The ITS#NINE Jury
July 02, 2010
The ITS#NINE Jury
Presenting the Members of this Year’s Jury Panel!
Ladies and Gentlemen! The Confederation of Fantastic Voyagers is honoured to present to you brave members the mighty jurors who will evaluate the work of our fashion finalists - Astronauts who fly across space - and accessories finalists - Chrononauts capable of travelling through time - to decide who will be the winners of the juicy ITS#NINE prizes, despite the fact that all finalists are winners, at ITS!
They are among the most important professionals around, travellers with a huge experience who have already explored the depths of time and hugeness of space. Their incredible knowledge as well as their commitment to the Confederation’s cause is vital for the judging procedure…A round of applause!
VIKTOR&ROLF
Fashion designers
Viktor Horsting (b.1969) & Rolf Snoeren (b.1969) met while studying fashion at the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design in The Netherlands (1989-1992). Their first collection ‘Hyères’ (1993) based on distortion, reconstruction and layering won three prizes at the Salon Europeen des Jeunes Stylistes at the Festival International de Mode et de Photographie.
The subsequent presentation of four critically acclaimed collections in experimental art spaces affirmed their reputation as fashion artisans. Focusing purely on couture, they stunned ever growing audiences with the extravagant and unorthodox nature of their designs, marking their ascent into the realm of high fashion.
With the launch of the iconic wax seal in the same year, Viktor & Rolf had established themselves as a true brand. With the desire to expand, Viktor & Rolf entered into a partnership with Only the Brave in 2008, allowing the company to develop new product ranges, extend distribution and open further boutiques.
Though commercially ambitious, Viktor & Rolf retain their penchant for speculation, retaining a strong presence in the art world. The work of Viktor & Rolf is represented in the collections of the most important fashion museums in the world, as well as in numerous private collections.
Along with their involvement in the visual arts, Viktor & Rolf have collaborated on a number of projects within the performing arts. The most recent, with acclaimed director Robert Wilson, saw the production of costumes for his stage production of the Weber opera ‘Der Freischütz’ that was performed at the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden, Germany (2009).
Viktor & Rolf continue to deliver their characteristic form of extraordinary glamour, proving them worthy recipients of Dutch fashion’s highest distinction the MODINT ‘Grand Seigneur’ (2009).
VALENTINA MAGGI
Director of the Design Practice at Floriane de St. Pierre
Graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano, Valentina Maggi began her professional career in the Conservation and History of Architecture Department of the Politecnico di Milano. With her passion for Design in the wider sense, Valentina Maggi joined FLORIANE DE SAINT PIERRE & ASSOCIÉS in 1999 and has headed up the Design Practice since 2000.
SARA MAINO
Fashion Editor Vogue Italia/Vogue.it
Sara Maino was born and raised in Milan. She studied at an English school from nursery to high school and started to work at 10 Corso Como boutique immediately after. She then entered in Vogue Italia as a stageur in 1994. She loves photography and doing research, which she considers as the only way to stimulate the mind. Sara spends most of her time hunting for new talents, as the Head of the talents area of Vogue.it website and of the “Vogue Talents” guide published once a year.
NINA MARIA NITSCHE
Maison Martin Margiela
Nina-Maria Nitsche born in Lüneburg, Germany, in 1965.
After, she studied at Studio Berçot Paris, first training course at Maison Martin Margiela, for the 90/91 spring/summer and autumn/winter collection.
From 1991 to 1993, follow up of the realization of the collection of Maison Martin Margiela woven part in the factory Demi Cler in Italy. From 1993 to 1996, as product manager for MMM at Staff International.
From 1997 to 2005, designer in charge of the MMM women’s line in Paris. From 2006 to today, she is the collection manager for men and women lines in Paris.
MASON JUNG
Winner of “Fashion Collection of the Year “ at ITS#EIGHT
Mason Jung was born in Seoul, Korea. He completed a BA in Clothing and Textiles at Kyung Hee University. During that time, he served 26 months in the Korean military as national duty, where he faced regulated life. The experience made him have deep thoughts about formality which is reflected in his work. After BA, Jung went on to work for commercial fashion labels in Seoul. In 2007, he moved to London to present his work to a broader audience. Jung attained a Master’s Degree at Royal College of Art where he spent two years.
MARIA LUISA POUMAILLOU
Founder and buyer Maria Luisa Boutique
Cosmopolitanism, a rejection of the ordinary and a taste for difference are the cherished values to Maria Luisa’s heart. The daughter of Venezuelan political refugees, who settled in Paris when she was 7 years old, she entered Science Po in Paris, achieved a literature degree in Madrid and traveled all over the world.?In 1988, a shop project with a friend does not succeed. As she already had the space located rue Cambon, she aimed to find another function for it: with no previous experience in buying, but with a very strong intuition, she boldly places her first orders with some designers she picked up in fashion magazines. With a lot of conviction in her choices, an extreme passion to defend the work of a particular designer and a natural ability to help and advise customers, the store becomes quickly essential for Parisian, and international fashion lovers. Widely requested through the press, headhunters, various schools and international competitions, Maria Luisa has become a figurehead in the fashion scene with her analyses, her spontaneity and the sharpness of her taste.
