Joanna Mastroianni Blog

Joanna Mastroianni in Full Frontal Fashion

Thanks to Full Frontal Fashion for an inspiring article reviewing the Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2011 Collection shown during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York just a few days ago.  

The collection was summarized “Inspired by iconic fashion photographer Lillian Bassman, Joanna Mastroianni’s Fall 2011 collection shined with a timeless and elegant allure.”

 Further, the post went on to describe the collection in detail. “Point d’esprit, silk organza, animal prints and embroidery were applied to a mix of graphics and geometric silhouettes, perfectly blending the artistic aesthetics of both the designer and her muse.  An embroidered blazer, a geometric-patterned skirt and a wool cigarette godet skirt sparkled with hints of Holly Golightly while simultaneously capturing modern youth.”

 

Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2011 Collection

The Fall 2011 Collection from Joanna Mastroianni was unveiled at a runway show during Fashion Week.  The event was a great success, with members of the press, buyers and celebrity appearances from Supermodels Carol Alt, Beverly Johnson, Carmen Dell’Orefice and fashion goddess Iris Apfel.

The collection was inspired by the iconic American photographer Lillian Bassman, and included lace and embroidered details on a mostly black and white pallet that captured the feminine and glamorous Mastroianni style.

The event ended in celebrating New York City’s recognition of February 17^th as Lillian Bassman Day, who was the inspiration for the for the collection.

February 17th Declared Lillian Bassman Day By The City Of New York

The City of New York has declared February 17^th Lillian Bassman Day.  The award is being presented to the iconic American fashion photographer at the Joanna Mastroianni Fashion Show in a private showroom this Thursday at 4PM.

Lillian Bassman being long-time friend of Joanna Mastroianni and the inspiration for her Fall 2011 collection, this award comes at an amazing time. The collection uses delicate point d’esprit, silk organza, cashmere, animal prints, and detailed embroidery in delicate shapes on a primarily black and white color palette.  The collection empowers the graceful and artistic aesthetic drawn from Lillian’s exacting eye, juxtaposed with an ageless sensuality and modern silhouette.

The presentation of the award given to Lillian further verifies her artful eye that has captured the essence of graceful American beauty and further solidifies her as a staple of American Fashion History.

JOANNA MASTROIANNI PRESENTS FALL 2011 INSPIRED BY LILLIAN BASSMAN

New York City (February 11, 2011) – Every season, fashion designers evaluate the world around them to draw inspiration for their new collection. For Joanna Mastroianni, past inspirations have come from the Byzantine cross, Morocco, Tony Duquette and Clarice Cliff.  This season, fashion designer Joanna Mastroianni focuses on the photographic world of Lillian Bassman, the iconic American fashion photographer. The collection will debut at a runway show on Thursday, February 17^th, 2011 at 4PM.

 

(Photo by Lillian Bassman)

A longstanding admiration and appreciation for Lillian Bassman’s work developed into a 15-year friendship between the photographer and the designer. Her inspiring personality and photographs turned into sketches that shaped the complete collection of carefully crafted garments that are characterized by elegance, femininity and timeless glamour, made in New York.  

 

(Photo by Lillian Bassman)

It is Joanna Mastrioanni’s way of honoring Lillian Bassman. 

The use of delicate point d’esprit, silk organza, cashmere, animal prints and detailed embroidery is applied to a mix of graphics and more delicate shapes on a primarily black and white color palette accented with judiciously applied shades of red, orange, copper and gold.  The collection empowers the graceful and artistic aesthetic drawn from Lillian’s exacting eye, juxtaposed with an ageless sensuality and modern silhouette.

 

“My new collection is inspired by the iconic American fashion photographer, Lillian Bassman, her vision and Lillian the magical woman.  Her creative vision in capturing women in a dream-world of sensuality, constant beauty and mystery, rocks!”

 

(Photo by Lillian Bassman)

About Joanna Mastroianni:

Joanna Mastroianni launched her signature collection with a clear vision of the modern, fashion forward woman of the moment. Through the years, Joanna has consistently created collections that reflect her innate sense for being on the pulse of fashion.  Clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and vibrant sex appeal are always the quintessential elements.   Joanna Mastroianni is often featured at the Academy, Tony, and Grammy Awards, and has been worn by Hollywood’s elite including by Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon on the set of Sex and the City II, Eva Longoria, Christina Ricci, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Sharon Stone, Alicia Keys Padma Lakshmi, Soledad O’Brian and Jane Seymour, to name a few.

(Source: facebook.com)

Joanna’s Design Inspirations

Inspiration – the true essence of fashion designing.  It creates the aesthetic that every designer needs for a collection.  Behind every Joanna Mastroianni masterpiece is a unique and beautiful inspiration that unfolds into intricate fabrics, stitching, beading, shape and color to present itself in the form of walking art heading down the runway. 

 So what are Joanna’s inspirations?  Well we sat down with her to discuss some of her most rousing motivations.

The Byzantine Cross

Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2007 Collection

The Byzantine Cross dates back to the fourth century Roman Empire in which Emperor Saint Constantine brought Christianity to the area.  It was an era of magnificent creation in art, architecture and jewelry.  The Byzantine Cross reflected the change in religion, and was an important symbol of spirituality and faith for many Christian followers.   The cross was a way for Christians to express their faith, and kept their religion close to their heart by wearing it around the neck or on clothing.  Because of its great spiritual importance, the Byzantine Cross was made out of precious metals and stones and was always intricately carved and embellished. 

The Byzantine Cross is reflected in Joanna’s work here in its shape and intricacy.  The beautiful beading and metal and jewel-toned colors are masterfully executed through Joanna’s designs and capture the essence of the Byzantine Cross and its cultural and historical importance.      

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011

Most recently, Chanel has used the same inspiration for their Pre-Fall 2011 collection.  The pieces also show the shape of the cross as well as metals and jewel-tones.

Morocco

Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2008 Collection

Morocco’s artistic cultures, and most specifically the mosaic tiles, have been an excellent source of inspiration for Joanna for her Fall 2008 collection.  The amazing patterns and colors are seen in the designs and fabrics used for the collection.  Moroccan artists must possess exceptional skills and attention to detail to create the art of mosaic patterns.  Even with the advancements of technology, artisans refuse to work any other way than with their own hands and talent.  This makes for authentic and intricate works of art, which Joanna’s creative eye captured in her collection with hand beading and adornments. 

Russia

Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2006 Collection

Classic Russian style was the main inspiration for Joanna for the Fall 2006 Collection.  The beautiful fabrics and textures make for an interesting canvas to create a modern twist on classic Russian wardrobe pieces.  In early Russia, grandiosity and magnificence were the accepted ideal of beauty.  Clothes were adorned with lace, fur, and embellishments.  The ever-popular cylindrical fur hat was actually created in fourteenth century Moscow as an imitation of the royal crown as a symbol of power and wealth.  Joanna used this inspiration to create unique pieces that express the different fabrics, colors and adornments that shaped Russian style for hundreds of years.