Watch The Exclusive Premiere Of "Nonna: Paris" The First Chapter In A Film Collaboration Between Giu Giu And Hamadou Frédéric Baldé
Giuliana Leila Raggiani and Hamadou Frédéric Baldé, met in LA in March 2016, and immediately began a collaboration. This merge of their two creative worlds, manifested in the form of a film series, called “NONNA” (the name of giu giu’s reproduction of her grandmother’s original turtleneck). Hamadou’s perspective possesses an inspirational contrast; a balance of being unfiltered and honest, yet sensitive and dream-like at the same time, meshing effortlessly with giu giu. With little planning, they serendipitously traveled to the same places -- Paris, Morocco, Los Angeles, New York, and Tokyo -- and shot in each location. And after much evolution, the film has now become an expression of movement between a multitude of ages, races, and genders. In each city Hamadou and Giuliana traveled to, they encountered beautiful, real people. Each with their own story, and special "essence," in the way they view life. Each belonging to the limitless world Hamadou and Giuliana envision, where each human is interconnected and perceived equally. The Nonna turtleneck became the common thread woven through each chapter of the film. The turtleneck was used to show the body, through natural forms of movement (krump, ballet, contemporary/modern, running, walking, dunking, yoga, and even subtle movements, such as the movement of water, a blink of an eye, or lifting a finger). The turtleneck is timeless, recycling itself in this generation. Each city represents a different color from the original Nonna collection. What they anticipated to be a short fashion video, grew to be something deeper and unexpectedly more profound, and their collaboration took on a life of its own. The duo has been presenting the full 20-minute piece at exclusive screenings in the various cities featured in the film. Otherwise, it is launching online as a series, each chapter releasing individually, with the première of the first city, PARIS. Ultimately, the main intention of Hamadou & giu giu is to use “Nonna” as a catalyst in promoting a universal concept of love, during a time when it is needed most in the world.
A Pantone Dream In Rib-Knit: Read Our Interview With Designer Giuliana Raggiani →
The turtleneck has had a bizarre reputation. Like a pop star with a long career, it had a murky past (worn by sailors and thieves looks for a warm outfit for prowling in the night), caused a sensation when it first hit the scene, began slowly fading into the background, then started acting strangely in front of the press (think of the beatnik and his beret or Steve Jobs’ monograph wardrobe of Issey Miyake-designed turtlenecks), but now the turtleneck is making a comeback in a big way. This is why designer Giuliana Raggiani is right on the money. Her label Giu Giu’s fall collection is highlighted with classic wide-ribbed turtlenecks that can be layered or worn a la carte, depending on how brisk the weather. Raggiani’s love of turtlenecks dates back to the fashion staple’s glory days – her grandmother, Palmira Giglia, was responsible for the “Nonna Turtleneck,” which sold at her luxury womenswear boutique on Boston’s Newbury Street. We got a chance to catch up with Giuliana Raggiani to discuss her new collection, its inspirations, and her love for turtlenecks. Read the full interview here.