District L

Images by Amanda LaMela

A little less than a month ago, GucciMuseo – a shrine to the famed Italian design house – opened its doors in Florence. During my return last week, I made my way through the multi-level style sanctuary in Piazza del Signoria. This sartorial time capsule houses recent and archive collections, as well as a small Gucci shop, café, and lifestyle items predating 1930.

Upon entering GucciMuseo, guests are immediately presented with mobile luxury, the Gucci 1979 Cadillac Seville. With iconic trim and an interlocked GG medallion, the leather-packed Gucci-mobile made for an impressive welcome.

Ascending into the fashion fortress, a record of the works from Guccio and Aldo Gucci to Tom Ford and Frida Giannini, I allowed my fingers to graze over red carpet originals chosen by stars like Hilary Swank, Naomi Watts, and Kate Beckinsale, despite security’s watchful eye.

Finally, I entered the last exhibition, a small cinema dedicated to The Film Foundation. In partnership with Martin Scorcese, Gucci provided funding to preserve chic masterpieces like La Dolce Vita and A Woman Under the Influence.

From preserved film classics to feathered horse-bit frocks, the Gucci empire was built upon, and currently operates under one age-old decree:

“Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.” – Aldo Gucci

Post by Amanda LaMela

In October 2006, District L was on a northbound train, heading to Milan to crash Fashion Week. Barely 18-years-old, we maximized the power of the American stereotype to convince security, PR assistants, and perhaps even ourselves that we were entitled access to any show.

With sheer elation, we slid into ShirtPassion by Sonia Fortuna. The lights dimmed and centered, then the resounding music began (which, by the way, was Stars are Blind by Paris Hilton). A collection of upbeat looks in light, patterned fabrics circled the runway – and we felt like we were on top of the world. So much so, that during the year we lived in our old, haunted villa in Florence, we hurtled security in both Milan and Paris, attending shows like Guy Laroche, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, and A/B Soul.

Five years later, we find ourselves in New York as reformed fashion grifters, agreeing that crashing is not only déclassé, but also kind of a sad thing to do as a working “adult.”

Yet on this beautiful day in October 2011, I once again have my bags packed - ready to return to the town where District L began.

Post by Amanda LaMela