Dear Diane, dear shaded viewers,
the hat collection is inspired by one of the most well known novels, "The secret garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett and writen in 1909 . The novel recounts the story of Anny Lennox , a spoiled and self centered child , that finds the key to a secret garden which starts her journey of self discovery and helps many others including her sickly cousin along the way. The hand crafted collection transforms little insects and flowers,into satin, leather and painted cotton sculptures. Shapes and colors evoke India. Francesco plays with the techniques that he learned by studying different artistic enviroments covering the years of traditional sculpture. His inspiration also comes from antiques. The result is a enchanted visionary world, that transcends time and place.
Francesco Ballestrazzi with Roberta Sarchi from G.A.R.B.O agency and the artist Ivo Bisignano