Exclusive Interview: SuperModel Rafaele Rivera: Part 3

                          

Super Male Model. Actor. Singer. Fitness. Tall and Handsome.  Discreet Tattoos, coupled with a toned body and sharp looks.   

Great to have Rafaele Rivera back for Part 3 of the series ! After the first and the 2nd successful interview, I figure to ask Rafaele more questions for our Part 3 interview of many series.

And next week, Rafaele will be in my collection and photoshoot! More updates and More personal questions to asked Rafaele! 

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

-That I am more of a relaxed person. Although I am in the lime light, I really love to be a home body.

Who makes You laugh?

-Many people and things. Hope you can crack me a good joke. LoL

What was the last gift that you bought yourself?

-A watch. I am a great collector of watches. I probably have around 50 amazing watches.  

If you were a professional Athlete instead of a Male Model, what sport would you play?

- A gymnast.

What is the last song you caught yourself singing in the shower?

-  Celebration by Madonna.

What quality is most important in a friend?

-Trust

What was your favorite television show when you were a kid?

-Knight Rider, I love cars. I'm kind of a speed freak.

Do you prefer planes, trains or automobiles?

-Automobiles, I can drive for days.

Where would you like to live besides the USA?

-Turks and Caicos 

                          

Where’s the strangest place 
you’ve ever fallen asleep?

-Thats probably my shower! LoL 

Who is your favorite cartoon character?

-The Road Runner

What Item have you kept from Childhood?

-A photograph from my brother who passed away when I was 8 years old.

XOXO

THANK YOU RAFAELE! I can’t wait to see you rock in my menswear designs next Tuesday!    

Men's Fashion: Italian Style

 

Italian style is much more eclectic than many people come to assume, with regional nuances adding variety and characterising local tastes. Italy is a vast country, and with an emphasis on style up and down the nation, a jovial battle emerges between different regions. 

 

For example, Roman and Neapolitan jackets are very different from each other. The silhouette in northern Italy tends to differ from its southern counterparts in its simplicity, with no extraneous details or spalla camicia (‘shirt shoulder’ to you and me) in the former. By contrast, a signature of Neapolitan jackets is their waterfall or ‘shirt sleeve’, which is different to the soft shoulder by way of the sleeve head (wider) fitting into the shoulder (narrower).
More generally, Italian suits are usually constructed with a higher gorge – the seam that connects the jacket’s collar to the lapel – than their British counterparts. Neapolitan and Sicilian tailors make the gorge higher still; a discrete but defining touch that makes their garments instantly recognisable.

Dolce & Gabbana frequently tap into their Sicilian heritage, capturing the spirit of the iconic fishermen and local attire. Sicily finds itself as the link between the modern, industrialised Western culture and the temptations of the sun and the sea. In these aspects do Stephano and Domenico draw inspiration and evolve designs containing the eminence of open footwear, dark tailoring and prints.

Brands To Watch

Many words have been written about the household names of Italy, but what about those labels that embody Italian style somewhat under the radar? Four of my favourite labels that have a kinder price point, whilst retaining a wholly Italian elegance are: Boglioli, Esemplare, Camo and Mr Rick Tailor.
The latter produces gorgeous, fitted jackets for an affordable price, with beautiful Italian nuances such as contrasting under-collars and breast pocket inner-linings. As with all Italian tailoring, construction takes precedence over style, and Mr Rick Tailor’s tapered seams and high armholes prove just that.

Boglioli are known as one of the best, if not THE best, off-the-rack makers of unstructured cotton jackets in the world. The quality of the materials means that the drapes of the jackets are beautiful, engulfing you in luxury fit for Berlusconi himself. Accordingly, the price point is a little higher.
More youthful vibes are found in the lookbooks of  Esemplare  and Camo, both of whom integrate technical aspects to their stellar line of tailoring. One of Camo’s signature pieces are trousers with a high waist and relaxed silhouette.

The True Art Of Sprezzatura

Much is made of sprezzatura and its eminence among Italian men, and rightly so. The art of sprezzatura, commonly defined as “a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or say appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it”, relies on attention to detail.

Dedicating time to think and experiment with outfit ideas is the key to looking stylish without any apparent effort. Just as important is the careful selection of elements or ‘rules of styles’ to be broken, so as to conceal your unruly antics.

As Matt Allinson has referenced, there is a difference between knowing the rules and breaking them, and not knowing the rules and breaking them. The former often signifies a well dressed man, as the rules are broken in good taste and for good reason.
Therefore a thorough knowledge of your body type, personality, skin colour and current location is paramount in attaining true style. For example, a soft canvassed Neapolitan jacket may look tempting but if you have a big chest and round shoulders, the fit can make you look more like a gorilla than a handsome, stylish gent.

