Put On Your Denim Armor and Be a Peaceful Warrior – MAGGIE Will Save the World!

Studying Gender Studies did not turn me into a feminist, yet it does make me have faith in the power of women to change the world. When I first got to know about this Italian fashion denim brand Maggie at FashionCamp Milano 2011, I was exhilarated by its brand mission statement “women will save the world” that I found in line with my beliefs and values which shape the way I live my life in a way that I think will make me become an independent empowered woman. Maggie originated in Urbania, an area in Central Italy also known as the “Denim Valley” in the mid-1990s. To create a typical Maggie who is courageous, confident, conscious of her self-identity, unafraid to change ways and thoughts, and has high self esteem, Maggie has used super stretch denim, a strong and durable fabric combined with luxurious leather, viscose denim, high gloss black denim, etc. to design a smart urban chic collection offering a range of contemporary trendy pieces from perfect fit jeans and smart casual tops and jackets to urban chic trenches and denim jumpsuits, which exudes a daring and heroic quality of the tough modern women who struggle to overcome challenges in life every day.

Maggie Fall/Winter 2011 runway, featuring an urban chic, Maggie combined the modern cosmopolitan style with romantic feminine elements, giving birth to Maggie's signature image which has character and strong personalization, yet stylized with a sense of feminine grace. Women choose to wear Maggie to show off their attitude and create a statement that seems to say “hey look at us! Yes, we are women, and we are conscious of the power of femininity and not afraid of showing it and of displaying our sexiness. Let's dress ourselves up with Maggie and we are ready to conquer the world!” Isn't it cool? Are you one of them?




The Maggie booth at FashionCamp Milano 2011


Denim cell phone covers as promotional event giveaways, I've got one for myself.






This Cubic Lorena jacket with a shiny effect from the luxurious Extremely Maggie line is the perfect companion for any evening occasions.


This pair of leather coated denim jeans also belonged to Extremely Maggie line once worn by Lady Gaga in her concert tour.


My most favorite military trench coat “Renata” made of heavy 21 oz denim from Maggie Superior line allows women's persevering spirit to shine in their everyday lives.








Maggie held a contest in July to select a blogger who is being sponsored to travel around Europe for one year to explore and report stories about women saving the world. Maggie has been looking for its new Maggie all over the world, and Maggie(s) are just right there. Three remarkable women's effort and perseverance striving for the safety of women and for women's rights by non-violent means in their countries where women's social status is rather low have paid off. Africa's first female elected head of state, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist, and Tawakul Karman, a leading figure in Yemen's pro-democracy movement jointly won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. It is absolutely the best example of women displaying courage and faith to change the status-quo. I cordially suggest Maggie to sponsor our three heroines to celebrate their fearless spirit and everlasting faith for women's rights to live in dignity and equality. What a marketing strategy! It can't ever get better than this. Think about it.


The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winners, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakul Karman of Yemen. Photograph: Alex Wong/Getty, Frederick M Brown/Getty, Khaled Abdullah/Reuters

That's What the Dream Combination is Meant to be

At FashionCamp Milano 2011, I saw the dream combination of style and artistic creativity, which was Giulia Boccafogli's contemporary leather jewellery, Annapaola Rapacciuolo's exquisite miniature jewellery with a vintage flavour, and Chiara Salvioli's high quality, detail oriented fashion pieces being proudly shown off in one go. The three brilliant and enthusiastic designers from different parts of Italy got together in Milan to pursue their dreams of getting known to the world with their one-of-a-kind designs which illuminate with expertise, uniqueness, and craftsmanship. I have so http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifmuch respect for you guys!

Being an architect-turned-designer, Giulia has designed jewellery collections which fully reflect proportional beauty, strive for aesthetic and structural harmony, and play around with the use of materials. Her latest collection of exclusive leather jewellery showcased at the camp is called “Leaves.” Producing this signature flower leather necklace required a lot of hand quilting and collage techniques, which took a long time to complete according to the designer and therefore no two pieces are exactly the same. Customers do not only pay for the design which is uniquely theirs, but also for the designer's passion for perfection and handcraftsmanship.
Accessorizing Chiara's one-piece dress with Giula's flower leather necklace was the best way to manifest the gracefulness and tastefulness of European women.


I have got my necklace like this one as a gift from Giulia. It goes perfectly well with my white beaded tunic top. Thanks Giulia!




Le Chou Chou adorable miniature jewellery by Annapaola Rapacciuolo can absolutely capture every girl's heart. Inspired by Marcel Proust's Swann's Way, the designer named each item from the "La Petite" collection after the characters and places in the novel. The vintage teacup and cookies bracelet, the most darling whimsical little teacup ring and pendant, the classy teapot bracelet, and the heart shaped chocolate cake ring (yummmm!!!) all reminded of the good old days. How can you not feel the sweetness of wearing any of them?






Chiara's collection is classic, elegant and timeless featuring deluxe fabrics and refined details, and this style is most evident in the design of this printed silk lined jacket made of upholstery fabric. The multicolored printed silk lining and earth-toned furniture fabric used as the face fabric created the most distinct contrast possible in texture and color, which best represents the designer's thoughtfulness and sensitivity which bring creativity stimulation in the fashion world.


Having the chance of meeting face-to-face with the local Italian designers during this memorable fashion trip to Milan made me realize that what really won my applause and eternal respect for these three talented designers was the way they show their devotion and commitment to fashion. They are not in a hurry to quickly design and produce that they sacrifice quality for quantity as a result, nor do they ever go for the second best. Their creativity and originality overflow with abundance; they would only give their customers the best of their designs which are unique and extraordinarily special with typical Italian design flair. Trust me, you'll surely get addicted to the Italian designs like I do after reading this post.

All for this iPad Case

For the fashionable genius in you, check out this gorgeous iPod case designed by Heidi Mottram. No need to settle for the standard boring black cases!

Perfectly suitable for both the Pad 1 & 2, this case has elaborate pleated detailing on the velcro fasten flap along with a shiny signature silver brand logo. Comes in beautiful pop colours of Olive Green and Orchid Purple, each with Mock suede lining. It’s an affordable luxury piece made to protect your most prized possession. The butterfly style opening adds that last, soft feminine touch to this new found favorite accessory.

TALISMAN IPAD CASE
Heidi Mottram
£115.00
By the looks of this stylish yet protective case, what’s on the outside of your iPod may very well be just as important as what’s on the inside. Visit artistspringboard.com