Author Archive
A new look for Celeste
A few days after Sanremo, Massimo Poggini Max, when you read on my Facebook had noticed my appreciation to the song "Charles" and the performance of Celeste Gaia in Sanremo in the young, but some doubts about her look, he decided to entrust the direction creative and styling a photo shoot (shot by Paolo Santambrogio) entirely dedicated to the young, but promising Celeste. The proposal has excited me from the beginning.
Here are the photos of the service! CLICK HERE
This is an interview I did on the set Max
This behind the scenes of the photoshoot
Celeste and I on the set
"XCept You" - Enrico Coveri Video ADV SS 2012 official soundtrack
Here is the new video campaign Enrico Coveri for which I treated as a writer and performer on the soundtrack. The song is titled "XCept You" - The production of Mark Bastianon & Stefano Tirone. The video clip was directed by Paolo Santambrogio.
"Just Like A Woman" (Bob Dylan) covered by Paola Iezzi for Alice's Birthday!
It is said that this song is written by Bob Dylan stat for Edie Sedgwick, with whom it seems that the American singer-songwriter has had a passionate and intense love story. This is one of the favorite parts of my friend Alice, so I decided to reinterpret this song and regalarglielo for his birthday. Thanks Mark Spring, who arranged and played the piece.
Au jour le jour
"Au jour le jour" was founded in 2010 by the creative talent of its two designers, Mirko Fontana and Diego Marquez. They are, in my opinion, one of the most interesting independent Italian youth proposed in recent times. This is why I support them. I chose this outfit from their showroom and I made these shots 
If you want to see their collection here is the link to their site:
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pH. paul santambrogio
My version of "Crazy" (Willie Nelson) to the soundtrack of the short fashion "The Others Me"
Hello everyone, I wanted particularly to draw your attention to this beautiful project, published by the site of Vogue Italy. A short film, fashion, surreal, metaphorical and decidedly noir, directed by Paolo Santambrogio.
On the closing credits, part of this fun version of "revised", latin-style in the '60s, the song "Crazy" by Willie Nelson made famous by singer Patsy Cline. This gentle and humorous review is the work of Michael Monestiroli and is played by me in "language" Spanglish.
I hope you enjoy it as much as it pleased me to have taken part in the construction of this beautiful project, which is also co-producer. Proudly!
This is the link to see the short and her backstage, on the site of Vogue Italy:
http://www.vogue.it/talents/talenti-sul-set/2011/12/the-others-me
Marpessa, the nymph abducted by fashion
Marpessa was the name of a nymph abducted by a warrior named Idas. The god Apollo fell in love with her and if the disputes with Idas. This "brawl" Zeus forced to intervene and ask Marpessa to choose between the two. Marpessa, fearing the fickleness of the beautiful god Apollo, he opted for Idas. Its name is taken from the greek word "marpto" - kidnap and thus means "the abducted"
Then the Boiardo drew inspiration for the name of "Marfisa", a pagan warrior who appears in "The Love Orlando" and "Orlando Furioso"
And the nymph Marpessa Hennik, Dutch model immortalized by early campaign for Dolce & Gabbana in the shots of Ferdinando Scianna, probably has the same charming, irresistible beauty, fashion and so it was that kidnapped her. 
Women from the physical as thin as a reed, the perfect breasts and the face of an atypical beauty associated with a little cliché, with amber skin and eyes the color of the desert and a vaguely intellectual, represented both the androgynous woman, when wearing vests, pants and cap, and both the woman from the South, the Sicilian woman, so mysterious and sexy, skinny dresses in blacks punished or voluptuously transparent, always with his magnetic face, like a "gypsy".
Marpessa has passed through the cutting edge of fashion, one of the top models, one of the great Italian fashion of the 90s and top designers. What still makes a lot of nostalgia in those who lived it. Today Marpy, as friends call him, lives in Amsterdam and Ibiza (worshiping place), with her child, is still dealing with fashion and has still maintained many friendships in this environment.
I have known long ago by the photographer Mario Gomez, a dear mutual friend. Marpessa addition to having maintained a natural beauty and charm intact, is a person of unusual simplicity and sincerity, I would say unique.
I remember a few years ago that I would share with you. It must have been 2006 and I was in my city, in Milan during fashion week. I was sitting while waiting for the parade started by Francesco Scognamiglio. The people he was just sit down and there was quite a ferment, when it came in the room to sit Marpessa, the photographers who take and take care of all the outputs of the parade began to scream and howl calling "The Marpessa" to be photographed. For five minutes I seemed to be at a rock concert. And she with her usual humble attitude and a bit 'timid smiled, was given a little' to his "fans" and then he settled down to enjoy the parade. This scene impressed me so far and for a moment I "lived" a small fragment of what must have been the parades of those years. Enthusiasm, sincerity, love, devotion and creative capacity that still not too crushed by the business and the speed morbid and neurotic of today, to allow artists, designers, models and photographers to emerge in the most exuberant possible creating icons immortal and incorruptible image of the time.
