From Asia to Alghero ( via Trieste)
February 14, 2007
| Two former finalists ( Kim Kiho selected at ITS#THREE and Momoko Hashigami selected at ITS#FOUR) told us about their experience at Antonio Marras' studio. We asked them four simple questions, here are their answers? 1 Can you briefly tell us how you came to work for Marras and how it was connected to your presence as a finalist in the ITS event? 2 How did you feel about moving to Italy to collaborate with such an important griffe, also considering the peculiarity of being based in Sardinia, far away from Milan's frenetic fashion rhythms? 3 What would you underline about the atmosphere and the working style at Marras? 4 Where do you see yourself in a couple of years, also considering the importance of the experience you are living right now? |
Momoko 1 I was one of the ITS#FOUR finalists, and luckily I had the chance to meet Antonio and Patrizia. They seemed to appreciate my works, therefore I was invited to join their studio to work with them. I have been working there since October 2006. 2 I had never thought about living in Italy before I met Antonio and Patrizia... I was always thinking about Paris as a starting point. However, it was easy for me to change my plans as I had been given the precious opportunity to work with them. I realized that it was going to be such a unique life-experience to work in Antonio's studio in Sardegna. His studio in Alghero is located on a hill surrounded by a beautiful view: sea, mountains, bright blue sky, olive and orange trees, pretty flowers... even a dozen cats and four dogs. When the sun sets we enjoy the incredible sight of the coloured sky. I think we are all so lucky to work in such a relaxing environment, a special atmosphere, very difficult to find....After arriving here, Antonio's amazing creativity made perfect sense to me, connected to his homeland. 3 Antonio is such a splendid person. It is rare to have a "boss" like him. We all adore him because of his magnetic personality; his working style reflects it... natural, calm and entertaining. 4 If I have the chance, I would love to continue my work with Antonio. There are so many countless things to learn in this studio, from Antonio, from Patrizia and from all my lovely colleagues. |
Kiho 1 When I was a finalist at ITS#THREE Antonio and Patrizia were in the jury. That is how we met. Antonio deeply smiled at me. It happened more then two years ago, but I think that that was a smile I will never forget. I immediately thought it would have been a dream to work with them, and I simply tried asking them..... 2 Antonio's studio is in Sardegna, a wonderful island, far away from fashion cities. This contributes in preserving his unique style. I think his inspiration comes from nature, from his land and his family. This island leads you to deeply listen to your inner self. It makes you dig deep and this is something I really needed to do because your personal style has to be found inside you. For this reason Sardegna is perfect for me. 3 Some words come naturally to mind thinking about Antonio: smiles, love, dreams, passion... red... speed... art... family... friendship... 4 In my beloved one's heart forever?For a long time I have always thought that I would produce my first line in 2010.....it sounds like an interesting number...so my plans won't change. |
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And finally we asked Antonio Marras why he asked Kiho and Momoko to come work with him in his studio in Alghero. What was it about Kiho and Momoko that prompted you to ask them to join your team? 
A fashion designer cannot exist without a valid team behind him/her. There are 10 team members in the studio in Alghero. First, there is Giovanni who is from Romana, a small town of about 300 people near Alghero. He studied in Florence and has been with us right from the start. He is the person I work with most closely. Then there is the extraordinary Catiuscia, a talented pattern maker and great at designing. Then we have Zong, Stefania, Crista and Paola. Two years ago Kiho joined our team, and last year Momoko. In order to work here you need to think of the laboratory as your home and the team as your family. Here everyone does a bit of everything but everyone naturally knows what they excel at. There are no specific roles and no power structure. Everyone is dedicated to their work and knows their responsibilities. Obviously the people that work here are not only talented but they also need to have certain qualities. They need to be loyal, they need to have a sense of responsibility, they need to be generous, humble and know what friendship means. When I met Kiho, and then Momoko, in Trieste during the ITS competition, I knew they were very able in their field. I have come to trust Barbara [Franchin] and her ability to identify talented designers, she is very good at recognising young designers that are both creative and skilled. I wanted to meet and speak with Kiho and Momoko to see how they see the world around them. I am very happy with their work and I am very proud of them. They are also very proud of me because, as the Italian saying goes, "Si è bravi se ci si sa circondare di collaboratori ancora più bravi". That is "Someone is truly talented when they are able to choose and work with collaborators that are just as, if not more, talented then they are.
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