Roberta di Camerino

This designer was born in Venice, Italy, in 1920. Her name was Giuliana Coen originally, but she changed it to Roberta di Camerino. She started making handbags in Switzerland during the days of World War II, when she took refuge there.

In 1945, she returned to Venice and set up her own company making striped velvet satchels and carved leather handbags, progressing to scarves, umbrellas, belts, shoes and gloves.

Her innovative designs put the spotlight on Italian fashion accessories in the post-War years.

She later designed and produced fabrics and garments. Her activities in the United States in the 1950's earned her an International Fashion Oscar from Neiman Marcus.

Many of her older garments are today purchased and treasured as vintage gems.

Today her company is worldwide, with headquarters in a 16th century mansion in Venice. In addition to garments and fashion accessories for both men and women, the company of Roberta di Camerino markets household furnishings, leather goods, perfumes and cosmetics, jewellery and numerous other products.

Giuliana herself passed away on 19th March 2002 at the age of 82 but her house continues forever.

African inspiration goes back to Pablo Picasso and Josephine Baker in Parisian society in the 1920's. But particularly in 2005 many designers have created garments with African motifs, or African shapes, during their shows. At the Camerino show for Fall/Winter 2005, an African band also played during the show.