Per l'amore de moda : For the love of fashion

Ciao! I am Kathleen Gallagher, otherwise known as Kat, and I am an outgoing, passionate and fun-loving girl. I love anything fashion, eating (and lots of it), traveling and just enjoying life. I hope you will follow me as I have posted pictures and stories of beautiful cities in another country for the first time and other expierences I have had. With Love, Kat

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As my study abroad journey came to an end, I had the opportunity to join my parents in Milan where we began our journey to several other beautiful places in Italy. I am blessed to say I saw 6 places in one month which are, Milan, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, and Parma. Each one of these towns and cities had their own individual beauty that I will cherish forever. Milan was the up-beat, stylish city, Florence (my favorite) that had everything from art to food, Venice the place where true lovers go, Lake Como the scenic and quiet place, Cinque Terre that included 5 islands that are absolutely breath-taking and Parma the quaint town with food that will make your mouth water. I am truly blessed to have been able to take in all of the culture and beauty that Italy has to offer. It's safe to say I officially have the travel bug! I can't wait to do more traveling in the future. Thanks for reading :) Ciao! Xoxo Kat

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It's amazing how fast a month can fly by. It's feels like it was just yesterday when I found out I was accepted into the program and I started a countdown on my phone. Since day one at Johnson & Wales, this study abroad trip was my aspiration as I went through the first three years. I have never wanted anything so much before and getting into the program was a dream come true. Being the winning group for our project with designer Mauro Gasperi, was honorable and I gained so much from that experience. As sad as it is to see the trip come to a close, I have learned so much not only about the industry but about myself. I have grown tremendously and know I can go into the work force with a lot to offer. Spending time in Milan and Florence was amazing and I also was able to visit Venice and Lake Como on my days off. I met so many crucial and interesting people from the industry in Italy and I hope to return back here one day to network with more. I will continue to blog about more experiences I have as living in Italy has changed me for the better. Ciao! Xoxo Kat

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Last dinner in Milan with the ladies! And of course we picked one of our favorite restaurants: Mexicali! I can't believe I'm leaving Milan in just a few hours.

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One of the many things I have learned while being here is that I love macaroons. Spending the afternoon at the Brera District, we stopped at a small cafe that sold gelato and I was able to try some of these Italian delicacies. I had chocolate, caramel and vanilla. So yummy! Xoxo Kat

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Abby and I took todays directions “go somewhere you have never been,” and went through with that for sure. We hopped on the metro and got off on the stop Crochetta and just started walking. Having no idea where we were headed was kind of exhilarating and I was excited to see what kind of architecture was in the area. It started off as very urban, with random shops, pharmacies and school buildings. I found several interesting buildings the further we walked and after about an hour I found something that caught my attention. Standing at the red light I looked to my right and saw a huge brick wall. Not only was this wall defiantly built ages ago but, it wrapped around the outside of a beautiful apartment building. I noticed that the bricks were layered in different directions which gave it an ancient effect. Coming from the interior side of the wall was vines that draped over the wall and spread throughout. I think this could have been the brilliance of Bally’s Fall 2014 Shoe Collection. Not only does this shoe line have stunning structure but, it is also soft from the materials used on the outside of the shoe. The heel of the shoes make it very structured, like the brick wall, and the soft hair on the outside gives it a more soft look, like the vines do to the wall. It is safe to say I had an adventure today that gave me an appreciation for true Italian architecture.

Works Cited:

"Accessories Index." Style.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 June 2014.

http://www.fashiontimes.it/2014/06/kathleen-gallagher-jwu-fashion-project-webreality2014/

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Spending our perfectly sunny afternoon at San Maurizio Al Monastero Maggiore in Milan, I found this church to be one of the best displays of Milanese paintings I have seen so far on my journeys. It dates back to the 9th century but is still being kept in respectable condition. The building is composed of three parts and I found all the artistry to be striking. Every interior wall was covered in brilliant, luminous colors, keeping the spirit of the Lombard aristocrat. I was inspired by the tranquil blue sky and one of the ceilings covered with intense detail. The particular picture I was drawn to was painted with rich colors and sharp lines. The layout of the design was perfectly planned out and I felt as if Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall 2014 Ready-to-wear line could have been inspired by this. In both suits, the sharp lines on the sides of the jackets and on the pants compare to the details on the ceiling that are outlined in dark red and gold. The model in the middle is wearing Dolce & Gabbana’s detailed pants and that replicates the small intricate details dating back from the 9th century and the artist’s inspiration. His whole line embodies ancient art and especially of the photo I took today at San Maurizio Al Monastero Maggiore.