A similar problem is found for those who try to replicate Italian style, but end up looking unoriginal and/or gimmicky. I am thinking of a tie over a jumper, a watch over a shirt cuff or even sporting a tie pin, boutonnière and pocket square all at once.
Scott Schuman, who has captured the essence of many stylish Italian men for his renowned street style website The Sartorialist, believes these details are made in the wrong taste and are thus not real sprezzatura. “Why people react to Italian style is the grace with which these gentlemen inhabit their clothes.”
With this in mind, one should consider losing these extraneous elements and opting for a more subtle approach – perhaps manipulating your tie knot, learning a new way to arrange your handkerchief, or leaving one of your monk straps unbuckled.

The art of not looking too ‘try hard’ is embedded in Italian style. Confidence is imperative in relaying to others that you are comfortable in your clothes. Entertain a simple equation: the more flamboyant the attire of x is, the more confident x has to be.

Therefore, that panache you are trying to exude should be made with the removal of your ego, a smile and willingness to make mistakes. Such authentic motives are of far more importance than whether you should lose the laces or not, and make for a wonderful display of rakish charm that befits the Italian male.

Outfit Inspiration

Italian Street Style

In order to help inspire you to experiment with your own looks, below you will find some of our favourite street style photographs that feature Italian men or capture the essence of Italian style:

Outfit One

Dressing down the formality of business attire is second nature to the Italians. Pinstripe suits are often considered very formal, but the soft shouldered, single button jacket below exhibits a loucheness that makes work seem less strenuous.
The Oxford button-down shirt is an element of this outfit that, at first, looks out of place. However, with a sartorial tweak of leaving the collar unbuttoned, the impression is of a soft-collared business appropriate shirt. An elegant wool and silk knitted tie brings the look up a notch, with its intricacy adding valuable style points.
Orange and navy complement each other beautifully, and an elaborate, orange dominant handkerchief has a rakish quality that is of paramount importance in this business-casual look.
Double monk shoes give a twist to formal footwear. These suede green versions inject a sense of rebellion into the outfit, with the scuffs the suede will pick up adding character.

Outfit Two

This more casual outfit focuses on separates, which is a prominent look among the Italian contingent – the balance of work and play proving irresistible. A linen or lightweight cotton blazer is appropriate for the warmer months, and you can dress it down with an on trend mid blue/teal t-shirt, preferably in a v-neck. A shirt, suitably unbuttoned, is the smarter alternative.
White trousers are a staple for the Italian male. In this instance, they are not used to anchor bolder colours but simply to reinforce a summer aesthetic.
Playing a tonal game, a mid blue belt provides a subtle yet eye-catching accent – try moving the buckle askew or wrapping it around itself, as this will help to individualise the look.
A boutonniere provides a small dash of colour and personality that speaks volumes of the person wearing it. Its size, colour and thus its role in the outfit below all giving an impression that befits the character. That said, if you’re confident and willing, ignore my feeble tonal talk and whack a crazy tie in your breast pocket because, you know, it’s the weekend and where else are you meant to put your favourite tie?

Final Word

The Italians have a sense of style that bears great resemblance to their country’s famous landmarks, which demand attention for their visual power and elegance. Crucially, however, it appears devoid of the decay of time.
There is nothing transient about Italian style, which is a result of a generational appreciation of the immortal fundamentals of style: fit, cut and colour. Therefore, Italian style is one that men of all dispositions can garner inspiration from, bringing the best of Europe to our shores.

Thoughts:

• Italian style as of now is at the top of men’s world fashion. From the Pitti Uomo Imaggine shows, to Tokyo Japan, “sprezzatura” has taken over, whether one likes it or not. Paris may be very fashionable, but it caters more to the women’s fashion movement, where in Italy (Milano, Florence, and Napoli), it is men’s fashion that has the world talking and emulating.
  Baglioli, Cucinelli, Lubiam, Brioni, Eleventy, Isaia are just to name a few of classic, and simple modern style of fashion. Total “sprezzatura” and nothing flashy with wonderful earth tone colours. Personally, I don’t think France has such artisan master tailors as Italy does. Napoli (if anyone truly knows about the art of tailoring), is the artisan suit tailoring center of the world. Every stitch and button is hand crafted to perfection, which in return brings the essence and foundation to what “sprezzatura” really is.
  In conclusion, any city including Paris or New York can be just as “flashy” as the Italian sprezzatura look and mentality. It’s all about personal taste and how you assemble the clothing.