MANDI LENNARD
Mandi Lennard, Director, Mandi’s Basement
Mandi Lennard heads Mandi’s Basement a recently launched brand consultancy, whose clients include: Barbie (Mattel), Bistrotheque, LOVE Magazine, M·A·C Cosmetics, Oasis, and Peanuts (comic strip). She set up Mandi Lennard Publicity in 1998, following a successful retail career that includes 6 years as a Buyer and Merchandiser for London store Browns. Her agency became reputed for launching the newest creative talent into the international style marketplace, and recognised for promoting the creative hotbed of London’s East End. In December 2009, Mandi Lennard was listed within ‘The Power 25’, a list of the 25 most powerful fashion players in British fashion today —released by the British Fashion Council to coincide with their 25th anniversary— alongside such industry figures as Sir Paul Smith and Dame Vivienne Westwood. Mandi’s Basement is also the name of her blog on Colette’s website.
KEI KAGAMI
Fashion Designer
Kei Kagami initially studied architecture and worked as studio assistant to the pre-eminent figurehead of Twentieth Century Japanese building design, Kenzo Tange. During this period Kagami realised his true vocation and promptly enrolled at Tokyo’s Bunka College to study tailoring. Building a bridge between the two disciplines, the move into fashion was a sort of logical progression. In 1989 Arriving on the doorstep of John Galliano’s studio in London his talent and determination were instantly recognised and Galliano put him to work without hesitation, and he remained there as Galliano’s studio assistant for three seasons working very closely with his mentor. In 1990 with the help of Shiseido, Kagami enrolled at the prestigious Central Saint Martins. In 2001, his first catwalk show was held off-schedule at The Bulgarian Embassy in London. He has shown in London for several seasons and presented his catwalk show in Milan till 2007. Kagami’s first shoe-exhibition was held at a gallery in Milan in 2003.
Transcending fashion, Kagami’s intricate, structural designs have been displayed in museums and galleries across the world including the Museum of Modern Art (Belgrade), Au Musée du Textile et des Costumes de Wesserling (France), Design 21 exhibition (New York), triennale (Milano), Rooms (Tokyo) ‘The Fashion of Architecture ’ (London and New York), ‘Body Extensions’ (Switzerland). Gothic dark glamour (New York) ,
Arnhem Mode Biennale (Holland).
GIAMPIETRO BAUDO
Editor in Chief Milano Finanza Fashion
Giampietro Baudo, born in 1976, is the director of the only Italian newspaper entirely dedicated to fashion, Milano Finanza Fashion. He became director of the newspaper in the beginning of 2007, after being chief editor for L’Uomo Vogue.
ELISA PALOMINO
Fashion Designer
Elisa Palomino was born in the late sixties in Valencia, Spain. She discovered fashion in her eccentric grandmother’s attic. Elisa attended St.Martins College of Art, where she completed a Masters degree in Fashion Design. After several years at Moschino, developing their whimsical style, she moved to Paris. During eight years she she was Head of Studio at John Galliano, collaborating at the Haute Couture at Christian Dior. In 2008 Elisa moves to New York to become VP of Design for Diane Von Furstenberg. In February 2010 she launched her own line with a first catwalk-show at the NY Fashion Week.
DONALD POTARD
Founder & Owner “Agent de Luxe”
Donald Potard set up and now runs Agent de Luxe after working as CEO of the Maison Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, chairing the trade association for the ready-to-wear industry, couturiers and designers and, for more than 20 years, the group Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Agent de Luxe is the first artistic agency which supports fashion designers and Luxury brands to get the very most out of the company’s brand image and optimise their commercial success.
Agent de Luxe provide an access to the codes of the luxury goods industry and a fabulous source of creativity for business to draw upon.
DEANNA FERRETTI
Entrepreneur
Deanna Ferretti Veroni started her career in Reggio Emilia, Italy more than 30 years ago. She has since then successfully collaborated with some of the most important designers of this past century. She met Kenzo when she was barely 25 years old and with him she worked successfully for over 20 years. During the 70’s she collaborated with Yves Saint Laurent (Tricot e Variation), Rena Kraft, Chiwitt, Frapp, Luis London, Blaky Dress, Giorgio Correggiari, Popy Moreni and Michelle Bruyere.
In the 80’s she started to have her first licences with Adrienne Vittadini, Armani and Joseph. Their collections were drawn by John Galliano and John Richmond.
