The V for Venice and the 73 for his year of birth. Although it may seem like a secret code, revealing the meaning of Vº73 does not have much of a mystery. He is doubly related to Elisabetta Armellin, founder in 2011 of this bag brand today owned by the Miriade Group.
Although in Spain it is well recognized for its sustainable line I’m a Responsible Bag -which clarifies that it is an act of love towards future generations, not a simple fashion-, also has designs in many other materials.
The creator, who is in love with working with different materials and textures – she also loves to paint – launches bags with a powerful empowering speech and dedicated to a woman who is her true reflection: she does not take anything too seriously, attentive to fashion and, above all, attentive to her own identity.
‘Blake’ model from Vº73.
- What is it about Venice, beyond the obvious, that inspires you so much?
- The reflection of the water. Venice has a very special light that turns its canals into mirrors. Its light is never static, the colors change with the weather, the hours and the tides. And yet, the city has remained the same for millennia (new houses are not built in Venice, the buildings have been the same for centuries). In fact, the paintings of the painter Canaletto from the 18th century seem current. And as a curiosity, I will tell you that the first recorded female entrepreneur was Venetian, so Venice is a city that has always believed in women. (The designer refers to Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, graduated from the University of Padua in 1678 and the first woman to be awarded a doctorate, in her case in Philosophy).
- What type of woman do you have in mind when you design?
- A strong, dynamic woman, without fear, who does not take herself too seriously, attentive to fashion but above all to her own personality… It kind of reflects me.
- Why do you design bags and not clothes, for example? What differences exist for you?
- The bag is three-dimensional and the materials are denser, more physical. I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and I still paint today. Hence that more tactile and material part is part of my DNA.
Model ‘Secret Garden’ de V Dec73.
- Which material you use has surprised you the most?
- Velvet has been a great discovery. It is not as fragile as many believe, on the contrary: it is transformed with embroidery, textures, prints… He always finds a way to stand out without losing his essence. Because fragility can actually be a strength.
- Sustainability is also a key theme in your firm. Is the fashion world really making progress in this field?
- For me, the I am a Responsible Bag line has become an act of responsibility towards the world. It is not just a slogan to make my voice heard, but an act of love towards our children, towards their future. Of course there has been progress in sustainable fashion, but the road is long and uphill. We all have to believe a little more… Only together can we face this challenge.
- What relationship do you have with Spain?
- I love Spain, I feel at home because it is very similar to Italy. Spanish women are bright, very elegant, but above all full of personality. They do not follow a uniform pattern, each one seeks its unique and unrepeatable style.
‘Amber’ model from Vº73.
- What bags sell the most here?
- Without a doubt, the I am a Responsible Bag line, because it represents the perfect combination of sustainable fashion and style. It is also very liked because it is made of canvas with unique and careful details.
- What type of bags do Spanish women like the most?
- Especially large formats, which can accompany us all day away from home. And if they have a removable interior toiletry bag, even better! This way we are also ready for the night. But yes: the style must be different, fresh, never seen before, because the Spanish woman takes great care of her image.
- What are the three bags that every woman should have in her closet?
- A shopper Harriet, perfect for any occasion: chic but urban. A beach bag Ami, with coordinated towel, ideal for beach club or the boat. And finally, an evening bag Cleopatra, gathered and with shiny sequins that recall the colors of the sunset in Venice.
- The perfect bag should be…
- Vº73, always and on any occasion!
Model ‘Federico Winter’ from Vº73.