Berluti’s New Creative Director

The fashion industry is abuzz, when news got around that Berluti’s (a subsidiary brand of LVMH) Creative Director, Alessandro Sartori will be leaving to go back to Ermenegildo Zegna.  So LVMH is now on the prowl for a new creative director, and from what I hear, famed Colombian fashion designer, Haider Ackermann may be the one for the job.  It might not be as easy as a label looking for a new creative director, though; in the hopes that Ackermann could immensely boost the label’s pummeling profits.

LVMH is certainly in a pickle, judging by the latest occurrences like when LVMH sold Donna Karan.  And just last year, they sold Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Berluti has even been making a consistent decline in revenue.  Still, nothing has been confirmed, despite the fact that Berluti has already withered an estimated €100-150 million in data via fashion enterprise.

Meet Gianna Dispenza

Meet Gianna Dispenza; a young American artist currently residing in Beirut, creating some of the most unique and captivating works of our time.  Her art which tends to organically morph into an abstract creation of the utmost originality is like nothing else.  Having graduated the acclaimed San Francisco Art Institute, the philanthropic hearted Dispenza spends much of her time bringing art into the lives of underprivileged refugees.  We spoke exclusively with Gianna about art & life in the Paris of the Middle East.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’ve always been interested in and inspired by people. Right now, my direction is turning toward a study of form, character, and a return to biomorphic, gestural bodies.”

Being a frequent traveler, how has your exposure to multiple cultures influenced your work?
“Different places have always influenced my work, but I recently experienced a bigger shift. I’ll have to backtrack a bit to answer this question, though. In college I began studying art history more thoroughly and it opened up a dialogue between my own paintings and sculptures and the work of other artists and movements through history. For example, I might have made a painting where the brushstrokes referenced Cézanne, and that reference invited a conversation on perspective. This happened both intentionally and unintentionally, but whatever the case, when someone looked at the piece, a connection was suggested between my work and history. It was subtle, but I took for granted how much the culture and history of Western art contextualized my work.

Now, I am living in Beirut, a place with a very different history and naturally a very different art history. So suddenly, the influences of artists or movements that my work had been in conversation with were abruptly removed from their context. I realized that people viewing my work now couldn’t relate because I was asking them to relate to the art history of a different part of the world. My work needed to adjust to a new place and culture.

For a number of reasons, I now feel the need to return to a more basic study of character and form. Not necessarily realism but relating to the figure. The pieces will naturally become more and more abstract, but there is a space on the border of abstraction and representation where I think my work has always been strongest. I recently had a very conceptual and abstract exhibition in Beirut, and in moving forward, I hope to produce something that is more representational and ultimately more human.”

Favorite medium?
“I’ve been experimenting with different media over the past five years, but a simple water-based clay will probably always win. As a final product, I usually prefer the clay to be cast in bronze.”

What is your creative process?
“Like with anything, there are times when we feel compelled to create and there are times when its a real struggle. But I’ve learned that persistence is my friend. I work everyday and if I reach the point where I really want to give up—I mean outright, hysterical, ‘I’m-no-artist’ kind of giving up— and then I keep pushing forward, that’s usually when the best work happens.”

Favorite Restaurant in Beirut?
“There are so many. Lebanon also has great Armenian and Syrian food (there are about 160,000 Armenians living in Lebanon right now). One of my favorites is a tiny Armenian bistro called Onno in Bourj Hammoud. Makan usually has great art on the walls and it holds some of my dearest memories. The food changes every week but is nonetheless excellent. Casablanca is also great. I’d recommend Gram for lunch, for the food and the people and the heart and soul that’s gone into its opening. Though, one of the best meals I have had in Lebanon yet was actually in Nahr Al-Bared, a Palestinian refugee camp in the North about 20k south of the Syrian border. It was all prepared from a garden in the camp and exceeded standards not only in flavor but also in generosity, which is pretty remarkable considering how little they have to begin with.”

