Fresh Picks: Milena Silvano Clothing

Clothing has arrived in our shop!After seeing the images of her spring/summer14 collection, I just couldn't resist adding a limited selection of clothing by UK-based Milena Silvano. Featuring beautiful soft textiles (love the ikat pattern!) and easy breezy shapes, we're thrilled to offer her dresses and comfy tops. They're key pieces for a nice brunch at home, music festival (Coachella anyone?) and lightweight enough for an easy-packing ensemble for travel. And check out our interview with the lovely Milena Silvano including her travel tips.

Designer Interview Part 2: Travel Tips from Milena Silvano

 

Italian-born and UK-based designer, Milena Silvano, has shared wonderful things about her native country and her current home. We're fortunate to get travel tips for one of my favorite places in the world (Italia!) and a city I've yet to visit...London. 

You are currently based in rural England. What are "must see" things or "must do" for those visiting England, near your hometown or Italy?

I was born in Naples, but I left the south of Italy when I was very young. This year I’m hoping to go back and visit Positano and particularly il Vallone del Porto, a protected area that Gianni Menichetti (Vali Myers life-long partner) calls the ‘Wild Canyon’.

Positano, Italy via

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Vallone del Porto via

What are off the beat path local hangouts? Favorite neighborhoods, parks, etc.?

I am now based in East Sussex, but I lived in London for 15 years.My favourite area of London is the east end: Hackney, Clapton etc. It is residential enough to have a villagey feel while also offering lots of nice cafes and boutiques. I used to go to hackney marshes for a jog alongside the canal,  and drink coffee from Venetia’s on Chatsworth road. And if you’re looking for a stylish but low key place to stay, I recommend Russel’s of Clapton B&B.

Hackney Marshes via

Russell's of Clapton

Favorite places to shop-boutiques or outdoor markets:

Donlon for books and boutiques HUB and 69b on Broadway Market (market on the Saturday).

Hub Shop

Donlon Books via

Favorite places to eat or type of food:

Turkish, in Dalston.

Easy day trips from London or your home-cool places to see right outside the city:

Charleston & Wakehurst!

Charleston Farmhouse

Wakehurst Place via

I know you’ve traveled to India, any suggestions? What are some of your favorite places you’ve visited? Where would you like to travel next?

Not work-related but I would love to spend some time in Auroville, in the Tamil Nadu region.

Milena at the Delhi Lotus Temple

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It's been a pleasure getting to know Milena and learning about these amazing destinations. All these has fired up the free spirit and wanderlust in me....makes me want to pack up my bags and go globe trekkin' again!Thank you so much Milena for all your travel tips!

Images of Designer courtesy of Milena Silvano

Designer Interview Part I: Milena Silvano

We're thrilled to get to know the Italian-born UK-based textile and clothing designer Milena Silvano. After her training in textile and fashion design, she worked  for a variety of brands such as Romeo Gigli, Costume National in Milan and Jessican Ogden in London amongst others. She also freelanced as a stylist before establishing her eponymous label in 2010. I've been a fan of Milena-not just for the beautiful textile garments and accessories that she creates, but for her design philosophy and process. We are proud to showcase her beautiful and seasonless scarves/wraps in our shop.

How would you describe your design approach and creative process- from design, inspiration, to creation of each collection?

I work on fabrics, patterns and toiles pretty much the same, as I think one thing informs the other, while also experimenting with colour combinations and dyes/print. It all comes together in the end, but I don’t like sketching my ideas (as I have a terrible fear of losing the feeling of something if I put it onto paper) so my head and my collection folder are in an ‘organized mess’ until the very last minute.

What are your current projects or collection?

I am working on a new collection for AW13, on SS13 production, and on a fanzine project.

I love textiles! How did you get started in textile and garment design?

I have always been into textures and making things and little dresses for my dolls. As a kid my imagination was caught by Italian designer Romeo Gigli, and by the imagery he was creating with photographer Paolo Roversi. They were challenging the in-your-face mainstream fashion of the 80’s with delicate and androgynous silhouettes and lush fabrics. My first job in fashion ended up being at Romeo Gigli’s, and that’s where I started learning about textiles in-depth.

Designs by Romeo Gigli

How has your designs changed and evolved since you started?

I don’t know that my designs have changed much, but definitely the process has.I used to sketch ideas down. I now prefer to mock up with my hands, as I feel that this process offers, at least for me, a more holistic approach to the design process. I have a phobia of clothing and textiles that look like they have been developed from an illustration. I try as much as possible to have a hands-on, instinctive approach to making garments.

Running a business requires a lot of time and passion for what you do-on your down time, what are your other interests, passions or activities that you enjoy?

Unfortunately I don’t have that much time to nurture activities outside my work (apart for yoga, which I couldn't live without!). For this reason, I try for my business to be part of my life in an inspiring and constructive way... whenever possible. Each season I'll use the collection as an opportunity to learn new skills and make new experiences. Hence my exploration of plant dyes, working with clay, and hand weaving. 

I find inspiration at home and places I’ve visited. Where do you find inspiration or how does your home or places you’ve traveled to influence your design?

It’s hard to pinpoint. I think that if you are creative person, inspiration becomes a byproduct of everyday life. 

Part of the creation of your designs involves working with other artisans and communities abroad. What do you love most about this process?

I love working with Indian artisans for their eclectic skills! I must admit that I've had to become a bit fatalist with the results I get, but when the magic happens it is so rewarding. I get genuine feelings of gratitude for the universe when a work relationship is successful.

Milena at Jaipur

I know it’s so hard to choose, but what are some of your favorite pieces from your collection?

I am really into the block printed bandanna scarves and dresses from ss13, I can’t wait for summer to wear them. I did a mockup of the block printed scarf while I was in Jaipur but left my printers to develop the grey dabu print (mud resist), and I am really happy with how it turned out.

Milena Silvano Spring/Summer 2013 Collection

What is your personal style or aesthetic? What are some of favorite your pieces, items you collect for you or your home?

I started collecting succulent plants when I visited Berkeley in 2010 and I came home with a string of pearl cutting. Since then, I can’t pass by a succulent plant without taking a piece home with me!

 

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It's been so inspiring to get to know another talented designer and maker. I have so much appreciation for the hands on and down-to-earth approach that Milena applies in creating such timeless and beautiful pieces. Thank you so much Milena for sharing!And I love surrounding our place with succulents too. Stay tune for Part II, as Milena shares her travel tips for her native country (and one of my favorite place in the world!) Italy and of course England!

Images Courtesy of Milena Silvano

Introducing Milena Silvano

 We're proud to introduce the hard to find creations by the amazing textile designer, Milena Silvano. Based out of England, she creates garments and accessories that combine traditional craftsmanship and ethical production with contemporary design aesthetic. Her beautiful shawls are now available in our shop! Happy Friday!

Textile Love: Introducing New Designers

Bookhou Triangle Tea Towel

Milena Silvano Yama Tri-Shawl

I get so giddy whenever I receive new stock and open the package-from the first glimpse to the tactile feel of each item...especially when it comes to textiles. We're thrilled to be adding two new designers+makers for their dual role in both the design process and creation of such beautiful work. Here's a sneak peek of the textiles by well-loved Canadian-based line Bookhou (remember my Toronto shop visit post?)and UK-based designer Milena Silvano.  Whether textiles for daily use in your kitchen or shawls to wear,they're truly beautiful handmade pieces available soon in our shop.