During a time full of cultural stimuli and major change, there were figures who inspired my work and influenced my path. One of the most extraordinary mentors was Diana Vreeland, who had a keen eye for talent and a love for the arts. She saw potential in us, referring to us as “the Boys,” and would come to Rome to attend our shows. Through Consuelo Crespi, who worked for Vogue at the time, we were introduced to a world of high fashion and glamour.
Rome in those years was a hub for incredible couture names, such as Patrick De Barentzen, Roberto Capucci, and Simonetta Fabiani. Consuelo played a significant role in connecting us with these designers and influential figures like Jackie Kennedy, who became a brand ambassador for Valentino after wearing one of their dresses. Every season, we traveled to New York to showcase our collections, always maintaining a sense of humility and a willingness to learn.
Diana Vreeland exposed us to the new American culture of that era, taking us to see groundbreaking musicals like Hair. Through her, we met iconic figures such as Babe Paley and Truman Capote’s Swans, who became loyal clients. Babe Paley, in particular, stood out as the epitome of beauty and elegance. Her apartment on Fifth Avenue, adorned with a Picasso masterpiece, exuded pure style with a capital S.
Our love for beauty, style, and glamour extended beyond the fashion world into our personal lives. Even when we were young and had limited funds, we prioritized creating elegant living spaces. We frequented antique stores in Rome’s Via dei Coronari and enlisted the help of a local carpenter to furnish our apartments. Our attention to detail and appreciation for aesthetics attracted the likes of Countess Afdera Franchetti, who marveled at our decor as “delightful bric-à-brac.”
The experiences and influences from that time shaped our artistic vision and approach to design. The lessons learned from mentors like Diana Vreeland and interactions with esteemed clients like Babe Paley continue to inspire and guide my work to this day.