Exclusive Interview: SuperModel Rafaele Rivera Part 2!

                   

Great to have Rafaele Rivera back! After the first successful interview, with over 200 readers in 30 minutes to know the SuperModel/ dancer/ actor/Singer. I figured to ask Rafaele more questions for our Part 2 interview. And getting personal with the Male Supermodel, I asked him to weigh in on a few of his favorite things from smells to sounds to sitcoms!  

Welcome back Rafaele! I have more questions for you from the first successful interview! 

What do you consider your best feature?

-Helping others succeed in the world we live in through my new business i've been creating to hopefully launch in summer 2014. www.SHOEntertainment.com

What is your favorite Comfort food?

-Some home Spanish cooking!! Bringing me back to my roots. Some rice and beans and grilled chicken.

Favorite Designer:

-I have no favorite designer but I have a top three. Christopher Uvenio, Andrew Charles, and Rag N Bone.

Favorite Shoes:

-Lace up boots by Gucci 

Favorite Sneakers:

-Bright color Nike's

Favorite City:

-New York, my home.

Favorite Country:

-United States

Favorite Jeans Brand:

-Gents jeans at www.GentsCo.com

Favorite Movie:

-The Abbys by James Cameron 

Favorite Female Actress:

-Rose Byrne 

Favorite Male Actor:

-Jean-Claude Van Damme

Favorite Hot drink:

-Coffee

Favorite Cold drink:

-Carbonated  water

Favorite Wine:

-Spanish Rioja 2000 Gran Reserva 

Favorite Sports Team:

-LSU

Favorite TV Sitcom:

-Will & Grace, I wish the show had a come back!

Favorite TV Drama:

-American Horror Story

Favorite Smell:

-Hazelnut 

Favorite Sound:

-Base Drums 

Favorite Workout:

-Running 

Favorite Gym:

-Equinox

Favorite Shampoo:

-Aveda 

Favorite Magazine:

-GQ

Favorite Book:

-'The four agreements' 1997 by Miguel Ruiz Jr.

Favorite Game to play:

-Black Jack

Favorite Female Singer:

-Mariah Carey

Favorite Male Singer:

-Bon Jovi

THANK YOU! Rafaele!! Can wait to see you come back to New York and work in my designs!  

XOXO
Rafaele Rivera

Italian Women's Fashion

Italian Women's Fashion: A Sorelle Fontana Creation

Italian women have long led the world of fashion, their obsession with la bella figura second to none. Though Italy has had a strong reputation of luxury goods and garments since the 11th century, modern Italian women's fashion only took off in the 1900s with designers like  Sorelle Fontana and then Elsa Schiaparelli.  
While Sorelle Fontana became the couturier to the stars, Schiaparelli went on to become one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, with the help of her shocking designs created under the influence of her Surrealist friends and acquaintances.
                            

The atelier Sorelle Fontana made its way into the hearts of Italian aristocracy and the rich and famous all over the world through a groundbreaking fashion show in 1951 held in a palace by Count Giorgini. After this, the Fontana sisters went on to dress Anita Ekberg in Fellini's film, La Dolce Vita, which portrayed the decadent lifestyle of the high-living, rich and idle 'jet set'.
The young and gracious Audrey Hepburn wore their clothes in Roman Holiday, making Sorelle Fontana the dressmakers for royalty all over the world. It also set the easy grace of Italian women's fashion as a viable alternative to the constricted lines from Paris at the time.  
                       
Italian women's fashion continued to do well into the 60s, promoting a sort of leisure chic in America, and throughout Europe. Eveningwear got a new look thanks to Valentino, who dressed Jacqueline Onassis for her wedding in 1968, making Italian fashion a household name across the continents.
                           
In the 1970's, women's fashion in Italy took a turn towards prêt-à-porter, because fashion had to be made available to the masses if money was to be made from the business of dressing people. 
Designers like Armani, Versace and Missioni  created and followed the trends. Through advertising and promotion, they were able to sell the Italian fashion image to Italian women and women worldwide.

In the 1980's, power suits, pioneered by Armani but later adopted all over the world, gave rise to unisex fashion. Dolce & Gabbana broke into the "Made in Italy" band of designers at this time, taking sexy edginess to the next level, both in their evening and casual collections.

