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All About Coronavirus/COVID-19

Amazing Italian actress Lucia Bosè (89) reportedly died from coronavirus. Just last month I was watching the legendary TV series Capri and kept wondering about the actors all the time, thinking how the epidemics affected them all. This morning, I've read the news about Lucia's death, which saddened me so, so much. Rest in peace, Lucia Bosè.


(movieplayer.it)
 
Sergio Rossi Dies at 84

The footwear legend built one of Italy's most storied luxury shoe brands and inspired generations of designers, including his son Gianvito.

By Katie Abel
with contributions from Luisa Zargani
on April 3, 2020

sergio-rossi.jpg

Sergio Rossi

Footwear legend Sergio Rossi — who built one of Italy’s most storied luxury shoe brands and inspired generations of designers, including his son Gianvito — died in Cesena, Italy, at age 84. The cause of death was coronavirus. He had been hospitalized for a few days.

Sergio Rossi was born in San Mauro Pascoli, one of Italy’s main shoemaking regions, in 1935. He learned the trade from his father, began producing footwear in the Fifties and launched his namesake brand in 1968. As he grew his own label, the designer also collaborated with fashion houses such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Azzedine Alaïa.

Rossi developed a number of groundbreaking styles such as the Opanca sandal with its curved sole.

“He was a master, it was a great pleasure to have met him. He was our spiritual guide and he is today more than ever,” the brand’s chief executive officer, Riccardo Sciutto, said Friday morning.

Sciutto, who was appointed to the role in April 2016, has over the years paid tribute to the founder of the company and created an archive of more than 6,000 models at the state-of-the-art San Mauro Pascoli manufacturing plant.

Sciutto recalled how moved Rossi was when he visited the archive at Christmas. “He was really surprised that so many of his designs from the 1950s onward were part of the archive. He had never thought of doing it because he had lived those moments, but the archive is an inspiration for us.”

Sciutto said the designer “loved women and was able to capture a woman’s femininity in a unique way. He was never over-the-top, always in good taste. The shoes were always wearable and he was never satisfied until they were perfect. They were not accessories for him. He told me once that he wanted to create the perfect extension of a woman’s leg.”

For the Rossis, the shoe business has always been a family affair. “[Growing up], it was very difficult to distinguish the difference between home and factory — it was all the same,” Gianvito Rossi said at the Footwear News Summit last year. “It was a big playground. I had a lot of friends who were working for my father. So it was great.”

Gianvito, who launched his own brand in 2007, recalled in a 2017 interview that he started to accumulate experience “just by watching my father and observing the artisans as they crafted the most amazing shoes. Without knowing it, I was building a historical memory,” said the designer, who worked alongside his father until Sergio Rossi was sold to Gucci Group (now Kering) in 1999.

In 2015, Kering sold the business to European investment house Investindustrial — and it was relaunched a year later. Since then, the label has tapped into its archives season after season — a clear testament to the founder’s lasting influence.

“The main job was to bring back the right DNA, the right products and the spirit of the Sergio Rossi woman. Heritage is crucial,” said Sciutto.

WWD
 
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS STRANDS MODEL VALENTINA ZELYAEVA ON THAI YOGA RETREAT (AND SHE COULDN’T BE HAPPIER)

written by Eddie Roche April 9, 2020


Valentina Zelyaeva (Courtesy)

In today’s installment of “Cabin Fever Diaries,” we check in with Women Management model, Valentina Zelyaeva, who has arguably the most fascinating self-isolation story we’ve come across yet. What we wouldn’t do to be in her shoes right now!

Where are you right now and who you are you with?
I’m in Koh Samui, Thailand. I came here a little over 2 months ago by myself from New York. I came here to attend a retreat lead by Artur Sita with about 100 other people. During this time we are getting to know each other on a deeper level because we see each other every day during our gatherings, which are a part of the retreat. We all meditate together, we have our meals together, we see each other at the smoothie bar or while having our morning coffee. During this time, I’ve connected with a lot of different types of people and I definitely learned a lot about myself. I faced things that I didn’t have a courage to face before. I’m learning to observe myself in different situations without self-criticism. I have to admit that the place where I’m spending my quarantine is a gift of life. I’ve been on a path of self-discovery since I took my first yoga class 15 years ago. Looking back, even less than a year ago, I was in the worst place of my life mentally and emotionally. Today, I find myself surrounded by likeminded people. Meditation has become my reality. I’m having fruits and veggies all day long. I’m by the ocean and I wake up every day feeling grateful and peaceful.

