Having met in Paris 3 years ago we were delighted when Pomandere joined Macandi Showrooms for the SS12 season ; impeccable Italian quality, luxe tactile fabrics and laid back distinctive style have made it a firm favourite amongst the team.
Often found alongside Isabel Marant, Golden Goose, Folk and Humanoid we are proud to have Pomandere stocked in some of the UK's most stunning boutiques known for their taste and thoughtfully edited selections. Pomandere can be found at Envoy of Belfast, The Cross, Neilson, Ruby & Tallulah, Emporio to name but a few.
In Conversation with… Pomandere's Carlo Zanuso.
Carlo, when did you first become interested in fashion?
I believe my interest for fashion is an intrinsic factor of my life, being brought up by parents who are producers. In fact, I have always followed my parents' job with passion and interest. They have actually made me love this job!
Therefore, I think my interest in fashion has always been in my bones and it has been nurtured with my personal experience.
What training did you have?
My official training could look quite odd….I graduated in Economics at Cattolica University in Milan. But then I had my first experiences in the sales department at Staff International, an important international company of ready-to-wear. Thanks to this, I learnt the principles of managing an organisation, from taking the orders, processing them to their production and distribution. Moreover, I learnt the importance of customer satisfaction, which is fundamental to me.
Your parents owned a shirting workshop, how much has your family's business shaped Pomandere?
I believe our familiar tradition is the basis and the DNA of the brand. In fact, I always try to create garments that can express that artisan design far from the industrial homogenisation of many of the brands in the industry .
What's the biggest lesson you've learned as your first decade as a designer?
The most important thing for a designer is always aiming at the highest product quality, in order to reach the highest satisfaction of the customer who decides to buy and wear Pomandere.
Where do you get your inspiration for new collections?
I normally get inspiration from vintage. I normally look at garments, books, pictures, movies which I can find at flea markets.
How would you describe Pomandere’s brand identity and vision?
I believe in a refined everyday-life. I think Pomandere is understated elegance that makes people who are wearing it comfortable. At the base of Pomadere, there is attention for detail combined with a dedicated choice of natural materials and fabrics.
Would you want to collaborate with anyone?
I have never thought of collaborating with anyone in specific, but I have always believed in co-branding. Maybe, I'd rather collaborate with a perfume brand more than a fashion company, as I would like to experiment with fragrancies and spices mix.
Are there any things you wouldn't do design wise?
I cannot think to something that I wouldn't do…as long as it is an eco-friendly activity.
Who, according to you, has good dress sense?
There are a lot of people I admire, but I believe that women like Emanuelle Alt are always able to be very feminine while interpreting masculine looks. I think this is very important to have a good dress sense.
What do you think of British style?
Contemporary and colourful! It is a renovation of the classics.
I think about soft fabrics in warm colours, I think about a practical style which is never ordinary.
If you could, who would you love to dress?
I would love to design a dress for Sofia Coppola!
Do you think you need a philosophy to create interesting clothes?
I think a designer needs to know very well how clothes are technically made and produced. Only by combing creativity, fantasy and fabrics you can create originality.
What makes a good collection?
Innovation comes from the use of different colours and fabrics. It is fundamental to me to be able to combine the right fabric with the right shape.
What advice would you give a budding designer?
I would suggest to follow the birth of every garment and the feedback of your clientele. Only by personally following your product, you will be able to express what you believe in.
I think it is very important to combine your personal taste with the market needs always maintaining your identity
What has been your biggest achievement in Pomandere so far?
I love spotting Pomandere on people on the street. The most beautiful thing is seeing how every person combines their own look with my clothes. It is always a big satisfaction!
Macandi Showrooms will be presenting Pomadere AW14 at the following locations:
Tranoi Preview - Paris - 25 - 27th Jan
Who's Next - Paris - 25 - 28th Jan
Pure - London - 9 - 11th Feb
Tranoi - Paris 28th feb - 3 March
and at Macandi Showrooms, 14 Emerald Street, London WC1N 3QA from 25th Jan - 26th Feb 2014.
Please contact Caroline Millar for appointments and further information caroline@macandi.com T: 0207 242 3734
www.macandi.com
www.pomandere.it
