Modern Poetry

On the eve of its 40th anniversary, the most romantic of all Italian labels is poised to open its Parisian flagship store on Avenue Montaigne.

Beauty, finesse and harmony. That’s exactly what Anna Molinari has kept in mind, ever since 1977, while designing her ultra-feminine and refined collections. Every season, founder and Creative Director of Blumarine creates collections that are blissfully suspended between dream and reality. Although adapted to modern women with versatile and contemporary lifestyles, her creations stay true to her sensual and poetic design aesthetic. The designer is a self-confessed lover of silk muslins, georgette crepes, satin, sequins and crystals. And let’s not forget her first love—knits. Born in Carpi, in the heartland of Italian knits, Anna Molinari is from a family of knit producers. She was all set to become a school teacher when she decided to leave her studies and pursue her passion. She joined the family factory where she learnt things like design, modelling, fabrics, threads and manufacturing techniques. After that, along with her husband Gianpaolo Tarabini, they launched their own prêt-à-porter label. “The time had come to express my personality and my creative sensibilities,” she says. What about the name Blumarine? It reflects the couple’s passion for the sea and the colour blue, which evokes peace and optimism. The small business became an instant success and in 1988, a textile group (Blufin) was formed, which included Blugirl, the sister concern of Blumarine. What are the best-sellers of the house? The evergreen BluVi, cashmere cardigan with mink collar, the famous Swarovski crystal T-shirts and the knitwear, which has been the pride and joy of Blumarine since its inception. The company is now headed by Anna Gianguido’s son, who replaced his father as CEO after his death. The company continues its expansion, while still remaining a family enterprise. “I owe the success of Blumarine to my husband. I am impulsive by nature, however, he was always anticipatory and flexible. The factors that also contributed to our success are passion, enthusiasm, commitment, honesty and dynamism.” Bubbling with energy and passion, as if it was her first collection, Anna Molinari is the head of the Blumarine and Blugirl collections, and is also involved in the development of other business aspects. Her collections always start off with a good choice of fabrics, followed by the colour palette and, finally, proportions and silhouettes. “I believe in teamwork. Research, discussion, sharing ideas and inspirations. Human capital is essential. At Blumarine, we are surrounded by highly qualified artisans, who are strongly anchored in the region and culture of Modena. We also have tailoring specialists, who help us with our work on a daily basis.” Present in 50 countries, 900 retail spots, including 53 exclusive stores, Blumarine is now set to open its new boutique on Avenue Montaigne in Paris. The 300 sq. m. flagship store is spread across two levels and showcases a new design concept in a neo-classical style. It will showcase the summer 2016 collection, which have a strong focus on textures, incrustation and marquetry. “I design for a woman, who is dressing up for herself and not to show the world. A woman governed by her instinct and not by conventions.” The designer Franco Moschino called her “the queen of roses” and it is not without reason. She continues to express her emotions and her romantic sensibilities through her collections. Her ultimate dream is to write a book on her life and her works. “If I wasn’t a designer, I’d be a writer.”

L’Officiel India DigitalRead L’Officiel India in the digital libraryEvery issue and every cover story, on TCG Media.Read now

From the March 2016 issue of L’Officiel India.