Will the streets in our dreams be less empty one year from now? Alina in a fashion story featuring finest leather pieces by Euterpe, photographed by Marco Giuliano and styled by Anca Macavei.
Tell us a bit about you, your background and Euterpe. What made you start your brand?
I am Sofia Nardi, I’m 25 and I live in a small town in Veneto, in the north of Italy. Since I remember, I always wanted to do fashion: it has always been the best process to express myself and the best way to make me feel good and in peace. I graduated in Fashion Design at IUAV University of Venice in 2019. During and after graduation I made experience in design and creative direction working for Osman Studio and Hearst Magazines, both located in London. When I came back home, in Italy, I had the possibility to start a new project, so – in June 2020 – I started developing Euterpe.
How did you come up with the name of your brand? What does Euterpe stand for?
In greek mythology “Euterpe – the one who cheers up -”, is the name of the muse of music and lyric poetry. The brand takes inspiration from this muse epithet for being a carrier of joy and light-heartedness. I wanted Euterpe’s woman to be a woman who wants to have fun with fashion, and convey through it her personality. I like to imagine Euterpe as a friend who helps you to be the best version of yourself, enhancing your best features and having fun with you. Also, the brand’s aim is to provide a well-made bag that does not cost like a three months rent payment, making it possible to have fun “collecting” its own favourite bags during the years.
How would you describe Euterpe aesthetic in 3 words?
I think they’re design, flair and versatility. They’re the main characteristics I personally look for in a garment or an accessory, and I wanted them to be Euterpe’s mantra.
Can you share with us an insight into your creative design process?
It comes easy to me to define myself as a melancholic person, even if I’m such a cheerful and entusiastic individual. The thing is most of my inspiration comes from the past: mine, or past events in general. I’ll always liked to make up stories with colors and shapes I have seen. I’m in love with the late seventies: music, cinema, architecture. Every artistic field of that period it’s pure pleasure for me, and a deep source of inspiration. Moodboards are my life savers. I always have a lot in my “inspiration’s folders” – mine are spread everywhere – , and having a board where I can put together everything, examinate every piece and develop a story is foundamental, even because I am quite a perfectionist: none, nor the last detail, has to be left by chance.
What kind of materials do you like to work with, are there any materials specifically you would
like to explore in your next collections?
Euterpe bags are entirely realized using finest leather only. Our calfskin leather is processed in Italy, with products that meet the newest norms about sustainability and respect of the environment.
We truly believe in the concept of durability and sustainability that calfskin offers, but I guess my curiosity will lead me in trying some fabric in the future, maybe. I am really fascinated by textile design and prints.
What’s in the future for Euterpe? Do you have any exciting future plans?
We are always developing some new styles: my schetchbook is full of drawings which are going to become protypes, one by one. Some wallets will be out very soon, together with a “unisex” collection of backpacks and bags. We would like to see a “man” section next. We love to be always out with some news, so we try to be always developing something.
One year from now
Credits:
Photography: Marco Giuliano / @marcogiulianoph
Styling: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei
Leather accesories: Euterpe / @euterpestudio_
Interview & styling assistant : Selin Celik / @selinceliks
Editorial assistant: Inga Lavarini / @ilavarini
Model: Alina at 26 Models / @alina.kiselevva @26modelsmilano