Interview with Patrizia Bambi - Designer of Patrizia Pepe

You are very into design and art. Please tell us more about this passion.

I deeply love everything is art and all its expressions. I collect works of art in my house and in both my two offices; the Headquarters’ concept in particular reinforces the vision of contemporary glamour and the philosophy of creativity-in-progress that distinguish the Patrizia Pepe brand identity; we want to offer a creative platform where works of art and temporary exhibitions mingle effortlessly and excitingly with the workplace. It’s like a second house for me, I love to be sorrounded by art while working…is there a better way to be inspired?

Do you have some special interior items or art pieces wich you cannot live without?

I definitely have some special works of art I would never renounce to, like the “Le Corbousier” Chaise Longue, the lighted face on the wall, realized by Fabrizio Corneli, the Mao portrait of Andy Warhol and the light with hanging pictures from Ingo Maurer.

How would you describe your personal style of fashion?

The style of my collections: chic, contemporary, sensual, characterized by details but without excesses. Comfortable but always elegant and feminine. So no difference between my creations and my personal style. I feel as a contemporary woman who loves to be extremely feminine.

Which is your most favorite item in your closet currently?

My favourite item belongs to one of my first collections, it’s a turquoise dress with an asymmetrical cut, embellished with feathers details. Generally speaking I love pants, leather wear and – mainly – shoes!

You would never leave your house without ...?

My own agenda, a pair of beautiful sunglasses, my beautycase and my watch - I could never go out without it.

What are your secret hot-spots in Florence?

Florence, my city. History, art, fashion, what a unique atmosphere and incomparable landscape! For me a visit in Florence is a priceless experience. I love spending my time there, walking through the city, discovering each time something different. There are so many things to see from a cultural point of view, and at the same time so many vintage boutiques to visit! Borgo San Jacopo, the flea market Mercato dei Ciompi. I love all is vintage! Furthermore, the wonderful Officina Farmaceutica of Santa Maria Novella, is one the most evocative place of the Florentine tradition for cosmetics; they still apply ancient natural recepies and the shop is so beautiful. My preferred boutiques in Florence are of course our monobrand stores; one is located in an outstanding location right in front of the Dome in Piazza San Giovanni 12/r, the heart of Florence, while the other one is located in via Strozzi 11-19/r, one of the most fashionable street for the trendiest shopping.

What are your future plans? Personal and with you own business?

We want to grow up worldwide but with our actual identity, strenghtening more and more Patrizia Pepe not only as a fashion brand but also as a lifestyle; our foreign markets are growing up with great results and therefore we plan to expand further our international presence. This for all our collections.

Further information about Patrizia Pepe's collections can be found here and via Facebook. Moreover there's a new flagship store located in Germany located at Kurfu?rstendamm 216, 10719 Berlin. Global stores are enlisted here.

Patrizia Bambi is the woman behind the italian brand for womenswear Patrizia Pepe. We met her for an interview concerning fashion and design, of course. But Patrizia talked about her career and future plans as well as about her love to Florence, Italy.

by Mirjana Goedicke (interview)

Mrs. Bambi, you are a very enterprising person. You are the creative of Patriza Pepe. What about your private life in between this business universe?

My family plays a primary role; my main partner is my husband Claudio and we have always carried out all the projects together. Furthermore beeing a mother in such an ambitious project has added another great experience to my background. It’s a challenge to match and balance all these duties, but it’s worthy to face it! I’d do again all what I have done till now.

What is characteristic for design made by Patrizia Pepe?

My collections make a precise minimalist statement to anyone reconciling pleasure with an eye for detail and trim. My style fulfils the desire of all women to be smart and feminine at any time of the day, without having to sacrifice convenience and originality. I dress a woman who stands out for her modernity, who wants to keep up but doesn’t want to get carried away; she isn’t worried about being observed, but only if it’s for her elegance and femininity. Patrizia Pepe style targets a curious and creative urban woman who perceives the idiosyncrasies of our look.

You Fashion Label Patrizia Pepe already exists since 1993. How did this all begin?

I think there has been a sort of predestination. When I was a child, my drawings where clothes; growing up, during my teenage years, my first wages were destinated to fashion shopping and I was always thinking about fashion. But I didn’t realize that all this could correspond to a professional career. Therefore I studied for accountant and soon searched for a good work in this field, just to carry out the typical steps that could make happy also my family. Only later I changed everything in my life to express my real attitudes.

At the beginning, together with my husband Claudio we were already owners of the company Tessilform and we were producers of different types of clothing. But our desire to experiment in an innovative and more complete project led to the decision to set up a new company identity, aiming at a different concept of clothing for women. The idea of creating a line of casual but more glamorous apparel was the start of a new business. So – in 1989 – the new business of Tessilform Srl, became the design and production of casual fleeced apparel, that was soon the height of fashion. Even though the competition was very keen we handled the business entirely by ourselves by achieving excellent results with a product that stood out from the others.

In 1991 the decision to differentiate the production of commission products and elevate the style content with my personal view of fashion. Tessilform Srl kept growing, and acquired a more specific character and personality. The know-how gained in the early years enabled it to take the next step and build a new corporate identity, targeted on a different concept of women’s wear. It was the year 1993 when we created the brand Patrizia Pepe. Today Tessilform and its brands are an established reality leader in the women’s clothing sector, present also in the men’s market since 2005. The Junior Girls’ line has been launched in Spring-Summer 2007 and starting from spring-summer 2009 a new young line has taken off: Loiza by Patrizia Pepe.

What is special about Patrizia Pepe in comparison to other brands?

Patrizia Pepe is not only a fashion brand, it’s a way of living; its world is extremely close to all is up to date, urban, creative and contemporary, always elegant and feminine.

Is the production still in Italy?

Patrizia Pepe mostly produces in Italy or in South European neighboring countries. We only look for the highest excellence abroad, such as sophisticated embroideries, or precious handcrafted details, in order to add further prestige to our products.

Where do you find your inspirations for the collections?

The most important factor is my great passion for my job! When things are done with passion, ideas come from everywhere: while walking in the street, travelling, listening to music and through the attention to celebrities and common people too. This helps me to perceive the trends that people really desire and how habits and customs continuously change.

How big is your Team?

I works with a talented team of young skilled designers who permanently follow the three collections.