How long were you supposed to be on this retreat for and how long do you anticipate you’ll be there for?
One retreat is about 10 days. But when I arrived here at the end of January I already knew that I wanted to stay for 2 months, attending all the retreats and immersing myself completely. I had plans to return to New York on April 1st. On March 31, the last retreat was supposed to be finished and Artur Sita (who puts on the retreats) had plans to return to Russia to continue his retreats in Moscow and other cities. But when the quarantine happened he and people who happened to be here weren’t able to return home, so Artur decided to extend his retreats until the quarantine ends and the boarders open, which no one knows when that that will be. I’ll be here till the end of April for sure and maybe even longer.

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Valentina Zelyaeva (Courtesy)

Wow! Being away from home for so long, your daily routines must be completely different.
My skincare routine is very basic nowadays. Also my diet is different. I’m vegetarian, but I’m basically on a mango diet these days, which is awesome.

What do you miss most about life before the quarantine?
I’m very grateful to be where I am right now. Not many people have access to the beach or to fresh tropical fruits like I do now. I find myself in a total bliss being in a present moment. I don’t really miss anything from my life before the quarantine. I’m very thankful to life events that led me to where and with whom I’m spending my quarantine time.

How are you staying active? Lots of yoga, we assume.
I wake up at 6am. I do some yoga asanas outside while listening to the birds. Then, I go to the ocean for a swim and to enjoy the sunrise. I help around the resort property where I’m staying by watering the grass and trees and I care for the plants.

0-9.jpg

Valentina Zelyaeva (Courtesy)

And you’re blogging, right?
I’ve found myself blogging more about the importance of ac plant-based diet and meditation, which is so important always, but especially now. I share my journey with everyone and I hope to inspire others to be a little healthier physically, mentally, and spiritually.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found yourself doing since isolating?
Skinny dipping and learning Thai.

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Valentina Zelyaeva (Courtesy)

What do you want to do when this is all over?
I want to learn to make a coconut veggie curry like the ones I’ve tasted here in Thailand. I’m hoping to make it as delicious as it tastes here.

How has the experience changed your outlook?
I have no fear and worries about the future because I’m learning the skill of living in a present moment. I now have a total trust in life. Artur Sita’s retreat is all about that. He shows that door inside you which you open yourself — the door to love and total trust.

What has been the most surprising thing about this whole experience for you?
I found myself very peaceful, grounded, and in total harmony with myself in the midst of the biggest challenge that the Earth, people, and all the living creatures are going through right now.

Fashionweekdaily
 
^^hugs back!!
:flower:


masks...
do we have a thread on masks?

fashion is gonna find a way to commodify them as people are compelled to wear them for safety's sake...

asia has already been doing this for years...
 
Employees of BOF China all got laid off...
 
Employees of BOF China all got laid off...

Almost 'liked' it, but thanks for posting MDNA!
I wonder who will report on this, and what does it mean? Will the Chinese site shut down entirely? Such a shocking move. Ahmed must be pressed on this and explain his decision just like every other exec right now.
 
I wonder who will report on this, and what does it mean? Will the Chinese site shut down entirely? Such a shocking move. Ahmed must be pressed on this and explain his decision just like every other exec right now.

The Chinese site probably will still be there, and according to Jiemian, a staff of 10 were laid off and they will keep working till the end of this month, meanwhile all the business related to BOF China will be shut down next month.

A Letter to the BoF Community

Dear BoF Community,

Like many other media companies around the world, the Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our business in ways that we could never have imagined. Over the past 4 weeks, our team has remained steadfast in our commitment to open, inform and connect the global fashion community, pivoting our business and editorial strategies to reflect the unprecedented context in which we now find ourselves.

