Vogue Press Conference: An Intern's Perspective
VOGUE PRESS CONFERENCE: AN INTERN'S PERSPECTIVE
By Allyson Arrigo
Photo by the author
As an intern, I had the journalistic experience of a lifetime. Being able to attend and participate in the press conference for the upcoming Vogue Fashion’s Night Out led by Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani and Florence Mayor Dario Nardella was an unforgettable experience.
On June 17th, I was in the pressroom of Palazzo Vecchio with some of Italy’s best journalists waiting for two major Italian figures, Sozzani from Vogue and Nardella representing the city of Florence. The press conference featured Vogue Fashion’s Night Out, an international fashion and charity event that will be held in Florence on September 17th. An event of this caliber is held in fashion capitals all over the world every year. The non-profit event involves stores of all kinds from boutiques to couture to pop-up shops that stay open throughout the night along with events and concerts. Celebrities, major public figures, and the local community shop and celebrate side by side and come together to celebrate the represented city’s unique sense of style.
While waiting for Sozzani and Nardella to commence, I was surrounded by men in Armani suits and women in Valentino heels speaking Italian so fast I could hardly keep up. Many journalists who had seats stood to catch a better glimpse of her and photographers rushed to the front of the room to catch a picture of the pair. As she sat down, Nardella spoke generously about Sozzani’s icon status and her persistent passion to push Florence’s position as the second fashion capital of Italy.
Sozzani sat and listened. Although Nardella spoke, all eyes were on the editor in chief. A petite, blonde, and blue-eyed woman who turned 65 this year, Sozzani is a fashion and beauty icon. When I finally got over the fact that I was in the same room as one of the most influential fashion magazine editors in the world, I saw that many journalists and guests felt the same as I did.
When it was Sozzani’s turn to speak, she swept the room away with the pride and passion demonstrated towards the event and the city of Florence. In naming Florence as the second fashion capital of Italy, the editor stressed the importance of cohesion between the local economy and community for the success of the upcoming event.
She went on to explain that the event donates all profits to charities and has many connections to various organizations. In the past, funds were donated to foundations such as Fondazione Tommasino Bacciotti, which raises awareness for children with brain cancer. For the 2015 event, Vogue Italia is donating to Differenza Donna, an organization that aids women and children subjected to violence.
When she finished with a smile, the audience erupted into concurring applause. As she stood from the table at the front of the pressroom, the audience swarmed around her with warm salutations and words of congratulations. Sozzani patiently and genuinely spoke with all who approached her. I must admit that I did freeze up for a second when brushing arms with her.
With a power team like Sozzani and Nardella, it is hard to imagine that this event could be anything but successful. When factoring in an influential city such as Florence and its diverse community, the event will be an unstoppable presence this September!
Want to participate in this event that unites fashion, social responsibility, and discovering Florence? Find out how and start the countdown at vfno2015.vogue.it.
