A New Generation, our section focused on young Italian and foreign designers, continues talking about the power of creativity and the complex features of the fashion industry. We are going to have a close look at their works, shed a light on the difficulties of the business activities and an artist will lay herself bare in an interview by presenting her own collection, talking about her historical and cultural background in order to let us understand her perspective of the Italian fashion system.
Francesco Ballestrazzi
In 2010, Francesco Ballestrazzi, a Modena designer who comes from the background of contemporary dance and illustration, decided to commit himself to one of his passions: millinery. From that moment on he has created entirely handmade works of art whose characteristic is the dynamical creativity.
For his Fall/Winter collection 2012-13 he thought of the teatime: Alice in Wonderland, the elegant salons of the ‘50s, the delicious tea cakes.
How and when have you conceived your project?
My project has come to life about a year and a half ago when I decided to give shape to everything was crossing my mind, so I created my own hats line.
At the very beginning it was just a game, it was like giving full rein to my great passion but then I decided to turn it into a real occupation.
What are your creative and cultural references?
My first reference is nature with its perfect forms and lines. When I make a hat, I try to tell stories; that’s the reason why my collections always start from a tale.
What kind of difficulties you usually find running the business?
The first difficulty I usually run across is selling for the fact that my works, being so special, require such a personality to be worn, that kind of personality few people dare to show. The second difficulty is producing hats: they are completely handmade so making the exact copy of one of those hats is quite a hard work.
Where are your works distributed?
Just at the Dolce&Gabbana Spiga 2 boutique for the talented young people, in via della Spiga, Milan.
Now I’m negotiating with Luisa Via Roma, a very important boutique in Florence.
What do you think Italian fashion system needs the most?
It needs young and fresh creativity, it must dare, take some risks and get rid of old dictates.
Did you take part to fairs or win any prize?
I took part to A.I. Artisanal Intelligence fair in Rome on the occasion of Alta Roma.
Speak your mind.
I wish media and the experts would pay attention to the talented young people by properly supporting them in order to allow these emerging artists to grow up and become the future of the Italian fashion.
Translation credit: Chiara Ferrara
