What could be more indulgent than spending a whole evening talking about Italian fashion with Seattle Metropolitan Magazine's Style Editor Laura Cassidy, while sipping Prosecco over a plate of house made spaghetti and meatballs? On February 8th, that's exactly what I did. At the finale of a four part series of Italian fashion discussions held at Cafe Lago, Laura presided over the evening's "Shop Like an Italian" Doposcuola (loosely translated as after-hours schooling) and led us fashionably through a winding tour of our own city and its best Italian fashion offerings.
The presentation illustrated the many ways we can shop Seattle like we're in Italy, enjoying our own city and its visual pleasure. My favorite quote of the night might have been "The Italians don't make a lot of junk." Seek and ye shall find.
Emilio Pucci designs
A brief history of fashion reveals that the Italian designers entered the US market in the early 1950's with Emilio Pucci's loud and crazy designs. Then Valentino made a dress for Jackie Kennedy when she married her American Presidential prince, which likely solidified Italian fashion as tres chic.
Jackie Kennedy wedding dress
Soon after, a little family outfit called Missoni came over in the 1960's bringing with them an impressive talent for innovative knitwear. Fifty years later, they're selling out their discount line through Target.
Roberta Armani visited The Bravern in 2010 and declared to one reporter that her Uncle (Giorgio) was responsible for bringing drama to America. Thank you, sir! From Ferragamo to Gucci to Marni, the Seattle/Bellevue shopping districts offer an array of fine Italian designer duds just ripe for the taking, no boarding pass needed.
Gucci Milan 2008
If you're not one to drop a month's rent on an outfit, you can still find high Italian design to fit your budget right here in Seattle. Mark your calendar for March 8th when the Marni for H&M Collection hits Seattle. Check out this write up by Alison Brownrigg on Porttle for her top picks.
Following the success of its first series, Cafe Lago joined forces with Seattle7Writers.org and Old Renton Book Exchange to schedule a second run entitled "Read Local Doposcuola," presented by local authors, beginning March 7th for 4 consecutive Wednesdays. Books will be available for purchase the night of each class. Bring a friend or show up alone and grab a seat in the middle, like I did. The family-style seating will have you drinking, debating and rubbing elbows with new friends while breaking bread Italian style.
Each class accommodates up to 20 people and is free with dinner. Class participants are asked to arrive at 6:30 p.m, pick a spot and get to know their neighbors over complementary Prosecco and antipasti. Class begins at 7 p.m. and dinner is served during the class. The nights' lessons wrap up around 8:00. To make a reservation, call 206-329-8005.
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