Marpessa, I met him again recently at a fashion show, and was then sent for his column for the fashion magazine "Friend", was granted an interview for my blog and I'm happy to share this wonderful "chat" all of you.
Marpessa and I
Hello Marpessa, tell us your name. And very beautiful and unique?
My parents have called Marpessa in honor of the actress Marpessa Dawn who was the protagonist of the film "Black Orpheus" by Marcel Camus, a masterpiece won an Oscar in '59, and that tells the classic Orpheus and Eurydice, staged during the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. For years we thought it was a Brazilian name but then I discovered that Marpessa was a figure of Greek mythology, as you wrote in your introduction. It was not an easy name to bear when she was little but I think it gave me character and determination .... Then in Italy is sometimes mistaken for Malpensa!
Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? Your parents? And how did you decide to pursue a modeling career. How did it go?
I was born in Amsterdam by a Dutch mother and a father bi-racial, having a Dutch mother and a father of Suriname, Dutch colony at the time and country that Italy is best known for being home to players like Clarence Seedorf, Kluivert and Gullit. His mother was a housewife very creative in the kitchen mixing with the more exotic flavors and basic Dutch in the way of things to dress "vintage" of the markets and made clothes from her, even teaching me to sew. My father was fashion designers, DJs, visual designer and now writer. So I lived in a creative environment, and since childhood I had a great interest in fashion, design, cuisine and music. The foreign fashion magazines that were scattered around the house when I was little doubt helped awaken in me the desire of becoming a model, looking at photos of Pat Cleveland and Janice Dickinson had a reference in the Netherlands was not very common at the time!
At 16, a scout suggested I go to an agency and began working almost immediately, leaving the high school where I was distracted and fannullona. After six months was the High Priestess agent Eileen Ford in Amsterdam to find new faces, but when I saw advised me to make a presentation to the eye, for the teeth and for protruding ears. Offesissima and already a little overbearing, this verdict led me to show her that I would be able to have a career despite these defects, and since not much considered the level of fashion (then) I went to Amsterdam to Milan, accompanied by my father, that having lived in Italy wanted to make sure I was not prey to some trap playboy-assed. At the first appointment by the agency already Beatrice wanted to escape the room where we waited was papered with covers of Jerry Hall, Janice Dickinson etc. and I thought of not being up: luckily a booker took my book before I could walk away and the lady Beatrice in person and immediately came to tell me that she would be happy to represent me. I was so happy and relieved that I'm not even gone to other agencies.
Marpessa in a pictorial artist Ivo Bisignano for the magazine "Friend"
As a model you were born and exploded during perhaps the brightest absolute fashion. In this exciting period in the late '80s and early '90s, which were born the TOP, icons of fashion, beauty and a certain degree of perfection was considered almost absolute. Goddesses of Olympus. Tell us a little 'this time? How was the sets, the shows as they were ...? And the designers?
Well, I think I had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time. And I think that my "success" was just due to not owning a perfect beauty, but looks a little vague, exotic, bold ... Anyway it was a dream come true, working with my heroes such as Versace, Alaia, Lagerfeld , Gian Paolo Barbieri, Helmut Newton, etc.., next to my idol Pat, Janice, Dalma! And being part of the creative process, for both photo and runway shows, traveling, meeting many extraordinary people, for me is equivalent to a university degree! A unique privilege! But I've come a long apprenticeship before you "get to Olympus"!
The images of young Scianna immortalize you in your extraordinary beauty, in the earliest campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana are unforgettable. What did you feel at that moment? You realized that you were helping to write an important part of fashion history and costume, or you lived lightly every day enjoying what was happening to you?
But no! The boys at the time had a small budget, it was just them, the photographer Ferdinando Scianna, who was a photojournalist agency Magnum, which he had never done before and not even fashion photography and the stylist had an assistant who helped me as well with hair. I truccai alone in the car and we went to Sicily prestataci's brother Dominic Scianna and shot me in the most surreal in his Sicily that I did not know .... When I saw the first catalog rimasianche some 'bad because I had dark circles in all the photos and I wanted to be perfect! But in the end those images have been crucial to accept my "flaws" and to propose another type of beauty.
What exactly is your idea of beauty and that of happiness?
The harmony of the remaining defects and made to feel curious.
What country or city you love most?
The Beautiful Country and Paris
Have you ever thought about becoming an entrepreneur too, or stylist or photographer, as they have done or tried to do some of your colleagues celebrate?
But they are .... my way. When I stopped being a model I needed to get some 'distance from the fashion spotlight, make the situation on my life and I wanted to "start a family." What then happened is that now when I was 40 years old, in the meantime I have made studies of restoration, I am dedicated to my passion for interior design, photography ... and I still have lots of ideas to realize!
