Fashion PR division of Pierce Mattie Public Relations, A Fashion Public Relations. Fashion publicity, promotion marketing firm

ROME-ITALY

This year I traded Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing for mozzarella and pasta. I just spent a week in Rome and how thankful I am!
When you think of Rome, you think of the Spanish Steps, The Colisseum and of course- The Vatican. The city is alive with treasures from the past. Rome has an unprecedented history of wealth and culture. Not only are there public monuments at every turn, the parks and palazzo's of the founding families are everywhere you look.

Rome is also one of the best shopping destinations in Europe. While Milan is home to the corporate end of the fashion business, Rome is definitely the first destination for first class shopping. The luxurious Via Condotti is the Rodeo Drive of Rome. Designer boutiques flank this fashionable address that begins at the mouth of the Spanish Steps - What an entrance! Expect to see all the big Italian names.

Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Roberto Cavalli to name a few.
What struck me the most while in Roma was an overwhelming trend I saw everywhere - RED. There were red coats, red hats, red bags, you name it!

Rome is also home to Valentino. He is the maestro of Italian fashion who made deep dark red his own trademark. The sexy rich color is also the name of his younger, hipper collection - Valentino RED.

The designer has been based in Rome for his entire career. Recently stepping down from his namesake company, the designer went out with a bang - holding a 45 year finale fashion show in Paris this past show season. It often confuses fans of the house as the designer has show his runway collections in Paris for 25 years, even though the company is based in Rome.
While the fashion flock might at first think that the love of the blood red hue is all due to the godfather of Italian fashion - however there is a more divine inspiration for the color. The Pope.
Rome is also of course home to the Vatican and the center of the Roman Catholic church. Remember, before the modern day Italian government - the Vatican was the ruling body of the Holy Roman Empire. The Pope was the ultimate ruler and to those who believe - the right hand of God on Earth. How could one argue with that??
The new Pope - Benedict XVI was famously photographed wearing Red Prada Loafers during his first days as Pope.

Who knew that the Pope was a fashion trend maker? There are even several stores near the Vatican where you can buy the same vestments the pope himself wears. I decided to go to the true source - Gamarelli's, just of the Piazza Minerva. They are the official tailor of the Pope. Of the top selling items are the RED socks worn during specific ceremonies. I couldn't resist.
The love of Red is taken to a whole new level by numerous women in Rome with their choice of Hair color! You be the judge - I shot these ladies from the back to.. lets say.. protect the innocent? Ciao Bella!!