It was such a pleasure to meet Mauro Oritetti Carella, the creative director and head of Zagliani. A self proclaimed failed dermatologist, he began experimenting with precious exotic skins to give it the supple hand we are so used to in our exotics today. When he met me, his eyes lit up and said, “Yes, Bag Snob! You were my first press, you knew from the start what our brand is about!”. I also assured him that this new trend of supple crocodile (that he injects with air and silicone) was started by Zagliani in 2006.
In the showroom, a table displaying his latest collection had words that read: Zagliani. Touch. The showroom is in the Palazzo Durini, with frescoes restored to its original splendor and old world architecture with grand arches at each doorway. Mauro points out that old art like what we see around us is to be appreciate from afar but true luxury today is about experiencing the beauty, which mean you have to touch (he takes a bag and scrunches it up and mashes it as he says this) and you have to use it in everyday life – it should not just be about the passive act of looking. Also on display is a bag full of life – magazine, wallet, cosmetic case and even a bottle of wine – showing how you should live with your Zagliani.
The new collection introduces hardware for the first time, but it is very much the side dish to the skins, which will always remain the star of the show. The hardware is a scallop of silver at the base of the handles giving it the perfect touch of refinement. Also new is a completely matte black python. I have never seen anything like this, when I say matte, I mean absolute chalk matte. And in black it is extreme and marvelous. This group is flounced up by topping it with a grosgrain ribbon bow to give it softness and femininity; the interior is an amazing shock of cobalt blue suede.
The new shape for the season is a bowler that reveals 3 compartments when open. It comes in 3 sizes and in all variations of skins and colors, including an ostrich that is so fine and so mine that he might as well just give it to me now. The small is a bit cutesy, the medium of course is the most wearable, but the largest gives it the most edge with longer shoulder traps and slouchier body because of the size and weight.
Jackets are also introduced for Fall – air injected cropped bombers in the softest crocodile (and feather light) with a real silk satin lining that makes you want to take it to bed with you. Again, Mauro takes the jacket and balls it all up to show how pliable and indestructible his skins are. I have to admit, it is pretty fabulous. I can see rock stars and rapper all over it!
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