle’s Karolina Kivimaki about her latest brand Jo Loves and why she is determined to do it differently this time.
Having sold her eponymous brand to Estee Lauder in 1999, Jo Malone stepped down as creative director in 2006 after fighting cancer, thinking she had lost the passion. Five years later Malone came back with a new brand called Jo Loves, and now about to open the first stand-alone store in London towards the end of summer, says she will never leave fragrance again. “The first day I got up after leaving Jo Malone, I thought about fragrance and the feeling never went away. I will never again step away from it. Fragrance is not a job, a profession or a career to me, it is part of my life, it is part of what makes me tick,” says Malone. It was the TV documentary ‘High Street Dreams’ for BBC1 in 2010, where Malone helped entrepreneurs to enter the competitive market, that made her realise she was ready to enter the industry again. “I was standing in Mr Singh’s garden, bottling his Punjabi Chilli Sauce, not glamorous at all. I was helping them repackage the sauce. It was something about filling the bottles with chilli sauce, my eyes watering, that made me realise – I want to do it again, I would do it again. “ Finding inspiration in cooking – Jo Loves’ latest fragrance Pink Vetiver was inspired by pink crushed peppercorns while making a sauce for salmon – Malone is playing with flavours and colours she has never used before. “I’m very dyslexic so my sense of smell is very much my memory. It’s a language; when I smell a fragrance, it translates back to fragrance every time.” Determined to do it differently this time around, Jo Loves launched with a pop-up stand in London department store Selfridges and as a pop-up store at South Audley Street around the corner in November 2011. However, all four new fragrances – Pomelo, Gardenia, Green Orange & Coriander and Orange Tulle – had a limited quantity of 12,000 bottles each. Once the stock was sold, the pop-ups closed and sales continued to flow in their Chelsea showroom and online. “My desire was to come back to the industry, that was all I wanted, but I didn’t really know if I was welcome, if I had the right to come back. Would people be able to tell this was me, the artist? The pop-up concept was a doorway – if we walk in, what will people say? Immediately I started to get letters from customers saying that they knew immediately it was me again. I needed to hear that.” Getting ready to open the Jo Loves store, Malone reveals she has several surprises up her sleeve in the run-up to the opening, in fact there are nine fragrance products ready to go and some of them will be launched in the next few months. The US, China and India have already been knocking on their door, but Malone isn’t ready to franchise out yet and wants to keep it for herself, for now. She doesn’t want to reveal the new concept but says that it will be something very different. “When you see what we are doing with the new store, you will see it translates into those markets brilliantly.”

Jo Loves store opens later this summer, 42 Elizabeth Street, SW1, London. International shipping available online, www.joloves.com

Photo: Nina Kadatko, Make-up: Akgun Manisali using RMK Cosmetics

GATTINONI HOME COLLECTION: FASHION AT HOME

lakecomo — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:13:17 +0000

The idea behind the Gattinoni Home Collection brand, created exclusively by Brianform, came to life two years ago and follows the success achieved in 65 years of activity in the world of fashion. It is a collection of furniture for the home with the same distinctive design which for years has characterized the fashion-luxury brand. A careful selection of materials, a passion for design research, and care for the purity of the lines – always up-to-date and featuring a refined simplicity – are the trademarks of Gattinoni Home Collection. The international showcase of the 2013 Milan Fuorisalone has been chosen for the launch of this prestigious brand and the Gattinoni Home Collection project has many more surprises in store for the future. The task of developing this important collection was entrusted to an architect who has always been involved in architectural projects and conservative restructuring, as well as in the field of industrial design: Emilio Ronzoni. The names and inspiration for all the creations were taken from Since 1946, a book which includes all the models of the fashion house founded in 1946 by Fernanda Gattinoni. The Gattinoni label has always been a symbol of quality and elegance, so much so that the clothes have been worn by some of the most fascinating women in history, such as Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Kim Novak, Lucia Bosé, Ava Gardner, Margaret England, Anna Magnani, Gina Lollobrigida, Anna Maria Pierangeli, Isa Miranda, Lana Turner, Queen Maria José, and many others. Architect Ronzoni took his inspiration from some of the details of dresses designed by Gattinoni. This was the artistic starting point for creating upholstery, tables, and chairs. It is a collection of furniture proposals that pays homage to iconic movie stars, which have been immortalized on film while wearing the unique, stylish, and glamorous designer clothing from the famous fashion house. The current Gattinoni Home Collection proposal combines the past and present of the fashion brand – focusing on the 50’s to then jump straight to the new millennium. First we have 1950, a couch that makes small items, such as buttons, its signature. The magic of overlapping fabrics and a soft design give life to 1955, a line that includes a bed, dresser, and nightstand. Gattinoni designed the dress for Ingrid Bergman that inspired this collection. 1956 takes the slit and half belt of a dress to create the detail of a chaise longue, a two and three-seater sofa, and two tailored seats. Meticulous research has been done on this product in order to reproduce the colors of the fabrics and velvets of the time. 1957 is an Etruscan bed created from a similar dress, marked on the sides by slits and buttonholes that give variety to the model. The drawings of seventeenth century cartographer Andreas Cellarius stimulated the Gattinoni Planetarium collection of accessories and provided the imaginative inspiration for a line of tables, coffee tables, and bedside tables entitled 2010. It is a modern production that is simple and inspired by timeless genius. The attention to tailored fabrics combines with the precise selection of materials for furniture. This includes European sycamore, Indian rosewood, and Central African Zebrano, all certified for by the countries of origin and most certainly respectful of the environment. The Gattinoni Home Collection will be exhibited during the Milan design Week inside Palazzo Cusani, a historical 1600’s location whose architecture influences the set up and decoration of the presentation itself. The stately entrance staircase leads to the Radetzky Hall on the upper floor. This space was once used as a ballroom and has been divided into five zones especially for the occasion. Architect Ronzoni has chosen to use a folding screen and an arc made of fans that enhance, instead of hide, the precious, highly historical, and cultural architecture characteristics of the room. The elements bring to mind those used by aristocratic ladies who frequented this dance halls. Each fan includes a line of products. Music stands are used to present the public with the mix of fashion and furniture that inspired this collection. For each line, the stands explain the clothing that gave life to each piece of furniture. Projected images from the catwalk are the finishing touch. These images show clothing springing from the imagination and skill of Gattinoni stylists.