Works Cited:

"Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2014." Style.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 June 2014.

  http://www.fashiontimes.it/2014/06/kathleen-gallagher-jwu-fashion-project-webreality2014/

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The Fashion Library

Today I purchased a copy of Vogue Italia from August 1993. Along with this, I saw so many older copies of Vogue and Vogue Italia. It was amazing to see all of the magazines and the inspiration that has come from the past. There are issues dating back from 1860 up until today. I don't think one realizes how important it is to view past magazines because styles are always repeating in the fashion world. The rain didn't stop us today from viewing some great iconic copies of magazines!

Xoxo Kat

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Roberto Cavalli Runway Show: June 24, 2014

Being a student in the fashion merchandising program, it has been my aspiration to attend a fashion show during fashion week. Having the opportunity to be in Milan during Men’s Fashion Week is an absolute dream come true. I attended Roberto Cavalli’s show for his Spring/Summer 2015 Collection. The clothing was eye-catching, stylish, and extremely modern. I was shocked, being at the same venue the day before at the Missoni show, to see how intensely it was transformed into a different style and scene. The cameras flashing and microphones everywhere made me feel as if I was part of the fashion industry’s most privileged and exclusive guests. I was able to have a seat which gave me a great few of the line that was inspired by 1970’s rock and roll. Throughout the whole line their were cohesive outfits and I believe a majority of the pieces could be worn separately than what they were styled with. This is an appealing attribute to buyers because versatile items are typically what sells the most in stores. At the show I saw guests such as, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Anna Del Russo. I have learned so much from being in Milan during Men’s Fashion Week and I aspire to be here in the future again.  Ciao!

Xoxo Kat

  http://www.fashiontimes.it/2014/06/kathleen-gallagher-jwu-fashion-project-webreality2014/

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Missoni Fashion Show: June 22, 2014

Being able to attend the Missoni Runway Show, with some of fashions most elite, was a indescribable experience. Not only was I standing next to Ottavio Missoni and her grandmother, but I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Jonas, a guest at the show. The runway was set up perfectly to highlight Missoni's main style of  recognizable patterns and colors. I loved the center focal point of the stage, that is in one of my photos above, set up with different fabrics and delicate dream catchers. This runway show was a highlight during my time here in Italy. I hope I can continue going to runway shows in the near future, as I am going fulfill my career dreams in this industry.

http://www.fashiontimes.it/2014/06/kathleen-gallagher-jwu-fashion-project-webreality2014/

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Typically if I would tell someone I visited a cemetery for one of my cultural visits they would probably just wonder why and what it has to do with fashion. At the cemetery, Cimitero Monumentale di Milano, here in Italy, it is quite a beautiful scene and has many opportunities for inspiration. Covered with vibrant flowers, photos of the deceased and eye-catching architecture, I enjoyed walking around and taking it all in. I was astounded at the amount of graves that were because the property is so large. The individuals that were buried there were well-known and important Italian citizens. The craftsmanship that went into everything was out of this world and I was really drawn towards the little details. In some of the photos I took, I noticed a repeating pattern of the arch at the top of the buildings. This shape replicated a half circle, very round but still structured. The piece of jewelry I chose was from Erickson Beamon's line for the Fall and Winter 2014 collection. The metal and jewel inspired cuff is current, yet gives off an antique look that can be drawn back to the ancient tombstones and mausoleums at the Italian cemetery.  

Works Cited:

"Erickson Beamon Fall 2014 Jewelry : 14 : Accessories Index." Style.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 June 2014.

