La JJ Martin is in love with everything Florentine – apparently that includes a very special man, but we can only guess, so we’ll have to make do with that. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, a term that translates to “rebirth,” an esoteric meaning clearly not lost on Martin, whose creativity (and talent for business) is fueled by her intense devotion to spiritual practices.
“I have spent hours in Florentine churches, completely captivated by their beauty,” she said. She was given tours of museums and private palazzos; the usually rather snobbish Florence opened its doors to La Martin, and they reciprocated, creating an autumn collection completely inspired by the radiant beauty of the Renaissance. The presentation took place in an elegant Milanese palazzo, while in the courtyard a group of flag wavers and drummers from the Tuscan city of Arezzo performed their boisterous art in traditional costumes. Undoubtedly La Martin has a thing for vibrating entertainment.
La DoubleJ’s collections are a feast for the eyes and are bona fide mood-enhancing tonics that even today’s pouring rain can’t dampen. Renaissance motifs of allegories, grottos, griffins and mythical creatures were translated into striking prints or jacquards, woven on sumptuous silk dévoré velvets and brocades. Embellishments of pearls and crystals adorned women’s high-waisted dresses; silhouettes ranging from romantic to vampy, from floor-filling to ultra-short. Always ‘reborn herself’ and her exuberant fashion being, the generous Martin provided nourishment for the spirit while delighting our gluttonous, self-indulgent closets.
