In Florence, widely regarded as the most beautiful city in the world, even fashion has infiltrated gastronomy, with the Cavalli Caffè Giacosa providing the perfect haunt for the fashion crowd that attended Pitti W 13, which on Thursday showcased the FW pre collection of Barbara Casasola.
London-based, Brazilian-born, Casasola, who’s new year has begun on a high after Pitti Immagine chose her as guest womenswear designer, was in fact initially hired by the aforementioned Italian design icon, which has led to a career that has gone from strength to strength.
With sublime designs that are envisioned in her London studio, and produced masterfully in Italy, the home of the Casasola woman, it’s clear that Pitti’s exemplary decision to debut the compelling capsule collection, dubbed Menswear for Women, in which Casasola has provocatively incorporated effortlessly chic tailoring for a sleek, quietly opulent, modern aesthetic, will result in yet another success.
The stimulating immersive space in which the collection was exhibited, the derelict Palazzo Portinari-Salviati, was invigorated by a series of 12 projections capturing the muse, Jamie Bochert, embodying the ethos of Casasola, a certain contemplative, refreshing, joie de vivre which underpins a wonderfully redefined femininity.
As well as introducing the first Casasola clutch, an innovative form recollecting the traditional Florentine coin purse and inspired by the work of constructivist Lygia Clark, Casasola has experimented with classically austere menswear hues, set against sumptuous bounty’s of rich, red wine crimsons and noble, royal blues; undeniably evidencing the blossoming Casasola trademark.
by Liam Feltham
All images courtesy of Lilianne Cookson at Purple PR.