DALLAS, Dec 12, 2005/ FW/ --- Born in Milan, trained in Italy and the U.S., Luca Orlandi’s heritage includes first hand experience in the textile business since birth as his family, for many generations has been dealing in fine yarns, fabrics, textile machinery and fibers.

So, though his masters’ degree from New York’s Columbia University was in Business Administration, it was not surprising that he gravitated towards fashion, establishing Luca Luca in 1991 and opening his first boutique at Madison Avenue in 1992.

Today, there are 6 Luca Luca freestanding stores around the country and his creations distributed in specialty stores in the U.S. and abroad.

So, what is the secret of his success – a great eye for design and formidable business acumen.

Known for his sexy silhouettes and unique color sense, Luca Orlandi’s creations range from fluid and airy to sophisticated and edgy. Designing at least two collections a year for womenswear plus accessories, the Luca Luca collection has grown to include a complete selection of daywear, sportswear, knits, coats, eveningwear, accessories and shoes.

“Fashion is always thought of as two seasons, spring/summer and autumn / winter. Yet a lot of people do not realize that it’s not actually 50-50 in terms of work. The Spring / Summer collection is bigger simply because it should last 8 to 9 months out of the year, while the Fall/Winter collection is for 3 to 4 months out of the year,” Luca Orlandi explained when asked how his time is divided between collections.

Expounding on the size of the spring/summer collection, Orlandi continued, “spring is always thought of as light and airy. The cruise collection, though technically its own is also ‘light and airy,’ (hence part of Spring), because most people vacation in warmer climates. We start selling the cruise collection in the middle of winter. So, to a designer, he or she has to think of ‘light and airy’ most part of the year.

Italian by birth, and an adopted son of New York, Orlandi said, “New York is exciting for a designer,” when asked what he thinks of the Big Apple as a fashion capital. “A designer in New York can change his or her signature style or target market in one season, a luxury that the European fashion houses do not have.”

Giving details, Orlandi said, “Because New York fashion houses are younger, and except for a very few, they are usually small operations. They are more maneuverable and faster to change compared to the bigger operations of the European houses.”

“The signature style of most European houses have also matured, say Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel for instance. Their clientele expects a certain look from them. And even during the season, buyers and press always expect a great show and beautiful clothes from them.”

“In New York, one does not really know what to expect until the season begins. And that is what makes New York very exciting. Its expect the unexpected and an important innovation or a new look might be in the next show.”

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