RIPARAZIONE DI TUTTO QUELLO CHE FA TIC TAC

lakecomo — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:50:29 +0000

The Coveri watch store has been in the Chiasso square since 1978. Its name stands for “Compera, Vendita, Riparazioni” (Purchases, Sales, Repairs). Coveri, as well as selling, purchases used gold items and has a repairs service for watches, clocks and jewels of all brands and quality.

«We repair anything concerning men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. We are an Omega and Eberhard certified service center, but we can fix anything that goes tick-tock» Gabriele Motta, sole employee of the watch store.

Eberhard & Co., Fortis, Victorinox, AeroWatch and TechnoMarine: these are the brands that Coveri officially represents. It is also a showcase dedicated to vintage items, owning antique watches.

ROMANTIC ELEGANCE IN BLOOM

lakecomo — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:28:40 +0000

Fashion becomes art

lakecomo — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:57:17 +0000

A FAIRY TALE WEDDING WITH EVENTI DI SOLE

lakecomo — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:41:31 +0000

Exclusively for www.lakecomolifestyle.com, Emi Nava. The eclectic wedding planner, owner of the Emi Nava-Eventi di Sole agency and cooking enthusiast, she tells us of her activity, in a tour from Lake Como to the Amalfi Coast.
What can the intervention of a wedding planner give compared to a self-made wedding?The competences of the wedding planner contribute first and foremost to the creation of a unique custom event, designed based on the tastes and desires of the couple. Furthermore, thanks to the experience acquired over time, the wedding planner can suggest the necessary tricks to avoid unpleasant issues on the most beautiful day for every couple.
Why did you choose to focus solely on the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como?
Because I have always been from Como, fascinated by the lake and its romantic atmosphere that, in winter, takes on nostalgic colors and maintains its magic. I know the area well and I know how to enhance its positive aspects and minimize the defects. The Amalfi Coast on the other hand, is tied to a trip I took five years ago, where I met Stefano, who would later become my husband. I fell in love with him and with the splendid territory that, as I always say, gives the gift of diamonds from the encounter of the sun and the sea. It is a splendid place, where nature offers a scenario that can hardly be created with tricks and that the whole world envies us. I must say that the decision came on its own… And all the foreigners that choose to marry on the Lake or on the Coast are an indication that I was not wrong!
What services do you offer couples getting married?
Eventi di Sole is a young company, dynamic and flexible, as am I. What I offer is a transparent consulting service, that allows me to create friendship relations that do not come to an end when “I do” is pronounced. I believe that only by knowing the couples well and chatting with them in front of a cup of tea (with a side of super-chic cupcakes!) one can give targeted advice. In addition to my creativity and the support of select suppliers, I love to share the smallest details with my customers, which are what make the real difference. I can create a strong bond with the couple, so much that I become their point of reference and a sort of catalyst for their anxiety. I do not offer packages but specific offers, without forgetting that I become an alter ego for foreigners: I relate through photographs and drawings via Skype and I make my eyes become theirs.
Is there a fundamental detail for the success of a wedding that a self-made wedding might leave out?
As I was saying earlier, the experience of the wedding planner is necessary to avoid making mistakes in the design, timing and bon ton, that in a wedding must be rigorous. Furthermore there are other devices – ranging from ribbon made from a specific fabric or a candle positioned masterfully to hide e defect or highlight a quality of the location, rather than flowers or other little aspects for the guests – that only a careful external direction can consider. It is not that rare to have to overturn the preparations at the last minute for poor weather conditions, or because something in the location was not handled as agreed. The wedding planner works behind the scenes and contributes to the successful outcome of the event while preserving the tranquility of the couple, a fundamental aspect on that day, and with the success of the wedding as primary objective. My clients just need to think about enjoying the day, I handle everything else.