How has your style changed over the years?
“I began studying art in high school with almost no direction. To give you a sense, I tried to use water to thin my oil paints. I knew nothing but I was so eager just to make something. After some time studying in Florence with bronze and stone and marble figures at every stop, and maybe a hundred hours sitting beneath Perseus, I wanted to understand anatomy. I attended a university that enforced a kind of military approach to aesthetics and realism. This was all fine in the beginning, but after a while I started thinking about character and how realism sometimes leaves that out. So I got loose with my work and impulsive, and my teachers were getting hot-headed because I didn’t start the portrait with the cheekbones like they said I should or because the clay wasn’t quite as smooth as a boiled egg. Eventually I realized it was time to get out of there and into a place where I could experiment. I transferred to a more conceptually-driven institute where I was suddenly the classicist and so I started sprinting to catch up with everyone. I worked hard and produced a body of big sculptures in concrete and plaster. After that, Beirut happened, and for the first year I was quite unwell and wasn’t able to make much, but by the second year I was experimenting and exhibiting plenty. Now, after all that, I just want to take a few steps back and revisit reality. I think repeating this process in Beirut, the process of patiently pushing and deconstructing form, may take more time, but the work will be more whole and more genuine than it ever would have been had I stayed where I was.”

Talk me through a day in the life of Gianna Dispenza.
“I’m traveling now, but my days in Beirut have been pretty full. Around 7:15 I walk through Hamra to Ahmed’s car. Ahmed is my dear friend, my taxi driver, and something of an Arabic teacher for me. He takes me up to the mountains to a campus where I teach a kindergarten class for refugees, ages 4-5. After classes, I might go to a school on the outskirts of the Palestinian refugee camps in the southern suburbs where I meet two other teachers and we hold an English support program. Or, depending on the day, I’ll head back to Beirut and start sculpting. I usually need about an hour to decompress at home after work then I’ll sculpt or paint though the evening. If it’s a figurative collection, friends or neighbors or strangers will come model for 2-4 hours after work. At sunset I run or walk along the corniche (a long path along the shore), or go to our friends house by the sea. We meet on his roof or balcony and swim or talk and they all play music (I may or may not have thrown down a few notes on the flute). Anyway, it’s calm and it’s beautiful. Sometimes more friends come model at night; they stumble in around 11 and recline into a snoring pose on my studio floor. The past six months have been pretty demanding, and so I’m looking forward to a summer with a bit more of the snoring for myself.”

What are you working on right now?
“I’ve been on the road but I did fill a suitcase with clay, which, my travels have taught me the hard way, bears a striking resemblance to C-4. I’ve been doing sketches and figure studies as I go along. Once I get back to Beirut I’ll most likely work on a simple series of ceramic busts. I see myself returning to the figure more and more right now, emphasizing form and unity.”

What artists influence you most?
“The beautiful thing about studying art history is that artists tend to layer and build on each other over time. That layering is what excites me. But there is an abundance of artists whose work has influenced my own, and I could go down that road but it might test even the avid reader’s attention span. To name a few: Van Gogh, Bacon, Calder, Dubuffet, Hesse, Gorky, Abakanowicz, Rodin, De Kooning, De Keersmaeker.”

What are four things most people do not know about you?
“One thing I’ve struggled even to define for myself and in my work is a feeling of existing in liminal spaces. Coming from a background of extreme opposites has made me feel like a bunch of very different people are all paying tug-of-war with one brain. This might be why I connect in the way that I do with the people in the camps, because their liminal existence humbles my own. The work I am doing with refugees is also probably something most people don’t know about me. It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve had—getting to know all of these people and their stories and characters. In doing this work, I found out that teaching is awesome and hugely gratifying. And lastly, I don’t ever want only to be an artist. I’ll always need to keep my mind challenged and my heart engaged with something outside of myself and I feel lucky to be in a place where all of those things are happening.”

Where to next?
“I’ll be in Beirut for at least another year, hopefully. After that I really do not know.”

Where can we follow you?
Website:  giannadispenza.com
Tumblr:  giannadispenza.tumblr.com
Instagram:  @giannadispenza

Photographer: Ashley Jordan Gordon

Meet Haley Permenter

Meet Los Angeles based Model & Actress Haley Permenter, we caught up with Haley to talk all things lifestyle & modeling.

What are you currently inspired by?
“I’m inspired by the amazing people in my life. I have a core group that has supported me my entire life, and their love & support inspires me every day.”

What is one of the most interesting shoots you’ve done?
“I once did a shoot where I was on a bicycle while walking a very large dog… It doesn’t sound interesting, but I’m sure it was very interesting to watch consider I fell off the bicycle at least 4 times.”

Do you get shy in front of the camera?
“Not that I can ever remember. I signed with my first agent when I was 8 years old, so I’ve always been comfortable in front of a camera!”

Where do you call home?
“Orange, Texas!”

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
“The fact that I love what I do. There are definitely mornings that I want to stay in bed all day, but I truly love my job and enjoy (almost) every single day of work!”

