La Moda Italıana Five female doyennes of the Milan fashion industry invite Stylist into their creative spaces Words: Amy Raphael And Amy Grier Photography: Arved Colvin-Smith Carolina Castiglioni The special projects director at Marni lives in Milan with her one-year-old son Filippo and her husband Federico Cape, 1,447, shirt, 521, trousers, 500, and shoes, 463, all Marni (020-7245 9520) I was lucky enough to grow up with two of my ultimate style icons: my mum, Consuelo, who started the Marni label, and my grandma, who still looks great in her 80s. She taught me to accessorise. Even now she ll pair a suit with an incredible brooch. I will never forget the outfit my mum made me for my 18th birthday a long white skirt with pink and blue fabric sewn onto it and a white cotton top. All my friends were in big dresses and I loved that I was in something different. My greatest inspiration is my mother. She put fashion in my blood and it s all I ever wanted to do. I hope my children will follow me into the family business one day. 4 0 S T Y L I S T. c o. u k S T Y L I S T. c o. u k 4 1
Eva Cavalli The creative director of Roberto Cavalli lives in Florence with her husband Roberto. The Roberto Cavalli HQ is in Milan I am endlessly inspired by Florence. It s one of the only places in the world where I can find artisans who can make your every dream a reality, whether it is working with marble, wood or glass. We started a home collection recently and much of our inspiration comes from these artisans. I ve travelled the world, but they are unique. I feel proud when I m described as the secret weapon behind the Cavalli fashion empire. I ve learnt everything from Roberto. But then I was a very good pupil. Jacket, from 1,500, shirt, from 400, and trousers, from 1,000, all Roberto Cavalli (020-7823 1879); necklace, Eva s own; cushions, from 220, throw, 1,000, and chair, 3,190, all Roberto Cavalli (roberto cavalli.com) S T Y L I S T. c o. u k 4 3
RossElla Jardini The creative director of Moschino lives with her husband Piero and dog Charlie in Milan I promised to keep the Moschino brand alive after Franco s death in 1994 and doing so has been my biggest achievement. I started collaborating with him in 1983 [when Franco Moschino started the label]. He taught me everything I know. I m inspired by so many things. Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel will always inform my approach to design. I have a deeply classical take on fashion. I find the older women in Milan far more elegant than the younger generation. Jacket, 975, shirt, 445, and skirt, 510, all Moschino (020-7318 0555); glasses, jewellery, tights and shoes, Rossella s own 4 4 S T Y L I S T. c o. u k S T Y L I S T. c o. u k 4 5
Grazia Malagoli The creative director of Sportmax lives in Reggio Emilia with her husband Gabriele and 14-year-old daughter Greta The most pleasing aspect of my job is the research period. It s important to have a creative mind that is open to new ideas. By nature I m very inquisitive so I find ideas in a magazine or the countries I visit. I travel widely for pleasure and work. The great thing about working with a creative team is that my voice is mixed up with others. The combination can lead anywhere. I often stay in Milan during the week and eat out with colleagues on Via Montebello before travelling back to my home in Reggio Emilia at the weekend. Jacket, 490, top, 195, trousers, 205, and boots, 435, all Sportmax (020-7518 8010); necklace and ring, both Grazia s own 4 7 S T Y L I S T. c o. u k S T Y L I S T. c o. u k 4 7
AlbErta FErrEtti The creative director for Alberta Ferretti and vice president of Aeffe Group lives in Cattolica fashion director: alexandra fullerton photography: arved colvin-smith at cream photographic hair and make-up for carolina castiglioni: emma osbourne at naked artists Skirt, 2,046, and shoes, 605, both Alberta Ferretti (020-7235 2349); top, earrings and tights, all Alberta s own My inspiration over the years has changed. When I started out my muses were important women from history. These days, as much as I adore Madame Chanel, I walk the streets looking at women with real lives who have their own style. I learned so much from my mother who had a dressmaking workshop. She taught me to understand fabric. It has its own smell, its own personality. I love designing clothes, but my biggest thrill is choosing the fabric and seeing it on the mannequin. S T Y L I S T. c o. u k 4 9