What is the greatest figure of reference and a photo shoot. The one with the best as dialogues and that inspires you the most?
Obviously with the photographer and the stylist even though in my time the whole team was required to achieve a good result. I think that today with digital photography is more difficult to create a certain atmosphere and keep the concentration as every three shots all look at the computer screen to see the light, posing, makeup, hair ...
Now how is your life? I know you have a beautiful daughter that you love very much and live a little 'in Holland and a bit' in Ibiza, right?
We live in Ibiza and how the child entered primary school. Ibiza is a fantastic place to raise children, for freedom, tolerance, the nature of learning and growing a minimum of three languages.
Last year I turned my house into a furniture showroom, where customers call to be inspired. Rent this place for fashion and advertising productions as there is also a loft that is used as a photographic studio and sometimes even for yoga workshops when the weather is beautiful.
You, that today you are immortal icon, what you thought yesterday and today what the craft of modeling?
Well, surely you mean as a compliment and I thank Paola but I think I'm immortal icon! I think the big difference between yesterday and today is that yesterday before he became "Top" were working for several years, gaining experience and learning to use your body, face, moving around and being able to "take the light." And a career could last 15 years or more, but it took a lot of discipline, availability, endurance, energy, know how to live in solitude and the ability to collect waste, and make sacrifices. It is more difficult now because so many girls want to become top-model now, I think also due to the many reality TV show a reality from fiction! And it happens that a stranger after two seasons is "Top" but after a few years can be put aside ... those are a few that stand out and last time ...
There are still many controversies that accompany the fashion world and relevant for the anorexia. Vogue Italy has recently proposed a great number of models dedicated to the "curvy". What do you think, you who still six very thin and fit, the spectral thinness is often proposed on the catwalk?
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are mental illnesses that lead to serious eating disorders and, unfortunately, are often confused with a natural thinness. I fought against my thin since the age of 12 years, trying to gain weight, eating like a trucker, but I had and I still greatly accelerated metabolism; is genetic!. But having done a lot of sport in childhood and adolescence, however, had a toned body and my breasts grew a little when they started taking the pill and then, while wearing a 38/40 I had the mini-curves. In fact, my mom said that I was not skinny, but thin! Obviously I have used a lot when I became a model, mainly because the picture tends to "give a few extra pounds" why it is necessary to bring a 40. Now it is true that for years we have seen skinny girls that I have never liked, but mainly because it did not look healthy, they had a bit of muscle, it seemed that they never ride a bike or skates! And do not forget that during the season of fashion week, including New York, London, Milan and Paris, also make the top 50 shows, more fitting, more tests and not always possible to eat well. In little more than you sleep! Perfect recipe for you to lose those five pounds, which, in my case, are sufficient to make me look anorexic! So it's not always easy to distinguish the natural thinness and a bit 'momentary stress, due to the kind of life we lead, by a real disease that is detected and treated in appropriate medical facilities.
What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career as a model and aspiring to become like you one day?
First of all, do not be fooled by "agencies" and "scout" that promise you a modeling career if you sign up for some courses for a model, and / or asking (sometimes many) money to take pictures for the portfolio. All agencies and renowned series, usually do not need more than a few photos from the natural level, some shots of the whole costume like the photos you are on vacation ... The truth then is that often the girls who have become top were "found" perhaps out of school, or on the street while they were shopping or out with friends. If then the agency he works for the scout sees a chance for the working girl is the same agency to organize the photo shoots anticipating expenses, which are then charged to the model once then she started to work.
Then as I said before, it takes much discipline, ambition, willingness, energy, ability to make sacrifices and be able to live alone. Unfortunately there are few Italian girls who have made a career at the top as Maria Carla Boscono, Bianca Balti and Monica Bellucci, because too often they can not stay away from family or from jealous boyfriend!
Father & Son - Interview with Franco and Daniele Bolelli
Some time ago I was in the motorway, the day after a concert ... as usual I made a walk on the books, records, etc.. Among the various publications, stood a big book with many blank pages and a cool title: ALL ALIVE! Lorenzo Cherubini and Franco Bolelli. Despite the size, the book was very light, as if the pages of the paper was made of a sort of antimatter. Inspired me. I did not know that Lawrence had written a new book. Bought.
I admit, are very slow to read. Even if I like a lot, must pass before a certain number of pages before they are fully involved ... and then, if a book I like, I do not say enough wonderful. In short, a tragedy ..
I started reading "Viva Everything! "And I immediately loved. Viscerally. We have also made relatively little to read it. I was in a very special moment of my life, and often it was as if the book spoke to me, motivated me, I spronasse. It made me feel good and I thought it would make me think in different ways, on issues that are very close to the heart (human existence, the future, the present, love, spirituality, music, travel, l ' universe, technology, internet, God) but from different angles and perspectives often new and sometimes unusual. And then I loved the facility, the construction, which is based on the idea that.
