Born in the UK to Sicilian
parents, Antonio Berardi studied at London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins
College of Art & Design while working as John Galliano’s assistant. His
final year collection in 1994 created a splash, attracting the attention of key
London buyers including those from Liberty and A La Mode. He launched his
first professional collection the following season.
Berardi quickly learnt the skills of the design trade, the
techniques of clothing construction and manufacture, and how to succeed in
business. He was determined to make his business independent so that his
reputation would never depend on outside investors. Today he is one of the very
few internationally influential designers operating a completely autonomous
company.
Much of Berardi’s original inspiration came from the
collision of cultures that he embodies as an authentic British Sicilian. He
blends traditional Savile Row tailoring with the more colourful, offbeat and
freewheeling clothing of Sicily.
Berardi was influenced by his mother, whose impeccable
ladylike style was a perfect reflection of her personal philosophy: that a
woman’s clothes should reflect her femininity, propriety and sense of
quality. Galliano was also a profound influence and inspired mentor,
demonstrating the value of intensity and being true to one’s personal vision
without compromise.
Berardi has an artist’s appreciation of the female form; his
clothes enhance natural curves. Clothing that appears simple on the
hanger becomes rhythmically alive on the body. Berardi also has a natural
feel for materials and instinctively grasps how new fabrics can be used to
maximum effect, creating original shapes that extend the vocabulary of body
language.
Creatively, he draws on his roots in English tradition and
craftsmanship, whilst tapping into the warmth and expressiveness of Sicilian
culture and fusion of traditions. He constantly has an eye on the
streets, from London and Paris, to New York and Palermo. He is excited by
music, post-modern art and independent film.
Antonio Berardi is a label of ready-to-wear and accessories
created for the stylish, impeccable, urbane woman. Antonio Berardi has been worn recently by the following
celebrities; Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchette, Amy Adams, Madonna, Anne Hathaway,
Zoe Saldana, Beyonce, Diane Kruger, Kate Hudson and Rosie Huntington Whitely.
Antonio Berardi is made by Gibo, the venerable and
prestigious Italian apparel manufacturer. Berardi credits Gibo with much of his
success as company’s advanced technical expertise and creative industrial
solutions have enabled him to create virtually without concern for what is
possible.
Address: The Communications Store, 2 Kensington Square, London, W8 5EP, UK.
Link: Antonio Berardi