Shop, Worship, Love - Designer Travel Diary

Fri, 15 Jul 11

Earlier this month, Shirt Studio’s head designers flew across the globe on a buying trip and were greeted by a most glamorous and gracious host: Italy.

In the wake of Milan Fashion Week, the vibrant European nation was buzzing with fashion euphoria; as the cobblestoned streets served as the perfect runway for walking works of art. The Shirt Studio designers traipsed the Italian fashion circuit – visiting local fabric mills and textile artisans to seek inspiration for the Spring/Summer shirting collection. Read on for behind the scenes travel excerpts from the designers as well as fashion tips hot off the press - featuring the sartorial cities of Rome and Venice.

Rome/Roma

• Day one in Italy: We arrive in Rome and are surrounded by the beauty of the Italian lifestyle. The architecture, the food, the fashion and the love of life, helps to explain why Italians do style and design so well.
• Shoe Style: Navigating the cobbled streets in heels are a killer, so ladies flats are still making a strong statement. Also, the alternative to heels is a fun pair of wedges.
• When in Rome: A bright European Summer fashion palette consists of bright green, cobalt blue & even a hot pink power suit spotted strutting the streets. Shall we do as Romans do?
• Down to Business: We visit the Italian merchants at the fabric mill to collaborate on the new Shirt Studio collection and are instantly inspired by the high quality textiles.
• Street Fashion: In Via Del Corso we spot a beautiful and immaculately dressed woman riding a bicycle, complete with a Chanel handbag. Environmental thinking without the loss of style - that's simply Rome.
• Fontana di Trevi: At first glance, the Trevi Fountain has nothing more to offer than a nice water feature, but what makes it amazing is the history behind the structure. Looking on with a gelato in hand and wearing newly purchased Italian clothes; the day becomes a memory that will be cherished for a lifetime.
• Simplicity: The elegance of women in Italy is characterised by understated style, flawless make up and amazing confidence.
• The Spanish Steps: At the famous piazza we bask in the glorious rays of sunshine, enjoying a pleasant 28 degree day.  We notice that men are wearing beautifully tailored jackets, perfectly cut shirts and detailed ties. Who said that the tie era is dying!
• Italian Culture: Shopping in Italy is not retail therapy. It is what happens; like eating, sleeping, exercise or work. Italians shop to look good, feel good and are always ready to impress.
• The Pantheon: Shirt Studio has design similarities with the ancient temple - the Pantheon is naturally air conditioned, while our shirts are made from the coolest, most breathable cotton in the world.

Venice/ Venezia

• The city of canals: After our arrival in Venice we get straight to work – sourcing new season cufflinks. In true Venetian style, they are made with meticulously hand crafted Murano glass.
• Ready to wear: The key to amazing Italian elegance - accessorise right. Women roam the streets with great handbags, quality leather shoes and simple pieces of jewellery. For the men – don’t be afraid to carry a leather satchel or a sleek laptop bag.
• New tie collection: We visit a local artist and witness the highly technical creative process. It involves hand sketching and then transferring the prints onto silk ties – the colours are breathtaking! Stay tuned for the release of these limited edition ties.
• Resort wear: European travellers disembarking the cruise liners in Venice are ever so stylish –picture James Bond and his glamorous mistress cruising through the glistening Mediterranean seas.
• Men’s style: Italian men know the secret to dressing well by following a few simple rules. Trousers are finished to the right length; jackets cut perfectly, shirts neatly tucked in and the men finish off the look with a great belt and polished shoes.

The fashion destination of Italy has yet again served as a creative muse for the new Shirt Studio collection.  Italian quality, charisma and class are woven into the fibres of each shirt, allowing the wearer to experience the luxury of a Roman holiday, without ever having to pack a suitcase.