Yes, because, basically, the book is thought-as a correspondence (by mail) between Lorenzo Jovanotti and Franco Bolelli (writer, philosopher and thinker of modern), which questions are asked each other, they pose questions, thoughts, exchange opinions, points of view that are sometimes close, sometimes far away.
I love the book, advising him to almost everyone. I did have my most sincere congratulations to Lorenzo (an artist and a musician whom I respect from the depths of the heart) and then, one day, I contacted facebook Franco Bolelli, to get them to him. Franco, told me very nicely.
In "Viva Everything!", Both Franco and Lorenzo, often cite Daniele Bolelli (the son of Franco) that is "pulled in the middle" in the reflections that mainly concern the martial arts, Zen and religions. Daniel, despite his young age, taught at universities in California his "History of Religions."
In other words, through facebook, I have known both Franco and Daniel. Two special people, both, certainly out of the ordinary. Brilliant both. We wrote several times and promised to see us early to know, personally. Then, days ago, I sent them this interview for my blog, I wrote one morning at 5 all in one go. I wanted to respond to an interview room without influencing one another on questions that often afflict me ... I thought that two people of culture and intellectual vigor as Franco and Daniel, a father and a son, would certainly have given me interesting answers on which to reflect. So it was.
The audience here, in an interview that I just called "Father & Son".
What do you think of happiness? Exists or not, is a mirage human?
FB exists, and how if it exists! There are many daily acts and exists as a vital boost as strong relationship with the world and with life, which is stronger than even the dramas, problems, weaknesses, moments of withdrawal and sadness and fragility. I think we can be much happier if we do not seek other purpose in life than life itself, unless we protect ourselves from life.
DB the same way as the health of the disease is no less objective, happiness is tangible and real as abysmal depression and sadness. But we're not talking about a dimension untouchable once reached never abandons us. It speaks of an attitude toward life that does not change its orientation despite moments of tragedy and pain. One of my idols, Ikkyu (monaco a Buddhist whose main interests were the Zen, sex and sake '), speaks of "joy in the midst of despair." The life and 'tough-there's no' doubt. And every day we run into the forces that will do anything to give us reason to get depressed. Recognize the despair that this ruin your desire to laugh ... and this for me 'the door of happiness'. 
What is biodiversity?
FB And 'the absolute, unconditional, infinite multiplicity and variety of life, which is expressed in thousands of shapes, movements of organisms. And 'the principle that all living things generate more and more living things.
DB How would I know? You took me for a smart? 
Do you think men are going towards an evolution "good"? Or that we are destined to self-destruction? In any case, why?
FB Evolution is just evolving. As it evolves is good, but evolution is not just good or virtuous: evolution - both from a global point of view as from that of our unique existence - is also a risk. On the other hand, when ever there was a single human experience that is exciting that so risky?
DB Both. It 'true that humanity is flirting with self-destruction. The amount of poisons we put into the atmosphere, sometimes without even realizing it is objectively disturbing. The idiocy of religious fundamentalism and a monstrous greed are two twin forces that lead us every day closer to the abyss. Depressing? Yes, but at the same time, many things have improved for the better. Today there is less racism and more openness in much of the world than there are dreamed of for centuries. There is a growing number of people who slams to invent new solutions less harmful to humans and the planet. The signs are as powerful as positive and negative. The race is pulled but is far from decided.
What do you like most about the human dimension? You could call yourself a philanthropist or not? How would you define yourself?
FB I'm attracted by humans, the singular lives, the stories of humans. Attracted me in particular is that humanity rushes forward, trying to give birth to something that was not there before, shifting borders, which broadens horizons, which nourishes the energies of those around him.
I do not call, ever. It 's not a question that I pose. We just are.
DB Argh ... I call ... "disturbingly beautiful". Ok, sorry, I stop the bullshit. I keep a little bit what I said above. Maybe it's my addiction to answers yin-yang, but I think I'm deeply misanthropic philanthropist and at the same time. The power of human stupidity is undeniable. Never lost a bet on you and why 'everywhere. So in a sense, a good part of humanity seems to me a painful mediocrity (this is what happens if you read the Tao Te Ching and Nietzsche too was a child). But at the same time, there are also many humans with courage, creativity and heart-warming heat (nice alliteration, eh?). I love animals, but that 'I like best is that of humans more than any other animal we have a wide field of choice. Some use it badly and others well, but have wider possibilities is never a thing to give up.
When you think humanity think before the individual or to society? Why?
FB I passionate about the possibility of a self who shares outstanding and exceptional coevolves with many other selves. I am passionate about the ego that expands along with other egos.
DB Frankly, I think that there is not much. I understand that the answer is not exactly enlightening, so I try to do better. Thinking too much only to the individual is to lose sight of the global spend too much time admiring his belly button - which is rarely a good thing. Thinking too much to the community means taking too much time on things that you can have a minimal impact and therefore can be paralyzing. A healthy middle ground seems to me the penalty.
