Roberto (1960). Italian designer. Born in Vigevano, he started out in spring 1995 with a collection characterized by the influence of oriental culture and traditions. This has remained his signature look, but it is represented through simple, unadorned, linear clothing…

Digby (1906-1983). Irish designer, active from 1928 to 1957. At the age of 22, having just completed his studies in art and architecture, he was taken on by Lachasse. He stayed there only till 1933, when he decided to open…

Women’s clothing and accessories company. It was founded in 1983 by Emi Vincenzini, who was the favorite model and collaborator of Walter Albini and Alessandra Tilche. It produces roughly 15,000 accessories a year: bags in soft leather, papyrus and textile,…

International Fur Market held at Milan Fair twice a year, during the runway show seasons. It is reserved for producers and shop owners, prior to consumer distribution. Sponsored by AIMPES, the international category association, it was launched in 1962. In…

Francis (1901-1980). English illustrator, involved in fashion from 1925 onwards. He succeeded in uniting his graceful style with the need to describe. In 1928 he began a collaboration with the English edition of Vogue, covering fashion and social events. After…

Miki (1960). Japanese designer, born in Fukuoka. He studied at the Gakuen fashion school in Osaka (1981). During the rest of the 1980s, he worked as a freelance designer first in Osaka, and in Paris from 1989. In Paris, he…

Cholet, France. Textile museum on the banks of the river Sauvageau, in a former factory founded in 1881, which provided a textile weaving and bleaching service to local businesses. The chronological displays are dedicated to spinning, weaving and trimmings.

Francis (1954-1990). French manager. Gaultier owes his success to Menuge’s administrative abilities. From his first runway show in 1976 to the license contracts with Japan in 1981, to the birth of the Gaultier firm in 1982, Menuge guided the company,…

Simone (1920). French milliner. Even at the height of her success, her passion for craft was her creative weapon. She was born Simone Parmentier, in Paris. She trained at the atelier of Rose Valois. She moved to London in 1937…

Dominique (1950). French designer. Born in Paris, he entered the world of fashion after studying Classics at university. In 1975 he trained with Ted Lapidus before moving to work as assistant to Popy Moreni. In the 1980s he was in…