Xoxo Kat

http://www.fashiontimes.it/2014/06/kathleen-gallagher-jwu-fashion-project-webreality2014/

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Pitti: Fashion Trade Show Although I wasn't a buyer at the Pitti Trade Show on Thursday, being a guest was just as important. Starting the day off with my "I like tattoos" shirt to support happiness brand made me ready for whatever I was going to encounter. I don't think I have ever seen so many well dressed and eclectic individuals in one area at once. Walking underneath the white tents, my eyes were drawn to the gorgeous designer heels, fitted suits and stunning jewelry that passed by on the people attending Pitti. Being able to attend this event is a part of this trip that I really appreciate because it is so essential to understand all parts of the business, even though I don't necessarily want to be a buyer. The women were so well dressed but the men quite honestly took the award for best dressed. Tailored suits, bright tops, leather shoes and perfectly combed hair was the attire for Pitti and most men seemed to follow that trend. I hope to one day have the opportunity to attend this trade show again because there were so many great showrooms and important people to meet which is imperative to be involved in the fashion industry. As long as you are dressed head-to-toe in a stylish ensemble and have business cards with you, the Pitti Trade Show will be a success. I loved attending the Happiness showroom because just like the clothing, the people were cheerful. Not only did I dance on stage with the live band but, I met the owner and other members of the staff who were nothing but kind and welcoming. We walked around for awhile, taking in all of the fashion and scenery Pitti had to offer.

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Showing some love for Happiness brand at the Pitti Trade Show yesterday! ❤️

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While walking around Florence there were so many beautiful things that caught my attention. There are the obvious things like beautiful ceilings, statues and works of art but I look more towards the less obvious pieces of architecture to find my inspiration. The doors in Florence are absolutely stunning and I wish that I could own one such as the two that I’ve taken photos of. While looking at these long doors I think of clothing that is flattering on a woman but not tight fitting. For example, Jonathan Simkhai’s Fall 2014 RTW line has pieces with straight cuts and long trousers that reminds me of the sharp edges and long panels on the front of the doorways. Florence has been nothing but extraordinary and I think the everyday civilians take for granted the beautiful architecture that is around them constantly.

Citations: Style.com, Jonathan Simkhai’s Fall 2014 Ready-to-wear

Other photos taken from the streets of Florence, Italy 

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Street fashion: As some people may have learned in any fashion or marketing class for that matter, trends start from the bottom up. Companies manufacture and provide what the customer needs in order to make their money. Street fashion is huge, especially here in Italy. One thing I have learned while being here is that is blatantly obvious who resides in this country and who is just a tourist. Today I saw so many put together outfits and some that you may just question. Most people have style that is effortless and have outfits that you wouldn't think to create yourself. I saw women wearing high end designers bags mixed with low end shoes and men with tailored suits and better looking hair than mine. Overall it's safe to say that Italy has impeccable street style and one of a kind looks you won't see anywhere else.

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First dinner in Florence last night and it was AMAZING! If you like steak and aren't afraid to try new things you need to order the blueberry steak. Great food and even better company in a beautiful restaurant!

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Art vs. Fashion

  The Brera Museum housed by far the most paintings I have ever witnessed. After walking through several rooms, I found a copious amount of inspiration from the works of art. I choose the two paintings above to match a line to because I thought they were both similar to my own style: masculine yet feminine. Both of these created by Filippo De Pisis (Filippo Tibertelli) were my favorite and I knew I would be able to find a gorgeous line that illustrated all of the details. Both have strong focal points and strong lines but are feminine at the same time.

I deeply adore Giorgio Armani's Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear collection and I would love to have all of the pieces in my own closet. He starts the line off with soft greys and transitions into darker colors while adding touches of green and pink as accent colors, which is portrayed in both of the paintings. The looks I chose are the epitome of a strong woman, who is fashion forward and classic. My favorite is the dress that he designed with such grace and it could be inspired from Filippo's art. I think all of the pieces could be drawn from either painting dating back from 1927.

Citations:

"Giorgio Armani Slideshow on Style.com." Style.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 June 2014.