What do you think of the family?
FB I think that a woman and a man should live their relationship as a large company, and they need a big business raising a child. If the family is this thing here, is the most essential. Otherwise not.
DB Do you mean "family" in the sense of the Godfather or in another way?
If I make birthday gifts, I like. If not, Fuck them.
Compared to the religion which position you take? Believe in God? Are you an atheist? Agnostic? How would you practice your "faith position"?
FB are extremely pragmatic, I tend to commit to two hundred percent in everything I do and I can solve, and not to deal with issues that in any case I could not solve. I think overwhelmingly the biological potency, the great current of life.
DB Agnostic with an asterisk. That is, I live at the same time moments when it seems to me that there is no sense or logic in the universe and others where it seems obvious the exact opposite. My feelings about and experiences are equally powerful so I'd be lying if I decide to simply ignore one type for another. Clearly, however, if by "God" we mean an old man in the sky with a white beard and rewards good and punishes the bad ... I did not believe in Santa Claus even as a child.
Do you think that there is reincarnation?
FB Until recently settled the matter with a joke tenderly contemptuously. But I have a wife who believes in reincarnation, and I would go with her many other lives. So I continue to smile, but I think that would be fun.
DB Boh! And if there - something very possible - what does this mean? Without our body, nor remember, what is left of us? What is it this "soul" that reincarnates? Reincarnation creates more questions than answers. Which is not to say that there is, but it is difficult even to conceive. However, by nature, "believing" I do not like. Or the things I know from experience or are not part of my knowledge, in which case "believe" means very little. Credere o non credere sono passatempi a mio personalissimo giudizio che lasciano il tempo che trovano. O sai per esperienza o non sai. Tutto il resto sono chiacchiere.
Credi che l'idea di Dio aiuti le persone a stare meglio, oppure le distragga solo dal dolore?
FB Dovremmo chiederlo a loro. Non ho una posizione ideologica, in merito: tutto quello che aiuta una persona a star bene mi piace anche se posso non condividerlo. Temo che per moltissimi Dio sia soltanto una consolazione.
DB Temo che comincerai a notare un ritornello nelle mie risposte visto che ti dico “entrambe le cose”. Di sicuro aiuta molti a stare meglio, ma anche credere a Babbo Natale lo fa. Ma alla fine l'unica cosa che conta sono i risultati. Se il tuo credere (o non credere) in Dio ti rende una persona piu' gioiosa e piacevole, allora mi piace. E se no, no.
Ti chiedo di raccontarmi un'immagine . La prima che ti viene in mente.
FB Il giorno in cui su Skype, neanche un'ora dopo che era nata, mi è apparso mio figlio tenendo in braccio la sua bimba, e io in un vero flash rivelatorio ho rivisto me a ventitré anni con in braccio lui appena nato.
DB Una bellissima immagine che ho visto di recente ritrae una splendida donna (tale Paola Iezzi… la conosci?) che tiene vicino alla testa una copia di un mio libro. Posso commuovermi in diretta?
Cos'è la bellezza per te. Raccontala come preferisci.
FB Non ho un'idea estetica della bellezza. Mi appassionano le facce, i gesti, i sorrisi, i movimenti dei corpi. Mi appassionano tutte le manifestazioni vitali fatte di slanci. Su un orizzonte più globale, trovo splendidi quegli esseri umani che abbracciano spinte così molteplici da apparire contraddittorie e che riescono a trasformarle in inestricabile armonia.
DB Vedi risposta sopra… ok, la smetto di adularti. La bellezza è la risata della mia bimba (che ha appena compiuto due anni e si è svegliata dicendo “Birthday… Party… Iz… Cake”) La bellezza è qualunque cosa crei felicità.
Infine vorrei sapere la “tua” canzone. Solo una.
FB Una?! Una ?!?! E' una tortura! In questo momento, ti direi “Everything In Its Right Place”, Radiohead. Ci sento dentro in forma di suono tutte le tue domande e le mie risposte e quelle di Daniele, e anche le mie domande e le tue risposte e le sue.
DB Solo una?!?!?!?!??!?!?! Argh… mi fai del male. Ce ne sono veramente tante… Ok, mentre scrivo la mia bimba ha interrotto la fila di scuse che mi ero preparato e ha scelto per me. Ha fatto partire sullo stereo “Is This Love” di Bob Marley e si e' messa a ballare. E chi sono io per non adottare la sua risposta?
FRANCO BOLELLI
Franco Bolelli e nato a Milano nel 1950, è uno dei più influenti filosofi moderni italiani. Si occupa di innovazione, nuovi modelli mentali, sentimentali, comunicativi, progettuali, vitali. Molti libri, in particolare Viva Tutto! con Lorenzo Jovanotti Cherubini, e prima “Cartesio non balla” e “Con il cuore e con le palle”.