Some areas of our business continue to grow rapidly, especially our BoF Professional membership programme, for which new sign-ups have increased by more than 500 percent over this same period last year, making it the industry’s most trusted guide to navigating this crisis. We believe this is due to the quality of analysis we provide, as well as the global connectivity and community that BoF enables, underscoring that no individual or company can make it through the pandemic alone. In times like these, we need to create new ways to connect and learn from each other, and we are energised to be playing a role in making this happen.

That said, other areas of our business — especially those dependent on physical events and digital advertising — have been negatively impacted, leading to lost revenue that we will find difficult to recoup. Given this impact, we have had to make the difficult decision to go further than our initial cost-savings measures and take actions that impact the heart and soul of our business: our people.

Unfortunately, these measures include limited furloughs and redundancies in the areas of the business that have been most affected. Additionally, we are exploring strategic options for our BoF China business, including its Chinese-language content and franchise events. Finally, senior members of our team are also sacrificing a significant portion of our salaries as part of our collective effort to reduce costs.

These decisions were difficult to make and are not a reflection of the contributions of the highly-valued team members that are impacted. BoF is certainly not alone in having to take such actions, but as a small business going through this kind of crisis for the first time, it is particularly painful for our talented team members who have given so much to this company. I am so grateful for their contributions and for all the hard work they have put into building BoF.

Many of you have asked how you can support a company like BoF at a time like this. To that, I say, you are already doing it, by reading our analysis and subscribing to BoF Professional. For those who haven’t already joined, you can support our award-winning journalism by signing up here.


While this change is unexpected and difficult, our team is moving forward by creating more avenues to open, connect, and inform the global fashion industry. This has always been our mission, but the Coronavirus crisis has revealed the urgent need for new solutions, and we are focused on delivering these with renewed innovation, creativity and purpose.

We hope you and your loved ones are keeping safe, healthy and well. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Imran Amed, Founder and CEO
bof
 
Can Fashion Save Itself?

By Vanessa Friedman

The revelation of the crisis in retail caused by the coronavirus and the global response has coincided with the close of the first round of applications for A Common Thread, American fashion’s self-rescue plan. The initiative was created less than a month ago to help the independent designers, stores and contractors that make up the fashion ecosystem.

Can the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue succeed where the Small Business Administration has stumbled?

In the 10-day application period that began April 8, more than 800 companies and individuals from 38 states applied for a slice of what is currently a $4.1 million fund, raised from industry supporters and private individuals, with grants earmarked for business with revenues of under $10 million and fewer than 30 employees.

No grant will be more than $100,000.

“We don’t pretend this is a bailout,” said Anna Wintour, the artistic director of Condé Nast and editor of Vogue. “We see this as a grant that will bridge a very difficult time, something to keep the lights on. The goal is to give a little bit of money to as many as possible.”

It could help designers pay the factories that produce their samples, and the fabric suppliers; help stores pay designers for stock that has been ordered and produced; and help factories pay their garment workers.

“What really struck me was the depth and severity of the current crisis, as reflected in the applicant pool,” said Steven Kolb, the chief executive of the CFDA. “There were businesses on it that are 30 years old, who have helped build the American fashion industry, but who have remained content, year in and year out, to operate locally, without the goal of being a global lifestyle brand.”

He paused and then added, “It was really difficult to see some of the names.”

(Mr. Kolb declined to provide the names out of respect for their privacy, but, he said, “You can look at the New York Fashion Week schedule.”)

According to the CFDA, approximately 71 percent of the applicants were brand or designer names, 13 percent independent retailers, 7 percent small factories, and 8 percent associated companies like production and PR companies that help support the industry.

After an initial vetting by the CFDA to weed out incomplete applications and ineligible names, a committee of 10, which includes Wen Zhou, the chief executive of 3.1 Phillip Lim; Rachna Shah, a partner at KCD; and Jeffery Fowler, the president, Americas at Farfetch, will read the applications and decide on the grants. The committee hopes to have the first money out by mid-to-late May.

