issue #48: Liberty
The High Coffee between Marco Magalini, Editor-in-chief of Caleido, and Carla Sozzani, one of fashion’s most kaleidoscopic figures, delves into the theme of Creative Liberty. Specifically, it explores how to liberate oneself from conditioning and preconceptions to pursue one’s unique vision and capture novel aspects of contemporary society, transforming them into inspiration.
Welcome to Caleido, a diary on extraordinary people curated by MM Company. / Read the Editor’s letter here.
I have always recognized in @carlasozzani the pure essence of that “kaleidoscopic vision” concept that inspired the birth of Caleido Diary. Throughout her life, she has accomplished many things – from the pioneering creation of the concept store, to innovation in fashion publishing, to elevating photography as an artistic expression through countless exhibitions – but most importantly, there’s one thing she hasn’t done: allow herself to be constrained by preconceptions or conventions; thus succeeding in being at Liberty to capture novel aspects of contemporary society and transform them into inspiration.
As I approached this meeting, my intention was clear: to avoid the usual retrospective of her extraordinary career (already extensively documented in many articles like this one and in the book “Carla Sozzani. Arte, vita, moda” by Louise Baring for L’Ippocampo), favoring instead a dialogue about the deeper aspects of her creative vision; with a timeless approach, in perfect harmony with Caleido’s philosophy.
She welcomed us at her @fondazionesozzani (the place she considers her “true home”), at number 87 via Bovisasca in Milan (Italy). Here, after visiting the immense studio of New York artist @kris.ruhs, housed in a section of the building, we conversed in her office: a space that reveals itself as an authentic “Travel Diary,” translated into architectural form.
If you prefer, you can listen to the interview in Podcast format on Spotify
Helmut Newton ©Fondazione Sozzani
CALEIDO
Let’s introduce a new twist to this question, which we’ve asked all our guests: If you had to make a quick escape with one object in hand, what would it be? Would you share a photo of it, taken by you?
CARLA
My mother had a 1940s Venini vase, the Fazzoletto. It had always been in her home, and ever since, I’ve kept it with me. Then there’s a Man Ray photograph that follows me everywhere. It’s been with me at Vogue, Elle, Corso Como, and now here. It has never left my side.
Carla Sozzani: my suggestions