What do you think is the best part about being a model in the industry today?
“The fact that opportunity is everywhere! If you are driven you can achieve so much! Plus, people are so supportive and encouraging. It’s amazing.”

Talk me through a day in the life of Haley Permenter.
“I snooze my alarm and crawl out of bed, drink green tea , shower,  brush my teeth, lather myself in coconut oil, blow dry my hair, put BB cream on my face, and go to work! I usually try to squeeze in a run, Pilates class, or gym training session at least 4 times a week! Then I’ll probably sit in traffic on the way home. Once I’m actually home I’ll grab some dinner, shower, and pass out!”

What are four facts about you people may not know.
1. “I have my bachelors degree in Business Marketing.”
2. “I lived and volunteered at an orphanage in Honduras for a month and a half.”
3. “My boyfriend and I have a 1978 VW bus!”
4. “I have the worlds cutest dog.”

If you weren’t modeling what would you see yourself doing?
“Acting, for sure. It’s my other passion. As far as a “real world job” goes, probably social media marketing!”

All time favorite travel destination? 
“Oh that’s a hard one!! Greece, Italy, or Maldives!”

What are your favorite clothing brands? 
“I am horrible about brands, I’m not partial to any (don’t tell the brands I rep). I like cute clothes that fit well & aren’t expensive! That’s it! I’m from a small town in Texas, big brands don’t exist there.”

Visit Haley’s Website at: www.haleypermenter.com

Also check out Haley’s Instagram at: www.instagram.com/haleypermenter

Meet Lana Scolaro

Lana Scolaro is the daughter of businessman Francesco Scolaro & Socialite Anna Scolaro.  As such the 21 year old jewelry designer has spent much of her childhood jetting between Monaco, London, New York, Ibiza, Saint Barths, and many other chic locales, absorbing the finer points of culture around the globe that she would later put to good use in her jewelry designs.  Her love of fine jewelry & unique symbols—combined with an education at the prestigious Parsons School of Design at The New School in New York City have allowed Lana to create one of the most unique Jewelry Lines around. 

How did you get into jewelry design?
“Design and Fine Art has always been my passion. I attended Parsons the New School for Design in New York and after one year I moved back to Monaco in order to focus on starting my own line with the jeweler connections I had close by in Vicenza, Italy.”

What was the inspiration for your current collection?
“I was initially inspired by the young, rebellious rock elite of our era, as I’d never seen fine controversial jewelry designed for a niche market of the young and fearless, involving weapons and illegal substances. I then realized that I did not want to provoke use of weapons through my designs, as the designs were merely for comical attraction, the same way children play with toy guns; so I decided it would be an idea to donate to specific War Funds such as War Child with each item sold.”

Walk me through your daily routine.
“If I’m going to be honest, I don’t have a daily routine and never have since school. I don’t believe life should be a consistent routine, as each day for me is different. I could spend one whole day with photographers shooting my line, or driving to Italy to the factories making sure my pieces are manufactured exactly how I would like them.”

What is the starting point in your design process?
“The starting point in my design process has always been a rough sketch of my imagination, I’ll then spend a lot of time with the dimensions of the product and precisely draw each design in my portfolio with the exact measurements. I’ll then send my designs to my manufacturer and he’ll send me back a preventive and the CAD files on the computer to see if I would like to go ahead with it before it is produced.”

Where is your all time favorite destination?
“Los Angeles is my favourite destination, I love the energy and stress free vibes there.”

What designers are you currently inspired by?
“Saint Laurent has always inspired my designs, especially with the gun purse in one of the collections. I have also always been a big fan of Anthony Vaccarello; which is ironic as he is now the creative director of Saint Laurent; I love how his collections are full of character, strong and fearless.”

What is your go to timepiece?
“My iPhone.”

When you travel, what items could you not go without?
“My headphones, Elizabeth Arden moisturizer, and my pink fluffy blanket.”

Favorite Restaurant in Monaco?
“Robouchon.”

What was the most challenging obstacle you encountered since starting your own business?
“I realized that most of my collection is targeted at a niche market, which makes it very difficult to pitch the brand to the right people and places, especially deciding which countries to distribute the products to.”

How would you describe the LS Diamonds Customer?
“The LS Diamonds customer is young, reckless, and daring. They are street smart and are always up to date on the latest trends. If they are not making art, they are making music or watching independent films and hanging at places that aren’t in the spotlight. The LS Diamonds customer is exclusive, just like the collection.”

