If the name Fausto Puglisi doesn't sound familiar to you now, it will by next February when the young Italian designer debuts his first collection for Emanuel Ungaro.
Puglisi's new job is part of a licensing agreement between Ungaro and Italian clothing manufacturer Aeffe, which controls Moschino and Alberta Ferretti. Hopes are that Puglisi's design talent and Aeffe's resources will be able to bring the brand back to life after a series of designers who have left since 2007, including Esteban Cortozar (who refused to work with artistic adviser Lindsay Lohan), Estrella Archs, and Giles Deacon.
Most famously, Puglisi has dressed Anna Dello Russo, who's been a fan of his wares since he launched his own line two years ago. Puglisi has also dressed Beyoncé, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj, and Madonna's backup dancers for various performances. His aesthetic takes cues from his obsession with the Roman Empire. "For me, Rome means power, sex, decadence, delirium, skirts, pleats, peplums, embroidery," Puglisi once said. "And these words always inspire my work."
Does that mean Ungaro will take a leather-clad, militaristic turn into the future? Only time will tell. For now, a look at some of Puglisi's past work here in the gallery.
Photo via Fausto Puglisi.
Scottish designer Joanthan Saunders
The collection was just a little more girlie than typical Saunders with frills, chiffon dresses and polka dots but it was in the graphic colorblock appeal of green and purple or orange and pink that we saw the designers personal style shine within the classic Pollini fair. We were impressed that Saunders strayed from his preference for sheen and bold bright colors, instead tempering the impact of the collection with more muted hues and even black and gray. This left us feeling the collection was solidly in touch with the preferences of today's consumers who may as it turns out be into Italian fashion for somewhat more prosaic reasons:
