Elisa Palomino
February 26, 2010
Our incredible relationship with Elisa Palomino dates back to ITS#FOUR in 2005. At the time Elisa was head of Studio at John Galliano and we invited her to be part of our jury. We would have never thought to meet with a person that shares so many values with us and with such a deep understanding of what we do and why we do it. It was like love at first sight, like talking to someone effortlessly about what you love and what you don't. We were struck by her energy and attitude and of course charmed by her outstanding style.
Elisa is also the prototype of the perfect ITS juror. She fights for young creativity, tries to help out as many young designers as she can by offering internships and job opportunities whenever she has the possibility, and during the event she spends most of her time with the finalists, talking with them about their work, offering advice, reassuring them, partying with them...She knows ITS very well because ITS is part of her life style.
Elisa's background is very interesting indeed. She was born in the Spanish town of Valencia and grew up in Cuenca, a small 15th century town which influenced her theatrical aesthetics as did her grandmother, a haute couture client, and her mother, a fine art restorer. She first left home aged 16 to study in the north of Italy, then returned to Spain to study at the Fine Art University and left again for London where she graduated at Central St Martins (MA in fashion and textiles) with classmates Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi and Hussein Chalayan. Within a few years she became the designer behind Moschino's Cheap and Chic collection working also for the Couture line.
After working 5 years for Moschino, her talent was spotted by John Galliano who recruited her to work for his own label as well as for the Dior line. At Galliano Elisa was appointed Head of Studio widely contributing, during her 8 years there, to the creative and economic growth of the fashion house. At Dior, Elisa would work with the "Petites Mains" at the Haute Couture Ateliers, helping in creating real works of art.
Following her Galliano experience Elisa worked as Studio Director for Roberto Cavalli before moving to New York to become Vice-President of Design at Diane Von Furstenberg, a position she continues to hold.
A new chapter in Elisa's flamboyant career begins now: she has just presented the first collection of her own line "Elisa Palomino" during New York Fashion Week!! Have a look at the spaces below for pictures of her show: all of Elisa personality, energy and lifestyle is there!
For us interviewing Elisa is somehow awkward, because asking these kind of questions to her is in many ways like asking them ourselves. That is to say how much we share the same view on such issues. Here's what she told us:
- EVE: What is in your opinion creativity, and what does it mean in your life?
- ELISA: Creativity is all around us, we can't avoid it and it shapes our lives. I am really lucky to be surrounded by so many creative people, all the young students that have been working with me over the years. They are pure raw creativity, without compromise...they are my entire life!!
- EVE: Can you tell us about your experience at ITS?
- ELISA: It has been a true blessing. One day one of my students, Fabrizio Talia, a super creative finalist from ITS (Best Womenswear Collection at ITS#TWO), put me in contact with Barbara, and when we talked on the phone we realized that we were twin sisters, doing the same job in different fields..We shared the same love for the students and a passion for real talent scouting as well as so many other personal interests. It was the beginning of a love story that brought me so much joy over the years.
- EVE: Looking back at your career and seeing the young talents of today, what is the best advice you feel you can give them apart from believing in what they do?
- ELISA: To follow their dreams and make them true, to be happy and thankful for all they have (all that talent shouldn't be taken for granted), to be humble about themselves and generous to the next generations.
- EVE: Thanks so much Elisa for being who you are.