In the 90’s, she worked for Martin Margiela, Gai Mattiolo, Valentino, Neil Barret and for many others brands. She has a wide experience in textiles and knitwear but she cannot be called neither a fashion designer nor simply a business woman. Actually, she is an atypical figure born to realise almost every designer’s dream. Now, every three or four years her company supports a new young talent. Deanna also continues to collaborate with several schools and always loves to work with young people. Miss Deanna is a symbol of originality and quality.
CHAU HAR LEE
Winner of “Accessiores collection of the Year “ at ITS#EIGHT
London based footwear designer Chau Har Lee’s work spans conceptual footwear to more accessible pieces. Her work combines traditional methods of shoemaking with modern technologies creating a unique aesthetic in her designs. Having studied Footwear Design at Cordwainers College in 2002, Chau went on to complete a Masters degree in at the prestigious Royal College of Art in 2009. Highlights included winning a Manolo Blahnik RCA prize 2009, being part of Umbro’s Global Stadium Winning team 2008, Oasis competition finalist and nominee for the Todd and Duncan award of excellence 2009.
Currently working on her own label, Chau also designs for Camper and teaches at London College of Fashion and Prescott and Mackay. Recent achievements include being awarded NEWGEN sponsorship for September London Fashion Week, presenting with Fashion East at Somerset House and London Showrooms in Paris during February/March 2010, and winning the ITS#EIGHT Accessories Collection of the Year Award 2009.
BRUNO COLLIN
Artistic Director DIESEL
Bruno Collin started his career as journalist at MEDIAS, advertising publication where he worked for 7 years specializing in fashion, luxury and beauty business. He wrote important features on Karl Lagerfeld, Philippe Starck and Jean Paul Goude among others.
At the same time he collaborated with female fashion titles like Elle and Dépêche Mode as well as with fashion trades like “Sportswear International“ – where he was Editor in Chief from 1994 to 1998.
Journalist during the day, Bruno played an active role also into the ‘nuit parisienne’ at night organizing some of the best evening events at clubs such as Folies, Queen, Les Bains. During those years he also took part in writing important trend books such as: “1000 extra-ordinary objects” for Colors, edited by TASCHEN.
In 1998, Bruno Collin, together with a team of creatives, started working on a new project of a fashion publication dedicated to different niche new cultures; a fashion magazine able to be a real interpreter of urban trends and this is how he created the WAD, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2009.
BIANCA BALTI
Model
Bianca Balti was born in Lodi, Italy. After her high school she decided to try modelling. She entered BRAVE Agency in 2004, where she moved her first steps in modelling.
Seeing in her an amazing potential, she was promoted internationally in the most important fashion spots: Italy, Paris, London and New York. Her first cover was on the prestigious French magazine L’Officiel and was followed by an impressive number of covers like Amica, Vanidad, GQ, Bazaar UK, Marie Claire, Elle, Vogue Mexico, Vogue France, Vogue UK, i-D…
With a huge number of advertorial campaigns and fashion shows, there is no important designer who Bianca has not modeled for. In 2006 she stepped on her first red carpet at Cannes Film Festival for her role in “Go Go Tales” by director Abel Ferrara. In 2011 she will be testimonial for the Pirelli calendar. Now based in Milan with her daughter Matilde, the key to Bianca’s success apart from her looks is her simplicity, personality and determination in achieving her goals.
BERNADETTE WITTMANN GLITTENBERG
Founder and Head of BWG S.L.
Bernadette Wittmann Glittenberg can look back on over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry.
With her company BWG S.L. Bernadette is mainly working in creative consulting, commercial guidance, marketing and sales strategy, as well as concept and production of fashion events. During her international career she worked with renowned fashion designers and houses such as Dries Van Noten, Rochas by Olivier Theyskens, Bread&Butter Design and guided emerging talents to develop their businesses in a creative and commercial wayBWG S.L. works together with international fashion schools as well as organising exhibition projects and has expanded its network to the visual and performing arts.
BWG S.L. also collaborates in one-off projects, including performances, installations and exclusive events having a link to fashion and fashion design. BWG S.L. acts as a bridge between fashion designers and the industry, drawing upon a well-established database.
BARBARA FRANCHIN
Talent Scout and Director of EVE/ITS
She was born in Trieste, Italy, and living in a border zone has led to her openness and curiosity in terms of interfusion in all its forms. She took her first steps in the fashion world establishing an atelier with a friend aimed to the creation of extravagant womenswear clothing. Her propensity for exchange, comparison, curiosity and the search for the creative spark lead her to create and organise in 1993 Mittelmoda, a projects created to provide space for the elaboration and search for talent within the fashion world.
Barbara left it after the 2000 edition to launch a new and autonomous entrepreneurial project in Trieste; an agency, EVE, of which she is Director & Project Supervisor. As director of EVE she has been organising ITS - International Talent Support since the very beginning.