DANIELE BOLELLI
Daniele Bolelli è nato a Milano nel 1974 da una famiglia di scrittori. Ha pubblicato diversi libri tra i quali il suo primo personale, “La tenera età del guerriero”, quando aveva solo 22 anni. Attualmente vive a Los Angeles, dove è professore, artista marziale e scrittore. Insegna le religioni del mondo, la storia delll'antica Roma, storia e filosofia delle arti marziali, oltre a tenere numerosi corsi sul rapporto tra cinema e storia. Forse più peculiare del suo repertorio è lo stile delle lezioni di Bolelli, che combina la complessità dei temi affrontati con molta ironia e “gergo da strada”, per questo è stato definito “mezzo comico e mezzo 'maestro zen'. Questo particolare mix di stili lo ha reso molto popolare fra gli studenti. Daniele Bolelli ha appena pubblicato il suo nuovo libro dal titolo “ iGod – Istruzioni per l'uso di una religione fai da te”.
My 5 must-have for summer 2011
Papillon Cor Sine Labe Doli – Shirt with ruches Francesco Scognamiglio
Sombrero Prada
Sunglasses Mercura NYC
T-Shirt with golden chains Unesthète
Cloche “Marlene Gold” by Super Duper Hats – Blouse Burberry
Photography Paolo Santambrogio
Intervista con Alice Gentilucci
ph. Helmut Newton
Ho conosciuto Alice per la prima volta a casa di un amico comune. Ma ci presentarono e basta. La incontrai nuovamente in occasione del compleanno di questo amico comune, lo stilista americano Lawrence Steele. Stavolta chiacchierammo sedute ad un tavolo in mezzo al giardino di questa grande casa a Milano. La conoscevo di nome, sapevo che era fashion editor per Vogue Italia da parecchi anni. Quando iniziammo a parlare ricordo che restai molto colpita da lei. Era molto lontana dal clichè che vuole la “gente della moda” spesso un pò “poseur”, un pò stravagante, sempre con quell'aria velata e un pò aliena, distratta e un pò snob.
Alice non aveva nulla di tutto questo. Sarà per quell'aspetto da eterna ragazzina che mi fece subito simpatia. Ricordo che la cosa che più mi colpì di lei fu la sua curiosità e la sua allegria. E' spesso sorridente, ma il suo sorriso non è stereotipato, è un sorriso divertito, curioso, reale. E' una donna adulta, ed è anche mamma, ma il suo sguardo comunica uno stupore che appartiene più a quello di una bambina. Una di quelle bambine “furbette”, intelligenti. Diverse dalle bambine comuni. Di quelle che capiscono tutto al volo. Un pò un giamburrasca in gonnella!… Contribuisce a donarle quell'aria, anche la spruzzata di lentiggini che ha sul naso all'insù e sul viso sempre acqua e sapone con gli occhi grandi e scuri. Snella. Bella e con una grazia niente affatto scontata.
ph. Ellen Von Unwerth
Non ho incontrato molte persone come lei e per quanto mi riguarda Alice mi piacque subito. Prima di conoscerla sapevo che aveva lavorato con Newton (uno dei miei fotografi preferiti di sempre), e questo, dopo averla conosciuta, non faceva che accrescere la mia curiosità nei suoi confronti.
Il giorno dopo inserii il suo nome su google e mi apparve il suo sito… rimasi di sasso. Conoscevo alcuni suoi lavori e sapevo alcune cose su di lei, ma di colpo scopri che una marea di quelle famose fotografie che sono archiviate nella mia testa e che nel corso degli anni sono diventate ricordi indelebili per me, l'avevano vista protagonista come fashion editor.
Scatti immortali di Newton, della Von Unwerth, di Lindbergh, di Roversi, Sorrenti, scatti indimenticabili con Linda, Christy, Claudia, Naomi, Milla, Kate, Eva, Karen, Shalom, Mariacarla. Questa piccola scoperta unita alla personalità che conobbi di Alice la sera prima, fece di lei, ai miei occhi, un “super eroe”. Una come lei, se aderisse ai canoni di un mondo di plastica come il nostro, dovrebbe camminare a tre metri dal pavimento e parlare con quell'aria di chi è diverso e migliore di te. Invece Alice, è questo il suo segreto secondo me, mantiene la curiosità per tutto ciò che la circonda e si meraviglia e stupisce ancora di fronte alla bellezza. Indaga e cerca di capire. Ha un talento innato e tangibile. È animata dalla passione e dall'entusiasmo per la vita e per l'arte, ma in lei, sorprendentemente, leggi anche il tormento. E questo la rende così… speciale! “Alle persone come Alice bisogna fare un sacco di domande… per imparare”, mi sono detta… Per questo motivo ho deciso di intervistarla per il mio blog e lei è stata così carina da accettare!
