16 ~— Sunday, September 25, 1994 — on vr North Shore News Designs fix on ethnic mix IN MID-SEPTEMBER Romco Gigli flew into town on a magic car- pet. The [talian designer who draws his inspiration from far-off lands was in Vancouver to open his fifth Spazio Romeo Gight store, on Hornby Street, across from the Vancouver Art Gallery and but- tressed by the Hotel Vancouver and Gianni Versace’s Istante boutique. By Layne Christensen Fashion Reporter Dressed in a brown corduroy sports jacket, black check shirt, navy pinstripe vest, skinny-leg pants and bright red desert boots, the 44-year-old designer spoke with the North Shore News during his visit. North Shore News: This new bou- tique joins your other stores in the four fashion capitals of the world: Milan, Paris, New York and London. Why Vancouver for this latest venture? Gigli: “Because they (the Zolé Fashion Group, which also owns the Versus and Istante stores) asked me to open this shop. I like the freedom of the city, the spirit of the city. It’s very beautiful here. { remember | was crossing the park on a bicycle (during an earlier visit) and it’s like a holiday city, you know. Full of young people — living in a quiet way, a relaxing way. And | like that.” It has been said that of all the women in the world, the Italians have the most style. Do you agree? “Italian women have style, yes, but they had more style 20 or 30 years ago. Now, I think Italian women have become too involved with fashion. There are many fash- ion victims. “(In the ’60s and ’70s) they were very, very elegant because every woman tried to underlie her person- ality. I think that is the most impor- tant. When people live on fashion (they lose a bit of themselves).” You have an interesting back- ground. Your family were anti- quarian book dealers, Has this come across in your designs? Pea nea ee Photo submitted ROMEO GIGLI says his designs are made to be mixed and matched, even worn with other designers’ pieces. “That for me is the freedom in fashion in our age,” he says. “Yes, of course, of course. 1 was living (in Castelbolognese, Faenza, htaly) surrounded by 20,000 antique books in the house of my father for 18 years of my life. 1 was spending a lot of my time reading and watch- ing these books. I think it was very (important) for my culture and for my vision. (My father’s) interest was art, architecture, alchemy, med- icine, but of course he had a lot of costume books. My mind is full of this kind of images, of this kind of reading, but when I was 18 I started to travel around the world. So now my mind is like a big mix of my culture, European, and Oriental cui- ture.” Many designers are drawing inspiration from ethnic cultures. It seems to be the big trend right now. But this is something you've been doing all along. “Yes. I started with that because it is my love. When I did my first collection in *84. it was full of eR eta, BARS RZ i oe E — We now stock some specialty fabrics: (co-ordinating) 100% cotton fleece and matching rib knits. * Cotton & rayon prints * Stretch & Sew books, patterns, Do-Sew & elastic * Specialty notions: Rolyspace - the world’s most ingenious sewing box! Lots of light sewing lamp, extra large rotary cutters, large spool racks and more! * All kinds of sewing classes for all levels, with instructors that are familiar with your sewing machine (or serger), & have the time to give you individual help! * Lots of books on quilting, machine art, home |: projects, crafts, garment construction & more! ° AND don't forget - this is the final week of : ;, Advertised National Sewing Month Specials on _ brand name sewing machines and sergers. ; Bring in this ad for 10% off any item not already on sale. WESTVIEW SHOPPING CENTRE Indian fabric. Indian colors and 1 was dreaming to do dresses like saris but of course it wasn’t the way. “Last show in Paris, the idea was to mix and match our (European) culture with (other) cultures. You can recognize Persian shapes but translated in a European way or vice versa: turbans with men’s fabrics, mirrored buttons decorating tailored suits; brocade with gold, crushed velvet pants with sofa stripes.” If you could dress one woman in the world, who would that be? “Tilma Swinton (star of Orlando), a good friend cf mine and I really like her style. She is a beauti- ful woman; she’s so elegant inside.” ae Ata Greduated 1968 from the International Fabricare Institute in Silverspring, Maryland. Q: I just bought a leather coat - What’s the best way to care for it? A: Careful selection and care of leathers and suedes is important for keeping your garments looking new. 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