Because there’s no place quite like the Great British high street – from its niche independents, to seasonal Pop-Ups and those expansive yet elegant department stores – Because Magazine is on a mission to champion the bricks-and-mortar of London in all its glory. Each week, we’ll beeline to the rails of our favourite retailers to scope out the must-have pieces and in-store exclusives that are more than worth making an effort for. This week, we're in Chelsea to have a look around Forte Forte.
There's a magic to the Italian brand Forte Forte that is difficult to describe. It's at once soft, velvety, delicious and yet smoothly hard. More vintage Bugatti rather than Ferrari, if that helps. Their luxe artisanal clothing made from silk satin, georgette, velvet and leather always comes in the most sunset-, desert- or forest-like palettes that entrance.
Forte Forte began life in 2002 as a simple collection of hand-finished t shirts made by brother and sister duo Giada and Paolo Forte. At the time, they were working out of a studio composed of a couple of rooms in their mother’s house in Veneto. The brand still retains close links to the area, known for its textile manufacture and craft heritage, and cite the region as a central force on the brand’s identity.
This October, their fourth international flagship store has opened its doors on Draycott Avenue in Chelsea. On a mission to find out more about how Forte Forte is settling in to their new London premises, we paid them a visit to meet Visual Merchandiser Veronica Fino, and discover her picks from the collection.
What… Fairytale Silk Satin Dress
Why… Because our goal is to be focused on nature. And so, starting from nature we chose this print but as seen with the eyes of a child, so that’s why it’s a little bit fairytale [like] and magical. The illustrated fairytale and nature becomes wonder. Sparkling in illuminated from other fabrics, in this collection, we have velvet, silk and alpaca.
What… Jacquard Alpaca Coat
Why… It has large volume, it's soft and warm. It is an iconic piece, we’ve done it for a long time and every season we change it and just try to let it become part of the collection and to create a different story every time.
What… Golden Reflections Shirtdress
Why… The materials and fabrics are always [chosen] keeping in mind our heritage from Venice and all the classic fabrics like velvet and chiffon that have been used for a long time in our houses and old ancient palazzi [from] Venetian history. So, that’s the dress in lurex chiffon. Gold is always a must in our collections, we also did it bright pink because it goes very well with the fairytale story that we made.
Unveil more of London's brick-and-mortor:
+ Store Stories: eggtrading
+ Store Stories: Misha Nonoo
+ Store Stories: AGNONA