Alice Gentilucci
Il tuo è un lavoro particolare. Non tutti sanno bene di cosa si tratti. Non è così automatico decidere di farlo. Dove sei nata? Che studi hai fatto? Che lavoro facevano i tuoi genitori e dunque, come sei arrivata a fare quello che fai?
Sono nata a Milano, ho frequentato il liceo artistico e poi Grafica Pubblicitaria per tre anni……….. ho cominciato a lavorare a 20 anni come assistente stylist per caso, ma la moda e l'immagine mi aveva da sempre affascinato……. mio padre mi avrebbe voluto avvocato, come lui!
Qual è il tuo primissimo ricordo infantile o di ragazzina importante legato alla moda o dell'immagine?
Mia madre era una donna bellissima e molto curata, sembrava un'attrice del cinema neorealista Italiano anni '60…………. io da bambina facevo dei disegni di abiti e le chiedevo se li avrebbe indossati…
Qual è la prima cosa che ti colpisce di uno scatto fotografico?
La bellezza femminile.
Cos'è la bellezza per Alice Gentilucci?
La bellezza e' emozione estetica………..
Qual è il tuo ideale di “femminile” ? Che genere di donna è la tua?
Ho un ideale preciso, che e' legato al cinema, mi piacciono le donne degli anni '60….. la morbidezza dei corpi, la grazia e la forza, l'ironia e l'eleganza di quei tempi, Monica Vitti, la Cardinale, Silvana Mangano. Sofia Loren……..anche Anna Magnani con i suoi difetti che trovo molto sensuali…….. Ultimamente sono affascinata dalla bellezza orientale, i film di Ang Lee e Wong Kar Wai, hanno un'estetica travolgente.
Per te esistono canoni assoluti di bellezza o la bellezza è un concetto che si trasforma di volta in volta. Ci sono degli aspetti della bellezza che restano costanti oppure no secondo te?
La bellezza, nel mio lavoro e' trasformazione anche se ci sono dei riferimenti che mi piace tenere costanti………….. i tacchi alti, mani e piedi curate, capelli e trucco impeccabili!
Chiaro che dipende dalla storia che voglio trasmettere ma personalmente vorrei che le pagine profumassero.
La donna dei tuoi sogni corrisponde anche nella realtà o realtà e ideale sono dimensioni totalmente distanti
La donna dei miei sogni e' troppo estetica……….
Mi racconti com'è stato essere sul set di Newton per la prima volta? Eri molto giovane se non sbaglio.. nervosa? Com'era lui sul set?
La possibilita' di lavorare con un genio come HN e' stato per me un grande regalo, la prima volta mi chiese di mandargli tutti i capi fotografati in polaroid ed indossati….costrinsi la mia assistente a prestarsi come modella, guepierre, guanti in lattice, plastiche trasparenti ecc………..ci siamo divertite un mondo………….ando' benissimo sul set..io ero giovane e quindi curiosa e presi la cosa con entusiasmo fino a perderci il sonno.
Lui era esigentissimo ma fortunatamente con un gran senso dell' umorismo, ho imparato molte cose lavorando con Newton!
Cosa ami di più del tuo lavoro?
La possibilita' di fare cose nuove, intellettualmente e fisicamente.
C'è qualcosa che invece detesti?
Le lunghe attese. A volte arrivo in studio alle 7.30 e la modella e' pronta alle 14.00.
Per lavoro hai viaggiato molto. Qual è la città più stimolante dove ami sempre tornare? Why?
Non ho una citta' preferita, diciamo che sono piu' serena quando lavoro in Europa, Parigi e Londra sono citta' perfette anche per le location. Se Los Angeles non fosse cosi' lontana per la qualita' della luce e la temperatura forse la metterei al terzo posto.
Qual è il fotografo con il quale hai lavorato che racchiude insieme talento, intelligenza, estro, simpatia e personalità?
Come stylist non posso sceglierne uno solo…..Sono stata molto fortunata ho sempre lavorato con grandi personalità.
Io e Alice ad un festa
Mi racconti un episodio astruso o divertente vissuto su un set?
Mi ricordo un servizio con Ellen Von Unwerth era per l'alta moda e da una scogliera siamo scesi fino in spiaggia in un sentiero pericolosissimo e con tutto il materiale, abiti Couture compresi…. ho pensato di morire, avevo 12 cm di tacco!
Un'altra volta con Mark Borthwick abbiamo attraversato l'America in un Camper…… siamo stati via per 2 settimane…… con Stella Tennant, Carolyn Murphy e Chandra North …… guidando una notte nel deserto abbiamo visto una cosa luminosa e sconosciuta in cielo……….. forse un UFO!
Cosa preferisci fare? Editoriali di moda, campagne, advertising, sfilate o lavorare con i personaggi?