A Common Thread is just one of a group of fashion-world initiatives in the major style capitols. In London, the British Fashion Council’s BFC Foundation Fashion Fund for the Covid Crisis is looking to disburse an initial 1,000,000 pounds to independent designers and students, in grants of no more than 50,000 pounds. In Milan, the Camera della Moda is raising money to support independent talent through a campaign called #TogetherForTomorrow, which is also connecting young designers to experts in different fields.

In Paris, the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers — at 300,000 euros, the most lucrative emerging designer award in the world and normally allotted to a single emerging designer — will be shared among the eight current finalists. A second fund, which includes the 150,000-euro Karl Lagerfeld prize, will be available to aid winning designers from the last six years of the LVMH competition, on application.

A Common Thread began as a repurposing of the fund-raising the CFDA and Vogue engaged in for their Fashion Fund prize, and since then, it has been augmented by donations: Ralph Lauren gave $1 million; PVH, the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, gave $50,000; and hundreds of small donors, many anonymous, have been giving between $5 and $25.

“I’ve been so moved and touched by the generosity,” Ms. Wintour said. “When Ralph called to tell me of his contribution, I just burst into tears. To have him step in and help us get started had been such a vote of support. And then there were hundreds of small donations, that just break your heart. There have been participants in past Fashion Funds who returned their money from last year who didn’t want their names mentioned. They just said, ‘We are in this together.’”

Many designers who have applied to A Common Thread said the experience was fairly straightforward.

Jonathan Cohen, a designer who is known for his joyful prints and conscious upcycling, was a runner-up for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2018. He applied for both a small business loan ($200,000) and the A Common Thread grant for $100,000.

“The difference on this application was focusing on how we were affected, as well as what we need to keep going,” he wrote in an email.

Mr. Cohen was in San Diego, where he moved to be with his family. It is the first time he has lived at home since he was 19 (he is now 34) and the first time he and his business partner, Sarah Leff, have been separated since starting their business in 2011.

“At this time, we are paying all expenses out of personal pocket,” he wrote, adding that normally he would have payments from stores for spring-summer merchandise but that most of that money was now on hold and not likely to arrive for months (if at all). “A Common Thread would be very helpful to cover immediate expenses, as well as plan the next six-eight months. For the S.B.A., it is very unclear when/how much money we will get.”

Mr. Kolb said he expected to be able to award money to 10 percent of the applicants. Those who do not receive funds in the first round, which is earmarked for those in the most immediate need, will be automatically included in the next round. He expects most grants to range between $25,000 and $75,000. (He estimates that $2 million will be disbursed.)

“We’re not naïve about this,” Ms. Wintour said. “We know we can’t help everybody. And maybe some of the people we do help won’t make it. But we wanted to show there is a support system in fashion. That there is a future.”
The New York Times
 
I hate that it’s come to this in the industry, because no one revels in misery and tragedy. But, the industry has become so bloated, with so much amateur-level mediocrity solely subsidized on basic gimmicks, that it’s time to weed out the weak and lessers. Just because an individual may “love” fashion, doesn’t mean they “deserve” or are “entitled” to be a part of the industry. And then there are those that clearly are only in it for the fame and fortune, while blatantly flaunting their lack of talent and skills, and branded predominately on identity-politics.

Let this be a periods, that as painful and unkind as it may be— the lessers get eliminated, and where talent and skills— and not only in PR and marketing, but genuine creative vision and genuine passion for the craft (sounds absolutely tacky and corny but it needs to be said) becomes paramount again in this industry. If a label consistently needs grants/industry-equivalent bursaries to stay in the business, then maybe it’s time for it to end.
 
I hate that it’s come to this in the industry, because no one revels in misery and tragedy. But, the industry has become so bloated, with so much amateur-level mediocrity solely subsidized on basic gimmicks, that it’s time to weed out the weak and lessers. Just because an individual may “love” fashion, doesn’t mean they “deserve” or are “entitled” to be a part of the industry. And then there are those that clearly are only in it for the fame and fortune, while blatantly flaunting their lack of talent and skills, and branded predominately on identity-politics.

Let this be a periods, that as painful and unkind as it may be— the lessers get eliminated, and where talent and skills— and not only in PR and marketing, but genuine creative vision and genuine passion for the craft (sounds absolutely tacky and corny but it needs to be said) becomes paramount again in this industry. If a label consistently needs grants/industry-equivalent bursaries to stay in the business, then maybe it’s time for it to end.

