DALLAS, Dec 12, 2005/ FW/ --- Dispelling the accusation of most European fashion pundits that ‘American fashion is very commercial,’ Orlandi said, “That perception started way back in the 1960s, when ready-to-wear was just beginning. Americans will go to Paris to the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and ask for the ‘pattern’ of the dress for mass production. There was no creativity involved in the part of the Americans because the creative process was already done by Saint Laurent,” Orlandi elucidated.

Taking his point further, Orlandi said, “That has changed though. Today, American designers are on the cutting edge of the design process simply because most of the influences that drive fashion happen here in the U.S. Take hip-hop for instance. It is a black youth subculture that hit mainstream. For the past few years, we saw that on the catwalks from New York, to London, to Milan and Paris. Even Hollywood affects fashion, and I don’t mean only celebrity dressing. I mean popular movies like Star Wars and Harry Potter permeate our consciousness and become part of our pop culture. Even sports like basketball or snowboarding affect fashion.”

“Right now, elegance is back, yet it is different from the elegance of the 1950s and 1960s because designers, who are also products of their environments have to incorporate today’s definition of elegance, which is different from the 1950s or 1960s definition of the word.”

Erudite and well-read, Orlandi’s understanding of fashion comes from exposure to the industry since birth, and of course, as Creative Director of his own house, his first hand knowledge of the business cannot be doubted.

So, when asked what will be the next big directional change in fashion, he answered without hesitation, “The next big directional change in fashion will be decided by the women themselves.”

“Women today are very well informed, and good examples are my clients. They will buy two or three pieces, incorporate them in their own wardrobe and create their own looks. As a designer, I propose a look to them,” Orlandi added with a smile.

Whether he only ‘proposes’ a look, Orlandi has been very successful in ‘convincing’ women to follow his ‘suggestions' judging by the success of the Luca Luca label that is worn by women from 18 to 80.

A true 7th Avenue success story, and still an independent fashion house after more than a decade in the business, we can be sure that women are ‘listening’ to Luca Orlandi when he presents his collections.

With the Fall 2006 New York season just three months away, it was hard not to ask him what can we expect from Luca Luca for the next season. But of course, that is a topic for another interview.

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