Non ho preferenze, mi piace tutto quello che e' creativo.
C'è qualcosa che non hai ancora fatto ma che ti piacerebbe fare sia legato al tuo ambito che anche no?
Mi piace scrivere…….
Hai un grande rimpianto oppure sei felice di ogni tua scelta fatta fino ad ora?
Non ho rimpianti, ma dopo il mio secondo figlio non ho volato per 2 anni ed ho perso occasioni importanti! Viaggiavo solo con treni!
Se chiudi gli occhi e ci pensi, cosa ti fa commuovere? La prima immagine o ricordo… cosa ti viene in mente?
Mi commuovo facilmente………a volte quando tutti ridono al cinema .io piango………mio figlio lo racconta sempre.
Cosa consigli ai giovani che vogliono intraprendere la tua carriera oggi?
Visto come vanno le cose ci vorrebbe una domanda di riserva………………..comunque…….
Assistere una stylist free lance o entrare in una redazione.
Fare molta ricerca, osservare le persone ed informarsi.
Pensare a delle piccole storie da trasmettere nelle immagini.
Documentarsi su sfilate, personaggi e vecchi libri di fotografia ed arte e blog.
Ascoltare musica, leggere libri e andare al cinema.
Aver la passione dei viaggi.
Non chiedersi dove sarai diretto domani!
Ecco alcune delle mie foto preferite di Alice, se volete vederne tantissime altre visitate il suo sito www.alicegentilucci.com
Yvo Bisignano for Prada
Prada has introduced a new collection of sunglasses limited edition, only 500 pieces, called Minimal Baroque. Three artists chosen by Prada to make some illustrations inspired precisely the Minimal Baroque. Here are the beautiful Yvo Bisignano!
This is the site of Yvo: http://yvobisignano.blogspot.com/
This is my previous post on one of his shows: http://www.paolaiezzi.com/2009/12/les-femmes-di-yvo-bisignano/
Yvo Bisignano portrait by Paolo Santambrogio
"Obstinate and Antonyms" back in January 2011 to Elf Theatre - Milano
It 's official a few weeks, the show "stubborn and Antonyms" organized by the NGO "La Stravaganza, directed by Sebastian Filocamo, back again to the theater!
Needless to say that I'm very happy and excited by this news and can not wait to revisit and embrace all the wonderful people with whom I share this special project.
The show will be staged from Tuesday 13 to Sunday, January 16, until Saturday at 20:30 and Sunday at 15:30 at the Hall of the Shakespeare Theatre Elf-Puccini in Milan, one of the most prestigious theaters in the city.
I post here an extract of my participation in the show last year and the official trailer and I suggest some links about the project, where you can see all the other excerpts of the show and get more info on the association and also progetto.Vi Linko The previous post in my blog about it.
I hope to see you all at the theater, I'll wait!
Paola
Elf-Puccini Theatre (for info and reservations)
"Obstinate and Antonyms" Facebook (the official page of the show)
La Stravaganza You Tube (the official channel of the association)
Previous posts on my blog about the show
Golden Circus - Soundtrack "For Today I'm a Boy" by Antony & The Johnsons played by Paola Iezzi
CLICK HERE AND SEE ALL THE PICTURES
Le fotografie sono di Paolo Santambrogio;
The portraits were made Sardengna in Sulcis.
Ignorance
"Endorse ignorance contributes to lowering the average level of taste and quality of life and makes the company sink more and more completely forgotten. Confrontarsi con chi ne sa più di noi, ci aiuta ad avere una visione più ampia e globale. This means to preclude close comparison to themselves and society from which we came, to progress and evolve into something better.
Defending, then spreading ignorance is the worst thing an enlightened society and an individual, you say that's more sensitive and enlightened, they can do, especially if this defense is hypocritical made for personal gain to boost their egos. "
Paola Iezzi
Flamboyant Editorial – Il video di backstage con la mia personale versione di “Anarchy in the UK” come colonna sonora
Soundtrack “Anarchy in the UK”, special acoustic version coinceved, produced and singed by Paola Iezzi, music by Picoduet .The official backstage of the Flamboyant Magazine editorial, “Long Live the Queen”. The Flamboyants, Paola Iezzi and the photographer Paolo Santambrogio pay homage to the Dame Vivienne Westwood. Make-up Adrian Alvarado, hair Masha Brigatti. All clothes and accessories by Vivienne Westwood Gold Label, Red Label, Anglomania and archive. Special thanks to Claudia Tavello and to 117 Studios Milano.
“Ostinati e Contrari” – Trailer ufficiale dello spettacolo teatrale
Il trailer ufficiale dello spettacolo di “Ostinati e Contrari”, lo spettacolo a cui ho avuto modo di partecipare nei mesi scorsi e che tutti speriamo possa essere presto nuovamente in scena!
Realizzazione video Paolo Santambrogio, montaggio Chiara Tognoli.
