BraudiaGM: An Exhibition of Italy

"Life is too short, and I'm Italian. I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero"

- Sophia Bush

I’m half Italian. Except generally, I’m only half Italian when it’s most convenient. With a last name like mine, my evident love for a Mediterranean inspired diet and my ability to temper quick – I’m all for heritage pride… when it suites me.

You see, with a British Mother and my love of England, that is generally the English pool of genetics I pull from. To no discredit though, growing up as a ‘pog’ (mongrel mathematics pom+wog = pog) I was presented with the best of both worlds. My smorgasbord entailed Sunday roasts, fish and chips, spaghetti and salami making? I know right, don’t be jealous.

So I was sitting in the Doctors surgery, waiting to have my knee x-rayed, because I’m not a sure footed half cast. Lucky though, I didn’t require to be fitted with a half cast. You know the shows you view in waiting rooms? Those daytime shows such as ‘The young and the restless’, ‘Ready, Steady cook’ and alike. Well, whist I’m sitting there, myself young and restless - in commercial break of seeing Dr. Phil assist a man who dreams about putting asparagus in compromising places, one advert did catch my eye.

La Dolce Italia. The advert promoted an Italian festival to be held at the exhibition building showcasing the best of Italia - the food, fashions and wines. Of course, my choice genetic factor kicked in and I simply had to be there. I quickly wrote the festival name in the ‘notes’ of my iphone. I then proceeded into the sterile x-ray room, where a sleazy radiography attempted to touch higher than my knee.

I’m genuinely lucky. The beautiful PR stuff organised Braudia GM media passes and we were on our way. Attaining access however, to interview and meet the people I did, is an experience I will hold onto for a long time.

Firstly I was privileged enough to see the Versace Winter showcase for 2013. Apparently the 80’s power suits and airliner dresses are back with a Versacesque vengeance! Just my kind of style really, how can you better the brightly coloured power suit? All you need is shoulder pads and I’m sound as a pound, baby!

After the showcase of beautiful of Versace, Sonia Cappellazzo’s bridal pieces (which in my opinion, trump Vera Wang designs any day!), Black Orange and more, I was privileged enough to speak with Christopher Horne, the Versace Representative for Asia Pacific.

Mr. Horne is a vivid character really; he’s down to earth and will not accept the general ‘fluff’ and nonsense of the fashion industry. It is of Mr. Horne’s belief that if you are a certain size, be that size and don’t lie about it. It is put simply and in his words “Ok to be bigger, just do not lie about your size. I like to choose models that are of all different sizes and ages – because then we cater for a realistic market”. Truer words for the Fashion industry have not been voiced for a long time.

Equal to my love of fashion, it’s reinvention and creativity, is my love of art. Fortunate again to interview and meet Howtan Re – the eccentric Italian photographer, sculpture artist and creative extraordinaire. When I met him he asked if I spoke Italian. I replied I understand a little, however to his disappointment I did not. Before our interview and time together Howtan Re made me promise to learn Italian, because with a last name like mine, it was simply, not acceptable!

Mr. Re’s excellence comes from a place I do not understand, but I admire. I’m still at a loss after spending considerable time talking to him, about how his pieces are developed and where it is the inspiration comes from to create such artistic brilliance. “Darkness and the beauty of darkness is one place,” he describes eloquently in his heavy Italian accent.

Howtan Re is an enigma, one of those fleeting creative souls that seem to ooze virtuosity and originality. Maybe one day, I will be financially secure enough, to secure one of his original photographs or figureheads for my own appreciation… but for now, he is the figurehead of my own respect and inspired awe.

La Dolce Italia showcases the best of Italy, in Melbourne. They have the ever-popular line up of Ferrari’s and Ducati’s on display. It must be mentioned, the famous Italian pizza chef’s that were flown in for the event. Over the three days, Braudia GM’s freelance photographer Jassie Singh and I were often found, quite literally stuffing our faces with Pizza and Dessert.

Without ruining every delight that was on offer, next year – do yourself a favor and buy a ticket. Be Italian when it suits you, the same as when it suits me. Eat good food, be passionate with the things you love, be a perfectionist and you’re half way there.

Claude

For more information on the festival and artists please visit the links below.