You make a valid point, but I have to say I disagree, pet. The same argument could be used to do away with the physically infirm and unfit because in the greater scheme of things some may think they don't contribute to society and the economy? Yes, I'm reaching, but you get my point?
I rather like the equal opportunity concept in principle, but in London it is merely a form of window dressing. Because actually, the industry already operates the way you propose. There are already the ones who play the role of modern-day executioners, who decide on the fate of emerging designers. The only problem is that most of we (on TFS) don't share their sensibility and taste. Look at Richard Quinn, Molly Goddard, Matty Bovan. Imo they're as mediocre as many of the young designers who fizzle out but because the powers that be connected them with sponsors, buyers and pushed them in magazines, they will succeed where the rest couldn't. This the reason why we have the highest and fastest turnover of young designers in London.

Must say I'm once again put off by Vanessa's tacky and tabloidy style of writing! Who on here would have wanted to know which brand applied for funding? Very few, I would imagine. And yet she made it into some sort of sensationalist, gossipy story by asking the question while at the same time attaching a level of shame to receiving funding. 'Mr. Kolb declined to provide the names out of respect for their privacy, but, he said, “You can look at the New York Fashion Week schedule.' I would blame Kolb and Anna too but Vanessa is the one who asked and quoted them verbatim.
 
GRACE ELIZABETH IN QUARANTINE: WOODWORK, PUPPY CUDDLES, AND APOCOLYPTIC DREAMS
written by Eddie Roche April 16, 2020

Grace Elizabeth (Courtesy)
Model Grace Elizabeth is spending quarantine in North Carolina with her fiancé, Nico Kraus, and puppy. Like the rest of us, she’s learning new things about herself and taking up unexpected hobbies. She writes in with how she’s passing the time and what she’s eager to do when self-isolation ends. (We’re eager for that date, if anyone has it!)

Where are you right now and who you are you with?
I am in North Carolina with my fiancé {Nico Kraus] and puppy!

What do you miss most about your old routine?
Getting my morning dose of caffeine from Maman, my favorite coffee shop.

Have you learned anything new about yourself since social distancing?
I have learned that I am pretty darn good at origami! I have also learned that Nico prefers my quarantine snacks over his…. Insert eye roll emoji here.

What do you miss most about life before the quarantine?
I really really miss having dinner with my friends!!

What are you doing to decompress?
I do a lot of crafts. I’ve filled up two sketchbooks, a watercolor pad, made four candles, countless origami, and even built a shoe rack out of wood I had laying around, but the best of all is playing with Benji and teaching him new tricks. Work took me away from him a lot, so I love every second I get to cuddle him!

thumbnail_Image.jpg

Grace Elizabeth (Courtesy)

How are you staying active?
I built a little in home gym in my guest room. I had a lot of gym equipment to begin with, so I had fun transforming it into a gym.

How’s your sleep?
I sleep much longer, despite the crazy ‘end of the world’ dreams. I used to sleep on average four to five hours a night, and now I’m hitting eight!

What are you doing to help others?
I’ve began donating to a few organizations including the World Health Organization, Mount Sinai Hospitals, and Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, and the other day I had virtual visit with kids that are in the children’s hospital in Nashville through the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found yourself doing since isolating?
We stopped speaking words there for a minute and just made noises to interact with one another from across the room. It was quite bizarre.

What are you most anxious about?
How long it will take for our economy to recover from this, I pray smaller businesses are able to get the appropriate relief they need.

What have you been watching on TV?
“The Office” and “Suits!”

What have you been eating?
I love to cook! So I have been making us healthy, but incredibly delicious meals. I’ve also been eating my personal favorite-dark chocolate peanut butter fudge!

Have you accomplished anything since self-isolating?
I have completely redecorated and organized my apartment, as well as purges my closet of everything I don’t need anymore.

What music have you been listening to lately?
A lot of the new catchy hits like Toosie Slide and Savage. Of course [I’m also] keeping my classic rock on repeat.

