A material that can be spun into yarn in different ways. In the clothing-textile field, fibers can be of animal origin (wool, silk, hair), vegetable origin (hemp, jute, linen, cotton), or artificial. Some artificial fibers, known as proteinics, are made…

English fashion brand created by Jemima French, a designer, and Sadie Frost, an actress, who were friends since high school. In 1999 they launched an underwear line sold only by mail order. They then expanded the business, creating true prêt-à-porter…

Italian shoe factory. Its headquarters is in Casarano, Apulia, near Lecce. Michele Zonno is the general director. It manufactures both a men’s and a women’s collection through two brands: Filanto and Bkt. In 2001, the turnover was €240 million, of…

John (1906-1964). German designer. He worked in America and emerged during the 1930s as an exponent of the avant-garde. In 1939, he designed hats for Scarlet O’Hara, played by Vivien Leigh, in Gone With The Wind. Appreciated for his taste…

Italian clothing company with headquarters in Asolo (Treviso). The business is directed by Claudio Buziol. In 2002, the turnover was €251 million, roughly even with the previous year. Some 70% of that came from exports. In September 2003, a maxi-space…

French monthly. The first issue was published in 1971. It was a glossy review of high fashion. It tried to undermine Vogue’s dominance in the field, but failed. The publisher Edilio Rusconi took it over in 1982 and transformed it…

Italian company specialized in sportswear, specifically clothing and shoes. It is a world leader with a turnover of 893 billion liras in 1998. The company’s history began in 1926 when it was established by the Fila brothers in Biella, one…

Peter H. (1939). Austrian photographer. His models, dressed only in underwear and placed in rarefied surroundings that remind one of a boudoir, and on specially arranged sets, have contributed to his fame as “the prince of underwear.” In 1960, he…

Carlos. American designer of bags, shoes, and accessories. Born in Brazil, he lives and works in New York. He made his début in the early 1970s as a costume designer for very famous music stars such as Cher, Tina Turner,…

Marina (1951). Journalist and editor of Donna. She was born in Gallarate, near Varese. She began her career in 1972 while still quite young, as a coordinator and assistant for the Fashion Committee of Clothing Entrepreneurs in Milan. Immediately, the…