As an artist and designer one of the most important influences for me are other artists and designers. I believe that having a community of like-minded people who share the same ideas and passions is essential to creativity. Art in its many forms is a language and I am continually fascinated by the message that other artists aim to communicate though their work
The ideas of the Renaissance masters was not to continue repeating the same ideas and methods but rather to continue pushing forward and create the new and unexpected and to challenge the perception of what art is while paying tribute to those that came before them. Contemporary art aims to push the boundaries of these accepted ideas and move away from the past to create the present. With this in mind, I will be conducting a series of interviews here on my blog to highlight the artists, designers and creative minds of present day Florence
I can hardly believe that its Friday again! Of course that means I have another great interview for you with the lovely Julie Lombardi. Her new line of women's shoes are absolutely fabulous! I want every pair. Have a look at her designs and learn a little bit about what inspires her to create!
Tell
us a little bit about yourself:
After
graduating from Parsons
School of Design in 2000 I ventured on to work within the
fashion business in New York and later on to Italy. I always knew that I innately was drawn
to bring beauty to the things that I created. Growing up, I loved learning new
crafts and discovering new mediums to create with, I then started to focus in
and wanted to create what I really loved. I appreciated my Mother’s and Aunt’s
closets to understand what was elegant and timeless worn again by me only to
confirm the style I had inherited. I began to break down the boundaries that
were how fashion was commercially viewed and thereafter decided to follow what
I thought was right. I started my footwear career with Vince Camuto and
I am grateful for the education that he and other mentors continue to offer me.
I am now starting my
first solo collection For The Love of Jules with this idea that I
have gathered to always push the envelope, educating the customer by offering a
craft of Made in
Italy shoes, never compromising style and comfort for the
modern woman.
I
believe success is achieved by following your heart and therefore
always making room for great vision.
Why
did you choose Florence or did Florence choose you?
I started my fascination with Florence
when I decided to study here in 1998 only to return in 2002 for a few years and
then again in 2009 when I returned again from New York to work with a fashion house. I kept
getting pulled back each time with a
different intention but the last time purely chose me which I happily
accepted and soon will continue to
admire it from afar.
What
is your favorite thing/place/sight in the city or all of the above?
I
am still taken back when I glance up at the duomo.
I
love the rose garden just below Piazzale Michelangelo and taking walks through
the boboli gardens which are just a few steps from my home.
Was
there a defining moment when you knew that you wanted to be an artist? If so
when and what was it?
Creating
has always been part of my process, shoes happen to be one of the things that I enjoy working on..
What
or who is your greatest inspiration and why?
My
grandmother is my greatest inspiration.
She
is a pinnacle example of strength, femininity and a pure demonstration of love
for me.
What
is the best thing about being an artist? What is the most difficult part?
The
freedom to start with a blank canvas and the most difficult part would be
self-discipline
What
message do you hope to convey with your art/creative process?
trusting
my vision to stay focused on what is authentic
What
is art/design to you? How would you define art?
Art
is: Transmitting your genius.
How
I define it: Art is how one transmits what is inside to the outside
Do
you listen to music when you work? If so who or what?
It’s
vital.. The xx, James Morrison, Ray LaMontagne and Lana del Rey
I
also love John Leggend and Common
If
you could go back in time 10 years knowing everything that you know now what
would you change and why? Or what would you tell yourself?
I
don’t live with regrets, but if I needed to pick something I would have studied
design in Paris.
How
have your two cultures affected your work?
It has given me more clarity and allowed
my to deepen my understanding of myself
and my craft.
Who
is your favorite artist/designer/writer/performer?
Martin
Margiela, YSL, and Halston
What
is your favorite movie?
Sense
and Sensibility
What
is your favorite book?
Proof
of heaven by Eben Alexander
Describe
yourself in five words.
A
seeker of truth, loving, strong, feminine, with a trademark laugh
When
you’re not being creative what do you do?
Getting
inspired.
Living
in Italy has allowed me to travel much more because of how easy it is to travel
in Europe. I am very intrigued by the different cultures that are
geographically so close to each other yet so different especially in Europe.
I
love learning, meeting new friends and good wine.
If
you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
I
love, love the South of France but I would love to discover Israel, India and
more of Spain.
Is
there anything else that you want people to know about you?
Stay
true to your heart and be humble.
Fabulous! I love Julie and LOVE her designs! Gorgeous new photos !!! xoxo
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