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GIANNI CALIGNANO FOR MNE MAGAZIN: The collection I will present at MFW is inspired by nature in all its forms

9.04.2024. u 13:30

Gianni Calignano is returning to Somersby Fashion Week Montenegro after seven years and he will be presenting his new collection on the closing night, April 11, in the Event Center of Imanje Knjaz in Podgorica.
As he says for MNE magazin, his creations are inspired by nature in all its forms.
Our guest was born in a beautiful town Nardò and to him sea represents freedom.
He has also spoken about why do dreams belong specially to women, about sustainable fashion, as well as the style of Montenegrin men and women.
You are returning to Somersby Fashion Week Montenegro after seven years. Could you, please, tell us more about the collection you will be presenting this time, the inspiration behind it, materials and colours you used to design it?
– The collection that I will be presenting is inspired by nature in all its forms. The colors represent the main elements of nature: the turquoise for the sea which I am lucky enough to admire every day on clear sunny days, the emerald green for the woods, the gold for the wheat fields.
In making dresses I only used natural fabrics, organza, brocade, pure cotton.

We see from your Instagram account some beautiful dresses and colours, as well as details. To me, it looks like those designs were inspired by sea, its colours and rich underwater world. What does sea mean to you?
– To me the sea means freedom, facing the sea my mind travels freely and the colors and scents of the sea become a constant source of inspiration.
What was it like for you growing up in Nardò with the sea and the buildings and its history?
– Growing up in a small town was nice because I retained the connection with my roots and my traditions, while always feeling a strong need to travel to learn about new cultures and broaden my views.
In your previous interview to MNE magazin, you told us: ,,Dreams belong specially to the woman. The woman's dreams come true by my fashion creations.” Why do dreams belong specially to the woman?
– Dreams belong to women, because women are sensitive creatures and by wearing an elegant dress, they realize their dream of being unique and special.

The motto of this season’s Somersby Fashion Week Montenegro is ,,Nature is Modern” (Nature is Trendy). What is your opinion on sustainable fashion?
– My creations are absolutely sustainable, both due to the use of only natural fibers and because I am against ,,disposable” fashion; my designs are timeless and can be worn over the years not only by mothers, but also by their daughters, keeping their modernity intact.
It is often said here that, because of the geographical nearness to Italy, women and men dress here like Italians, meaning they follow trends, they dress up beautifully and in style, perfectly combining garnments. From your Italian ,,eye”, how do you see the style of Montenegrin men and women and what is your opinion on Montenegrin fashion designers?
– During my experience in Montenegro I was actually able to see that Montenegrin women and men are very elegant and attentive to fashion and this is thanks to stylists with a refined taste, very similar to the Italian one.
Bojana Radonjić
Photo: Private Archive