Giuliana Matarrese

«Haute couture makes sense for not one, not two, but three reasons: firstly because, of course, it’s an experimentation lab where the various brands showcase all their savoir-faire, and so they show their achievements. Secondly, because if there is a market with people who can afford to buy these clothes, obviously Fashion Houses sink their teeth into it. And thirdly because, couture has a reputational allure that enables brands to be perceived as so high-end by consumers that all the others, i.e. 99% of the world’s population who cannot afford to buy couture clothes, will, however, feel privileged all the same to buy a House’s lipstick or clutch bag. Similarly, it therefore makes sense that the eyewear category also creates a series of products that perhaps are not even meant for the market. Unique, precious products that showcase the level reached by a House with its technical skills and savoir-faire».

«The one that strikes the eye, the one that has become most popular lately and that really pushed the boundaries for the work team, is certainly the one by House Margiela Artisanal, developed by John Galliano. For example, he invented silicone treatments that were brushed onto garments to give them a rain-drenched look, even though they hadn’t been rained on. Then there was another one called Rétrécirage, if I’m not wrong, which is a technique for treating wool crêpe with a special glue after boiling it, which created very peculiar volumes, especially for blazers, giving them coquettish, sweetheart-like shapes, right? These are just some of the latest, let’s say, techniques introduced by haute couture that turn a garment into a precious object, into a true work of art».

«I chose this place, 10 Corso Como, because it represents a bridge to the future. Just like fashion, or eyewear. A bridge that connects apparently different worlds that aren’t so different after all. Fashion, design; fashion, art. That’s why I thought it was the perfect place for this short interview».