Italian Women's Fashion: Benetton

The 1990's brought the sportswear and casual chic of  Italian Fashion houses like Diesel and Benetton to the fore. At the same time Tom Ford at  Gucci called high-octane sexuality and luxury back into Italian women's fashion. Miuccia Prada meanwhile, turned the staid Prada brand into a women's fashion powerhouse after her first prêt-à-porter collection hit the ramps in 1989. Italian women suddenly had too many gorgeous clothes to choose from.

                         

Italian Women's Fashion: Prada

In the first decade of the 21st century, Italian women's fashion has become a leader, be it couture, high street, rich glamour, smart casual, or sporty chic.
In this section on Italian women's fashion, Life in Italy focuses on the various parts of a fashionable Italian woman's wardrobe. 

Real Models Displaying Swimwear at the Coin in Milan Sparking Controversy

  Modeling is about grabbing attention and selling a product with a look and a way of life. Advertisers and store owners are forever looking for ways to drum up word of mouth and excitement, sometimes opting for the out there or controversial to do just that. The Coin department store in Milan was in the midst of their own controversy having angered Italian trade unions with their use of bikini-clad models in their store windows.

Because the models are flesh and blood humans rather than human-shaped mannequins is unacceptable to Italy's largest trade union Filcams CGIL. The union has felt the need to step in to object to the display in order to protect workers decorum and customers' intelligence. The union also described the modeling as "degrading," although in their statement they added: "Let's be clear, we're not against the sale, or a free-market economy, or against consumers."

Coin claims to be doing nothing wrong and nothing that hasn't been seen before. In cities like New York and Toronto the live-model-in-window is a ploy that has definitely been used. If walking by a display featuring a human model people will often find themselves looking twice. The Coin controversy can't be hurting the store's profile.

 

The models are young, good-looking, and clad in swimwear. Nothing too risqué or vulgar. You have to wonder if these models are really being taken advantage of or if making a living while lounging on some sand in a store window isn't better than some of the indignities other members of the working class often have to suffer, and without anyone bothering to notice. The models themselves don't seem particularly bothered. Is it really any different to lounge in a store window than to appear in an advertisement or on a runway? As a response to the union some of the Coin models even held up signs declaring "Anche fare il modello e' un lavoro" ("Even being a model is work").

"I don't see anything scandalous about it," Matteo Cupelli, one of the Coin models told AFP,  "We're doing our job and lots of other shops do the same thing. Our job is to advertise objects and clothes. Some passersby are amused, others less so. But lots of young people support us."

And while some passersby may be offended at the sight of young models in bikinis and swim trunks it really is hardly more than is seen at any pool or beach. If Coin hasn't really broken any rules in regard to public indecency and the models are all being paid a fair wage and treated properly then one has to wonder what this controversy is really about.

Coin's chief Stefano Beraldo declared that while the company has been "accused of commercializing the human body," he feels it's unfair. "We've not invented anything," Beraldo added, "It's done all over the world. It's just business."

Italy's The Home of Most Famous Fashion Designers

Italian Fashion Designers and Brands

Italy is home to the world's most famous fashion designers and labels. From Gucci and Diesel to Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana, the country turns out top quality talent and designs which have a worldwide appeal. Italian style is rightly celebrated as being unique among competitors with its unmistakable elegance, excellent tailoring, exquisite fabrics, and unmatched creativity and innovation. 

The first Italian fashion show was held in the 1950's in Florence and organized by Count Giovanni Battista Giorgini.  This began a popular new trend and soon fashion shows were being produced throughout the country. Gradually the emphasis shifted from Florence to Rome and Milan; these eventually became two of the top five fashion capitals in the world. 

The success of the shows meant Italian fashion labels like Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Versace, Gucci, Emilio Pucci, Laura Biagiotti, Roberto Cavalli, Brioni and Bottega Veneta  began competing with established French haute couture from famous fashion houses like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Lanvin.
Italian designers and fashion houses of the 1950s brought a breath of fresh air to haute couture with revolutionary, innovative creations. Italy has always excelled at innovative use of fabrics, creating simple shapes and superior hand finishing, all ensuring that Italian design is of utmost quality and wearability.

Of course Italian designers have always been popular with celebrities and royalty. From the Valentino dress that Jacqueline Kennedy wore at her wedding to Onassis, and the famous Salvatore Ferragamo red shoes worn by Marylin Monroe, to the Borsalino hat worn by Michael Jackson, Italian fashion houses have never hidden from the world stage. Emilio Pucci was one of the first stylists to bring Italian fashion to the skies with its chic uniforms for hostesses and crew.

