Jann Huizenga « baroquesicily.com – Sicily Stories and Travel Tips from Jann Huizenga

Debora, Redux (Part 2)

May 21, 2013

After Debora’s runway show, I wanted to photograph her in better lighting conditions. She arrived at my home one evening with an armload of her designer duds.

We shot outside on the street, the late sun pouring down like molten gold. She kept running back into the house to change.

The neighbors seemed curious. They hung from windows or gawped from cars.

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Debora takes her exams in Milan next month and will then be rarin’ to go as a bona fide stilista, fashion designer.

SLIDESHOW
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Debora, Redux (Part 1)

May 15, 2013

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you may remember Debora Lo Magno.

I discovered this bejeweled goddess on the church steps near my house.

When we met later, she told me about the long hours she spent in fashion school during the week, her weekend job as a clerk at Benneton, and her long nights sewing Swarovski crystals, like oversized raindrops, onto her misty grey dress.

The inspiration for her work? Her nonna, who was a seamstress, and the lush spring Sicilian countryside.

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In late March, Debora had her first runway show! It was evening, in a town I didn’t know. I arrived late and there was a crush of Sicilians in the hall. I had to beg for a seat.

Her brave designs pranced and strutted down the stage, bringing to mind Anais Nin’s words: “Life expands or contracts in proportion to one’s courage.” I could feel Debora’s life expand.

Several other student designers were also in the show.

At the end, awards were given. Debora won the prize for Giovane Promessa, Young Designer with Promise and she stepped out on the stage to receive her award.

Brava, Debora.