Tell us of some weddings you organized on the lake…
The lake has splendid villas, with lush gardens and breathtaking views. With a couple from Geneva I had fun inspecting several locations, until I found the one with the “perfect venue”, the ideal location. We were immersed in the scent of roses, pampered by a spectacular sunset and then by the stars, with candles in lanterns decorating all the trees and creating a fairytale atmosphere as they shone into mirrors positioned at the center of the flower-filled tables. The wedding cake was the final coup de teatre, illuminated by lilac lights (the color of the event) with three floors of white chocolate roses with colored details. On the coast, I will always remember, a warm summer night, the flight of lanterns into the sky, creating a contrast with the sea; the marvelous scenery of Ravello as backdrop.
What is the latest trend in weddings?
On the various portals for wedding, each year new colors for flowers, for the bride’s makeup and for the decorations are proposed. I believe that the true new tendency is to organize what I call “a couture wedding”, a wedding designed like the clothes for fashion shows. Unique and new creations, “pearls” inspired by each couple.
You also have a cuisine blog: how much does the food aspect count in a wedding banquet?
Food, as I said on the blog in which I write with my friend and partner Cecilia Rosi (www.ladiesmarmalade.com), is visual poetry to me: the presentation of the dishes is essential, together with exquisite quality. A successful event must be dynamic, so yes to finger food served standing, thematic isles and bouvettes for the appetizers, a couple of first courses (it is always best to serve a mousse bouche if you decide for a risotto to facilitate catering and avoid serving it under-cooked, or worst, over-cooked) and a second course. The guest should be delighted by the good food and graceful display, but not weighed down, and both lunch and dinner should be accompanied by appropriate wines and lounge music. Then live group dances or a soundtrack that appeals to the couple. In conclusion the queen of the wedding, second only to the bride, the wedding cake!

www.eminava.com

Laura Alberti
Journalist
Lake Como Lifestyle

(Italiano) LA DOLCE ACQUA

lakecomo — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:39:32 +0000

LAKE COMO MAGAZINE: VIVA GLI SPOSI 2009

lakecomo — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:54:19 +0000

DANCE STEP

lakecomo — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:05:50 +0000

CLUB VOLTAIRE: PREMIO PER L’INNOVAZIONE TECNOLOGICA IN MUSICA

lakecomo — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:45:28 +0000

I Club Voltaire, nota band comasca presente sulla scena musicale dal 2009, saranno premiati dal MEI – Meeting delle Etichette Indipendenti, domenica 25 settembre a Faenza.Il MEI, nato nel 1997, arriva oggi a essere una delle vetrine più importanti della nuova scena musicale italiana e continua a valorizzare e a sostenere la musica made in Italy. Nel centrostorico di Faenza, la giovane band, riceverà il Premio per l’Innovazione Tecnologica in Musica, grazie al progetto, fresco e innovativo, della ECO download card, utilizzata per il loro brano NEXT. Il gradito riconoscimento giunge a seguito della segnalazione di Raffaella Tenaglia della Pixie Promotion, nota Agenzia di comunicazione. La cerimonia di premiazione avverrà all’interno dell’incontro sul tema dei Nuovi Media e del rapporto fra Musica e Web, organizzato nell’ambito di SUPERSOUND, il più grande festival di musica italiana dal vivo per giovani emergenti, che si terrà dal 23 al 25 settembre nella cittadina romagnola. NEXT, secondo singolo dei Club Voltaire, estratto dall’EP di debutto “ABOUT THE SURFACE”, è stato inviato alle emittenti radiofoniche e agli addetti ai lavori attraverso un originale formato ecologico: una ECO download card biodegradabile (100% carta riciclata) che contiene, al proprio interno, un seme floreale. Una volta utilizzato il codice presente sulla card per scaricare il brano e il materiale ad esso collegato, la card può essere piantata nella terra e, una volta annaffiata, darà vita ad un fiore. Con la nuova Eco Card, i Club Voltaire, danno un tocco di “green” a ciò che, nella musica, è tecnologia.

Public Relation
Sara Biondi
Mobile: 339.85.82.462
biondi.communication.manager@gmail.com