The Protege Project

Dear Shaded Viewers,

Tomorrow I will be in Florence to celebrate the collaboration with Australian Merino Wool and the 5 designers chosen to participate in the Protege Project. Five internationally prominent figures: Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Paul Smith, Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein and Franca Sozzani of Italian Vogue were invited to serve as mentors and select respective proteges.

Australian Merino Wool celebrates their bicentennial anniversary of the shipping of the first bale of Merino wool to Europe, two hundred years of quality, luxury and innovation.

Kristian Aadnevik chosen by Donatella Versace

A Norwegian who moved to England to attend London's Royal College of Art. In 2004 he made his signature debut during Lonodn Fashion Week. Donatella chose Kristian for his rock attitude.

Sandra Backlund chosen by Franca Sozzani

Sandra, as all Shaded Viewers know by now, was the winner of the 2007 Hyeres festival of International Photography and fashion. Franca Sozzani chose Sandra because of her talent and her new direction for knitwear.

Jean-Pierre Braganza chosen by Karl Lagerfeld

After grraduating from Central Saint Martins, JP worked for Roland Mouret. He has been presenting his collections during London Fashion Week since 2004.

Ioannis Cholidis chosne by Paul Smith

Men's wear designer Ioannis graduated from Central Saint Martins designed a line of Puma sneakers that he presented during London fashion week and later worked alongside Stella McCartney creating clothes for the English band Coldplay. Thanks to his eclectic approach to fashion and his inventive take on colour for men, he was the choice of Sir Paul Smith

Julian Louie chosen by Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein

American Julian Louie studied architecture at Cooper Union University in New York. In 2005 he interned with Imitation of Christ later he joined Calvin Klein in the style office headed by Francisco Costa.

More from Florence tomorrow.

Later,

Diane

For more information contact : Attila Co. : Lisa Lisanti lisa.lisanti@attila.it