What do you want to do when this is all over?
I want to go bowling with some friends, then pick up Shake Shack and sit in the park for awhile.

How has the experience changed your outlook?
I think my every day excitement began to fade because it was such a routine. I have been reminded that every day that you can walk outside and breathe fresh air is a blessing and every interaction or exchange is a blessing that should be appreciated.

What has been the most surprising thing about this whole experience for you?
How kind people are. Living in New York where it seems everyone walking past has an agenda, you tend to forget how genuine and humane people can be. The way the world, communities, and even strangers have come together has warmed a place in my heart.

Fashionweekdaily
 
MODEL ISABELI FONTANA IN QUARANTINE: WINDOW WASHING AND VERY BAD SINGING

written by Eddie Roche April 20, 2020


Isabeli Fontana (Getty Images)
Women Model Management stunner, Isabeli Fontana, is isolating in Brazil with her family and has taken up some new household chores as she rides out the coronavirus crisis. In our latest installment of “Cabin Fever Diaries,” she tells us how she’s been spending her days.

Have you learned anything new about yourself since entering isolation?
I learned to stay at home. I’m so used to always being on the plane that I’m now discovering what it’s like to have a routine. At first, it was strange, I was anxious with so much free time, but now I have created my rituals to work my body and soul daily.

Has anything good come out of this whole experience for you?
I have taken advantage of this new phase to take even better care of myself and give attention to family and friends with whom I did not talk so often.

What do you miss most about life before the quarantine?
I miss going to the beach, playing with my kids at sea, giving long loving hugs to those I like.

What are you doing to decompress?
I have been doing a lot of yoga and meditation exercises. I love being silent, putting my thoughts in order.

What are you doing to help others?
I have been making Instagram lives with experts in various areas to bring knowledge and entertainment to my fans in such difficult times. I believe that social networks have the power to bring people together, so I like to think that I am helping someone who is alone at home through my digital platforms.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found yourself doing since isolating?
My husband is a musician and I will catch myself singing with him, which is terrible news for anyone who hears me!

What are you most anxious about?
At the beginning, I was very anxious and worried about my family and loved ones. The uncertainty is something that causes mixed feelings, but now I’m aware of the importance of this moment we’re living under.

What have you been eating?
My diet is composed of fruits, cereals, mushrooms, eggs, vegetables, and legumes. I haven’t changed anything in my foods.

Have you accomplished any special projects since entering isolation?
My house in Florianópolis (SC/Brazil) is surrounded by glass windows and it’s me who is cleaning them up. I’m not complaining, but it’s something new for me.

What music have you been listening to lately?
Mantras and songs written by my husband, Di Ferrero.

What has been the most surprising thing about this whole experience for you?
The perception of how strong we are and how we need each other. No one is truly alone.

Fashionweekdaily
 
Who care about Grace Elizabeth-- look at her man...

Anyway... LOL let’s not ever compare cutting financial support to the lessers of a certain populace of a rarified industry to taking lives in the real world, Benn.

Favouritism/nepotism exists in every industry and good luck eliminating such a practice. Within the context of the fashion industry, certain names/labels will always be immune to or able to weather such hard financial times because of solid private investments or by the support of the major players of the industry; thus why I hold no ill will to the likes of lessers Virgil/Kris Van Assche/Kim Jones etc since they’re insiders now and we won’t see these lessers ever go. I had the misfortune (or fortune depending on your point of view) to work with/for someone who was that exact brand of generic/bland/forgettable design. But we had to hype this brand as “luxury”— and because of the billionaire-backing, this brand is sold in “finer” shops across North America. Money will always justify/sustain mediocrity to last genuine talent. Just that grants really need to be wisely donated to genuine talent (and not representation because talent really sees no color. Corny I know, but true). SO frankly, I;d rather see money granted to fewer brands than evenly divided so that everyone gets a participation trophy.

These are hard and uncertain times that none of us here have ever experienced. I don’t think I “deserve” anything just because I’m been working to the bone for the last 10 years in the industry: There are no guarantees in this life, let alone in this fickle industry. I’m not alone in that I will need to hustle again when and if this pandemic allows the effort. And these lessers needs o do the same.
 

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