A SUCCESSFUL MEETING OF FASHION AND WINE, ALL "MADE IN ROME"

 by Maria Carla Magni

On a late September day, as the 2021 harvest was drawing to a close, the Ômina Romana estate was transformed into a real photographic set to provide the ideal backdrop for the presentation of the latest A/W 2021-22 collection by Roman designer Mia Carmen.

The winery and vineyard were taken over by the glamorous atmosphere of fashion, transforming a mild early autumn day into a natural palette of colors, from purplish must and crimson grapes combined with the soft, and sometimes bright, hues of the autumn garments worn by Mia Carmen's models.

Finally, the arrival on set of the two super champions, Alba and Atos, Katharina Boerner's four-legged friends, proved to be the true stars of the set, posing with total naturalness for the photographer's shots.

To get to know Mia Carmen's lines and style, perfectly at ease with the rural mood of the vineyard, we asked her a few questions.

• How did the idea of setting your new A/W 2021-22 collection in the Ômina Romana vineyard come about?

  I was thinking about a location for the new autumn/winter collection and I wanted an outdoor place with an autumn context, but full of color. I immediately thought of the Ômina Romana context, and after the inspection, my expectations were greatly exceeded: I found the perfect location!
  

• Is there any reference to wine colors in your collection?
  My collections are always very colorful. This one, in particular, features velvet that perfectly matches the must, so it was easy to photograph them together.
  

• What are the characteristics of your new collection and who is it aimed at?
  As always, the new collection is aimed at women who love the elegance and preciousness of the materials they wear, even in day and travel clothes. There are flannel or cashmere blend coats in new colors that brighten autumn, recalling the changing hues of leaves this season. There are also jackets and coats in the dusty sky color of autumn, which pairs well with the powder blue of the very comfortable bi-stretch velvet that we used in this collection for black or olive green dresses, or in printed velvet jackets. The jackets are in checked wool or double wool crepe in various colors, from plum to neon green, from chocolate to coral to orange. As always, our garments can also be ordered in different colors, choosing details and accessories to your liking. One of the fundamental characteristics of our clothes is their uniqueness. Each customer can choose according to their desires by changing fabric, lengths, buttons, linings. I call it "the kingdom of wishes."

• What do you offer in your Atelier in the heart of Rome?
  Anyone who enters the Mia Carmen atelier will find the new collection, which is constantly expanding. There are not only dresses, coats, jackets, and our very comfortable trousers that our customers love so much, but also accessories, bags, scarves, and cozy neckwarmers, perfect for Christmas gifts. Everything is always "made in Mia Carmen, Made in Rome." We offer a personalized service, and each customer receives unique advice, just as all our garments are unique.

• You are not the first designer to find a precious ally in combining the world of FASHION with that of WINE. What was your personal experience during the shooting day in the Ômina Romana vineyard?
  I think Ômina Romana is a special place, not just a typical vineyard, but a place where you breathe a unique atmosphere, full of passion and love, where everything is done to the highest standard. All of us, from the photographer to the models, from the hairdresser to the makeup artist, were ecstatic because upon entering Ômina Romana, you immediately feel privileged, you are in the temple of fine wine, and you can feel it in the air!
  

• If you had to choose an ideal garment to pair with a wine, what would you combine?
  If I had to pair a dress with an Ômina Romana wine, I would choose a sexy, sinuous, and very elegant dress for an unforgettable evening.

• What is the trending color and garment in this A/W collection?
  For me, the most significant pieces in this collection are the dusty-colored ones; I adore them! Paired with light boots or Cady trousers in matching shades, or a patterned mini-skirt, they are splendid.
  

• What is your favorite fabric and what garment should never be missing from your wardrobe?
  The garment that should not be missing from your wardrobe is the bi-stretch velvet dress; with a V-neck or crew neck, it can be fabulous for an evening but also with ankle boots. Solid color or in one of the many colors to choose from in the color chart.
  

• Finally, what was the funniest shot during the shooting?
  The funniest shots were with Katharina Bōrner's wonderful dogs; they are so sweet, they covered me in kisses when I sat down at their level. They are excellent "models," elegant and perfect with Mia Carmen garments.
  I also take this opportunity to thank first and foremost the Bōrner family for their hospitality, and then Andrea Laureani for the photos, the Hair Stylist Stefano from Tagliati x il Successo in Velletri, the models Alexandra, Claudia, and Giulia, and the Makeup Artist Cristiana.
  

CAMPAIGN FINANCED ACCORDING TO (EC) REGULATION NO: 1398/2013