This July the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrave Square presented a week’s calendar of Made-in–Puglia events showcasing Puglia’s contemporary artistic heritage, traditional cuisine and landscapes. Looking at a map of Italy - the region of Puglia (or Apulia in English) is the high heel of the boot. And included in these events was the well heeled SS13 catwalk show of Italian designer Nico Didonna who grew up in the region, but is now London based.
His collection included both men and womenswear:
Womenswear
Nico took inspiration from the natural elements to make his collection light as air, intense as fire, fluid as water and warm as earth.
Main colour palette of the classic black and white started the show with bright pops of colour courtesy of the quirky Kirk Originals eyewear and bright blue lipstick the models wore. Accent colours were bright Mediterranean blues and fiery reds with warm golden sands and steely greys.
Styles ranged from the fluid drapes and twists capturing a modern day Roman goddess look to the more structured tailoring of the stereotypical secretary with a touch of the new romantics.
There was also a touch of 70s Hollywood glamour with a striking black and white pant suit with its palazzo flares and halter neck. Fabrics used were chiffon, silk and cotton
Menswear
Nico took inspiration from the dedication, passion and inner beliefs of monks. This was more noticeable in the brown floor skimming wide palazzo pants with beaded belt hanging like a string of rosaries and coral hooded sweat – your urban street wise monk.
Others were less noticeable with trouser styles ranged from the tailored knee length shorts in blue and coral, coloured chinos to the more unusual: Tailored renaissance style of loose on the top and fitted on the bottom and the swirl camouflage patterned cropped trousers ruched up at the sides.
There was a touch of the 80s with a metallic grey fitted boiler suit accessorised with an orange scarf.
We were pleasantly surprised to see GB canoeist Tom Brady modelling and for his first appearance dressed in a Union Jack biker style jacket, white tee and blue chinos
At the end Nico came out to take his bow accompanied by Nancy Dell ‘Olio who is a member of the Accademia Apulia, the organisation who staged the show. Nancy wore a one off creation from his AW11 collection.
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