Author: Giulia Elia

Italian language student. Cat enthusiast. Multitasker. Asia addicted. Human.

May – Renzi meeting: “Rights of Italians living in the UK won’t change after the Brexit”

ROME – The Prime Ministers of Italy and UK met yesterday at Villa Pamphili in Rome, to discuss some crucial aspects of the relations between the two countries after the Brexit results in a press conference, and to get to know each other a little bit better while enjoying some Italian goodies. Theresa May explained once again that, even if the UK will soon be out of the EU, it will “still very much be a part of it” and added that her main goal is to develop a plan that can benefit both parts; a plan that could be totally different from everything we have already seen happening in the EU with Norway, Switzerland and Iceland.

As far as the Anglo-Italian relations are concerned, both premiers stressed how this result marks the beginning of a new chapter for everyone: Matteo Renzi confessed his bitterness towards the referendum results but stated he is confident “some good would come of it“. In addition to that, with the Brexit being a turning point in history, economics, politics and society, he underlined the importance of arranging and following a precise timeline in the upcoming months. His English counterpart didn’t agree: Mrs May explained how every decision made from now on has to be cautious and mindful and said she hopes that EU leaders will be able to understand the UK’s need to have more time to set up a plan for the future.


Mrs May assured that nothing will change in the way rights are applied to Italians living in the UK but, she added, that she will guarantee a different and better treatement UK’s citizens in their own country, since that is what they asked for with the referendum. Regarding the current economic relations between Italy and the UK, both premiers wish to create a future “win win” plan for their countries: Italy occupies the 8th place in the list of trading countries with the UK, with a current £24bn annual two-way trade which, they hope, will be boosted in the future.

After a month from the Brexit results the situation still appears quite uncertain for both the UK and Europe, but the shared plan all leaders have in mind is reassuring: this referendum marks the beginning of a new era for the European Union, which Renzi defined as a “miracle” that “allowed a 60 years period of peace and prosperity“, in which all countries have the opportunity to grow and better themselves in order to create a brighter future for the EU and its citizens.

PureLondon – A Life Less Ordinary

OLYMPIA, LONDON – For three full days, from July 24th until the 26th, London Olympia was the right place to be to enjoy, discover and be inspired by fashion, new brands, colours and a good amount of South American music. This year’s Pure London expressed culture and beliefs through inspirational design: its theme was colorful and bright and it aimed at creating a journey around the world, dipping into each culture and taking unique ideas from them. Pure London is the UK’s leading trade fashion buying event, representing womenswear, footwear, accessories and young fashion; it takes place every February and August and it offers buyers from all over the world the opportunity to discover collections launching for the season ahead from over 800 brands (including Italian brands like Nero Giardini, Compagnia Italiana, Antica Sartoria and Joiel), attend catwalks, seminars and workshops.

This season’s Pure London saw the launch of Inside Retail, a lab designed for learning and networking events. In addition to that, seminars and workshops were provided by key industry speakers as well as independent retailers, who gave visitors and buyers insight on how to survive and thrive on the high street. Moreover, Pure London teamed up with The Guardian to deliver four masterclasses for the fashion industry throughout the three days providing essential tools, encouraging visitors and buyers to achieve their ideal business: they targeted a range of areas, going from starting a fashion business to reaching social media goals. There was an introduction to digital marketing, the essential of fashion blogging, social media for the fashion industry and how to start a fashion business.

Apart from these masterclasses and the Inside Retail, buyers and fashion brands owners were able to enjoy catwalks and seminars that went on across the three days on both the Main Stage, mainly dedicated to presenting tips and ideas on enhancing business strategy, and the Spirit Stage, where the programme was aimed at leading the way in staying online and on-trend. A daily SS17 exclusive buyers’ briefing from WGSN was presented by Sara Maggioni, showcasing the new colours, trends, items of clothing, patterns and accessories that will in vogue next year – blue with all its shades, rose gold, flowery patterns, glitters, stripes, blazers, bomber jackets, skinny jeans as well as loose trousers, layered necklaces with big pendants, sandals and espadrillas are just some of the many ideas for SS17: the general idea is that of having comfort overcome appearance; the main aim is to produce items that will make customers who wear them “feel at home“.

Another appointment of great interest were indeed the recurring Catwalks on both stages, showcasing the latest designs from a mix of stylish labels aimd and trend-led audience as well as exclusive womenswear and menswear pieces from brands and designers around the show, inspired by WGSN SS17/18 fashion forecast. The catwalks arranged on the Main Stage were divided into different sections, the first one of them being “Encounter Cultures”, with models from all parts of Europe and the world, the right occasion to represent the main theme of this year’s event, the meeting and discovering of new colours and shades coming from cultures of all around the globe.

The next Pure London event will take place from February 12th until the 14th, at the Olympia (Kensington Olympia stop, Overground) – add these dates to your Outlook.