Where do you see LS Diamonds going next?
“LS Diamonds will be distributing more products in the U.S this Fall of 2016, mainly in stores in Los Angeles, Miami and New York. I will be launching a new range I have spent months designing towards the end of the year which I am beyond thrilled about.”

For more information on LS Diamonds visit:  www.lanascolarodiamonds.com

Also, check out Lana’s Instagram at:  www.instagram.com/lanascolaro

Meet Clarisse Lafleur

Meet 18 year old Clarisse Lafleur, business student and granddaughter of Jacques Lafleur former New Caledonian president and businessman.

Clarisse left her family home in New Caledonia, to study at the Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia.  Relishing in the beauty of her privately gated residence that is located right beside one of Australia’s most premiere golf courses.  Her luxurious home away from home has been more irreplaceable than she ever imagined, as Lafleur was almost instantaneously bewitched by the calm and ravishing lifestyle that it provided. Clarisse is always on her toes, When she is not busy with school she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, shopping, and playing with her two dogs.  We spoke exclusively with Clarisse about all things lifestyle.

What inspires you?
“Passion! It really inspires me. I am inspired by passionate people, they are in love with what they do so they do it well: it motivates me and inspires me to follow my dreams with the same passion. I am passionate about fashion, so I read fashion magazines, I spend hours on Tumblr and Instagram looking for fashion inspirations and ideas.”

What items could you not live without? 
“My phone… How cliché is that? I have all my meetings and appointments on my phone, my notes, my music, my photos, my contacts… and of course my social media apps! I use Facebook and Instagram very often, Twitter not so much.

My wallet: I have my ID, my credit cards, my driver’s license… I never leave without it!

My handbag of course! I have several but I think the ultimate item I couldn’t live without would be a handbag. It carries my phone and wallet, my keys and a few other girly stuff like makeup, a scarf, perfume etc…”

Talk me through a day in the life of Clarisse Lafleur. 
“Most of the time I am in Australia because I study Business there (at Bond University). I get up at 7am and eat my breakfast: fruits and a glass of iced green tea, then I take my vitamins and I get ready for the day. Most of my classes are in the morning so after I’m done with University, I go to the gym and I train for about two hours! Then either I go back home and study for the next day, or I meet with my friends and we go shopping, have dinner together or go watch a movie! On the weekends I go to the gym in the morning and then I do my things until it’s time to go out! My friends and I love to party: restaurants, nightclubs, house parties, we love it!”

Being a frequent traveler, what have been your favorite destinations and why?
“Paris in summer: Because I have my family and my friends there! And also because the shopping and the museums are amazing! You never get bored in Paris, there is always something to do! And preferably in summer because the weather is much better, the trees have leaves and you can have a picnic in a park or near the Eiffel tower!

Dubai in winter: This city is amazing; I am blown away by what is in Dubai! Everything is bigger, shinier, people are nice and the weather is perfect. It doesn’t matter if you stay in the city or in the desert because both are fantastic. They have the most beautiful hotels. I also added the time of year to visit Dubai because apparently, in summer the heat is unbearable. I went there in winter and the temperature was perfect: warm during the day and cool at night!”

How would you describe luxury?
“To me, Luxury is being able to enjoy life to the fullest without having to worry about anything!”

What interests you most?
“Fashion, business, and dogs! I believe I got these interests from the environment I grew up in! I inherited my passion for fashion from my mother. She is such a fashionista! She always has the best outfits, latest handbags in fabulous colors, perfect jewelry… From a very young age we would read her fashion magazines together and comment on the clothes we saw! Then, I got my love for business from my father. He is a very successful businessman and we have a very similar strong personality. My mother and my brother make fun of us because we both hate to be wrong and always want to be right: it often gets me in trouble when we argue hahaha… And last, but not least: dogs! I grew up surrounded by Labradors; the family’s favorite dogs! I am passionate about dogs, they are the most loyal animals and love their owners unconditionally. At the moment I have two sand Labradors they are 6 and 7 but still act like puppies.”

Who is your favorite designer and why?
“Tough question! I love so many designers for different items! For example, Dior is killing it with their new sunglasses. Balmain creates amazing clothes, thank you Olivier Rousteing! Saint Laurent, Zanotti and Azzedine Alaia are making beautiful shoes… Chanel, Hermes and Céline have the best bags. It is way too hard to pick one!

Without looking at expensive brands, Australian designers also come up with beautiful items: I love Tony Bianco heels, I’m pretty sure I own at least 30 pairs of Tony Bianco shoes. Seafolly makes the best swimsuits, I mainly wear this brand because they always have the best colors for summer and are very durable! And of course Lorna Jane for everything active: my workout clothes are only from Lorna Jane!”