As part of couture and prêt-a-porter collections, Italian brands offer a plethora of choice in accessories, leading to even more global fame and success. Gucci is known for its bags and Ferragamo for its shoes while the unmistakable style of Bottega Veneta characterizes many different types of leather goods.  Then there are perfumes and fragrances like Roma by Laura Biagiotti and the Mediterranean fragrances of Dolce&Gabbana as well as the uniquely shaped Moschino perfume-bottles; they all hold a special place in the perfume hall of fame.

 Sunglasses and eyewear, with Italian lables like Miu Miu, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana setting the trends, have helped expand Italian market share and success.

Whether it's haute couture or pret-a-porter, sportswear or accessories, Italian fashion houses are undoubtedly the shining stars of the international fashion scene. Italy is the place where fashion trends are started, innovations encouraged and names made. And thanks to the talent of its fashion designers, it seems set to continue on this stellar path for many decades to come.

World Premiere Interview: SuperModel Rafaele Rivera

  

By Christopher Uvenio 

Thrilled and honor to interview a very good friend of mine who have modeled in my collections and is back in my newest projects. Interviewing him on my blog have been amazing to know him more!

Tall, dark and very handsome. Rafael Rivera have been seen everywhere and  runway walks for Guess, Nico & Adrian NY, Y-3, and Pelle Pelle. Commercial and print work with Nike, Fubu, MTV store, Adidas, Men’s FitnessMagazine, Universal Gear, and Direct TV followed. 

His first jobs included modeling formal wear for DKNY, Calvin Klein, and Perry Ellis.

 Rafaele has made appearances on the Wendy William show and had a role on daytime soap, All My Children. He has recently appeared in major motion picture films such as Sex and the City, The Day After Tomorrow, and Hitch.  

Rivera continues to study dance, voice training and acting. He is performing at club venues nationwide in preparation for the release of his upcoming album. Rafaele is actively modeling in print, commercial, broadcast and runway and is currently auditioning for several prominent television and film projects.....

And thrilled to have him back in my Rock Star Collection and the La Dolce La Vita collection in the Spring of 2014! And with such a great personality and good looks, I am honor to interview him on my blog! And he will be seen in the upcoming TV Webseries with me! Gotta love Rafael!  

World Premiere Interview only on Rafaele Rivera is here!

 

 So how did you decide having a career in Modeling?  

-When I was 17 I was browsing through a school magazine and saw that there was a local formal wear fashion show. My first thought was that it looked fun and it really intrigued me. So I just showed up at the designers store with me home armature shots....lol and they ended up using me for a full season. I felt really lucky.

With your Amazing Good looks and a fabulous body, how do you keep yourself look good and what do you do to keep in such great shape?

-Well, its very important to take good care of your skin. So hydrating, moisturizing, and having good rest its a must. In the fiscal appearance I work out about 4-5 times a week with cardio, weights and resistance combinations.  

 

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re working out? 

-I listen to all types of music but most of them are pop/rock.

Who are your personal favorite designers and what designs do you wear? 

-I love Rock & Roll and its fashion edge. That being said, Christopher Uvenio, Andrew Charles, Rag n Bone,  and Calvin Klein on the more sophisticated looks.   

 

What designers you wouldn’t wear?

-I would probably have to say Tommy Bahama. LOL But, theres always a  look for every occasion. 

                                 

How do you keep up to date with fashion?

-Through my magazines like GQ, Esquire, Vman to name a few.

What are you, a Boxer or brief kind of Male model?

-LOL I love boxerbriefs or just plain commando. 

And did you meet Sarah Jessica Parker in the film of Sex and the City?

-Yes I did, and she is an amazing and bright lady. 

What is she really like? I love her! and her film!

-She was so sweet and professional on set.

  

And you are pursuing your singing career as well! You’re the man with many talents, you dance, model, act and sing….ever thought of doing a broadway show?

-I love everything I do! To have the opportunity to be on Broadway would be a dream come true. I really enjoyed working in theater at my early carrier stages.

What kind of Musician do you love to listen to? 

-I really like Pink, Linda Perry, and Bon Jovi, Brian Adams, and Journey.  

Since you’re pursing Music career as well, who are your idol?

-Bon Jovi

 

What’s your favorite colour?

-Royal blue

What colour would you not wear?

-Orange   

You been modeling for quite a long time, do you love it and see yourself modeling for the next 5 years?

-I truly enjoy it and will definitely keep working in the industry for many years to come. 

What do you see yourself 5 years from now?

-I would love to get back into films and building a brand out of my name.

XOXO

Rafael Rivera