Where to next?
“Europe! I am going to Paris, Venice and the French Riviera in August/September to see my friends, family and of course go shopping… and eat great food! After I graduate from my Bachelor of Business next year I am going to start a Master in Europe, Paris or London… I don’t know yet!”

Visit Clarisse’s Instagram at: www.instagram.com/clarisselafleur

Karlie Kloss Is the New Face of Swarovski

Supermodel Karlie Kloss seems to be continuing in her ever blossoming career having just been named the new Brand Ambassador of Jewelry Giant Swarovski.  The 23 year old who was formerly a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2013 to 2015, and has just recently been listed among the top 30 models of the 2000s by Vogue Paris.

Based on the comments by Swarovski’s Creative Director, Nathalie Colin, it looks like he is very pleased with the decision: “We are so excited to have Karlie as our new brand ambassador. Besides her amazing beauty, she stands for modernity, freshness, self-confidence, elegance and spontaneity. Everything that we convey through our collections.”

Karlie herself has stated how happy she is to be part of Swarovski Brand. “The ‘Be Brilliant’ campaign is about celebrating the special moments in life, from the extraordinary to the everyday,” Karlie commented. “The pieces in the collection allow women everywhere to shine a little bit brighter, no matter what the occasion.”

For the next two years, we can now look forward to seeing Karlie’s newest campaign for Swarovski; which will be appearing in television, outdoor, digital and print campaigns starting in September of this year.  For now, visit Swarovski’s social media platforms to enjoy a few sneak peeks of what lies ahead.

For more information on Swarovski visit: www.swarovski.com

Meet Stephanie Scolaro

Stephanie Scolaro, a visionary, entrepreneur, designer, and socialite, who has set the Fashion Industry on fire with her one-of-a-kind accessories.  She is the Monaco based Designer and Founder of SS Python – a 100% python baseball cap line.  Fulfilling her long quest to produce high quality products for niche markets, and ushering in a whole new concept to the the fashion world, she is an inspiration to young fashion designers everywhere.  

We spoke exclusively with Stephanie about her chic lifestyle and SS Python. 

What inspired you to create SS Python?
“I have always been a lover of baseball caps and I’m constantly encountering people who are wearing plain black, basic caps. When I sat down and thought about creating something unique, I immediately noticed that there was a gap in the market for 100% python caps in all colours and designs.”

Growing Up did you always know you wanted to have a career in the Fashion Industry?
“I have always been interested in the fashion industry, especially whilst studying Style and Design for one year before I completed my university degree. I never knew I would end up creating my own brand, but it has certainly been worth it.”

What items could you not live without?
“Mascara, phone and moisturizer.”

Describe a day in the life of Stephanie Scolaro.
“I wake up at around 9am during the week and respond to emails if my day isn’t fulfilled with busy meetings. I also work efficiently with my team to source retailers, focus on marketing strategies, and discuss new ideas and designs. After a day in the office, I’ll go to the gym or have coffee with friends.”

Being a frequent traveler, what have been your favorite destinations and why?
“Since a young age, I have always loved Ibiza. The vibe of the island is magical and it makes you feel as if there are no limits. I am a great admirer of freedom, love and peace, and this island definitely profits from all three! Other must-see destinations are Mykonos, St Barths, and Capri. I love small islands with big opportunities.”

What was the most difficult aspect of setting up your own business and so far what has been the most rewarding?
“Setting up your own business is more tedious than most people would think. The most difficult aspect has been working with suppliers, ensuring that they stick to deadlines and that every little detail of every hat is perfect. The most rewarding aspect has been the satisfaction of spending so much time on marketing, and having a great relationship with my clients.”

How would you describe the SS Python Customer?
“The typical SS Python customer is one who wants to stand out from the crowd, be unique and stylish, and respond to questions such as “where is your hat from!?” I am very thankful for having such supportive customers.”

What do you believe sets Monaco apart, being your locality of choice?
“Monaco is a great place for meeting new people, which is very beneficial for my brand. I believe that it is very unique as it is such a small country, yet there are so many new things to explore.”

Where would you like to go next?
“I would love to go to Bali because I think that it shares the same magical feel as Ibiza. There are so many things to see in the world and I am yet to continue my travels!”

For More information on SS Python visit: SSPYTHONOFFICIAL.COM

Also, check out Stephanie’s Instagram at: www.instagram.com/stephyscolaro