A romantic dreamer, a lover of fashion since she was a child when she already watched fashion shows and drew dresses, and a globetrotter from Puglia, where she owns the Nudha Couture Ostuni: this is Valentina Melpignano on her social media account. But when you meet her in person, Valentina is, even more, a solar girl full of passions and creativity, through which she loves to tell her world.

We had the opportunity to meet her on the last day of MFW, between a suitcase full of looks and a coffee.

PASSION FOR FASHION

I feel like I was born with a passion for fashion! Since I was very young, I have always loved clothes and creating combos. When I was four years old people asked me, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” my answer was already, “A designer.” I loved watching fashion shows, especially those of Gianni Versace, I don’t know why but I was, and still am, a lover of his creations.

I have always loved to draw and create clothes, and I believe that this passion, flowing in my veins, was handed down by my family, that has been in the fashion field for almost 40 years.

THE MILANO FASHION WEEK AND THE BEST DESIGNERS

From the last MFW, I’ve loved Annakiki collection: The ‘80s volumes and the color block are two trends that I’ve really appreciate in the last period.

It’s difficult to choose only one designer, but I prefer haute couture collections, especially the ones that Valentino, Dior, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Giambattista Valli presented in Paris. I believe that only haute couture can still express true art and is able to make people dream.

“I have always loved to draw and create clothes, and I believe that this passion, flowing in my veins, was handed down by my family.”

STYLE

Sophisticated,

Feminine,

Versatile.

SKINCARE AND MAKEUP ROUTINE

Must-Have Skincare: cleansing milk, tonic, and moisturizer.

Must-Have Makeup: Foundation, concealer, mascara, highlighter, and lipstick (more than anything else).
I can’t choose just a few products when it comes to makeup 😛

WHAT’S FASHION FOR YOU?

Fashion for me is to about expressing yourself by showing your identity.

EXPRESSING

YOUR PASSION

TRAVEL

The journey that, among all, inspired me the most was Marrakech: Moroccan culture fascinated me greatly. It is a journey that I recommend to everyone, a melting pot of cultures where East and West meet without ever colliding.

For the future, instead, I want to visit the United States, especially California.

Trend: I love the vintage and, above all, to revisit clothes and accessories from the ’70s, ’80s, and ‘90s, mixing them with trendy garments.

#Inspo: I find inspiration for my style everywhere: fashion shows, magazines, street style… I often look at the old family albums of my mother and grandmother, who are a great source of inspiration for me.

The Touch of Style: The touch of style for me is given by the accessories that complete each outfit, making even the simplest look extra. My look is always composed of earrings, hats, hair clips, and scarves… Everything that can give character and a touch of color to a look.

How I like to Wear it: There are no special occasions to wear a trend and, for this reason, I like to flaunt it every day. For example, I usually wear super oversized sweatshirts with prints and logos typical of the ’80s even at the gym.

Trendspotting: I always tend to associate it with “Pretty Woman,” a timeless masterpiece of the ’90s. I think that Julia Roberts could easily wear a vintage look.

DAILY

TREND

Your Favorite Fashion Book: “Gianni Versace. The Art of Being You” is a classic for me. But I really like to learn and study; I have a passion for books about fashion history and costumes.

Style Icon: Audrey Hepburn, without a doubt! I am fascinated by her class, elegance, and refinement.

Your Fashion Superpower: My current superpower is the Dior Saddle Bag, despite the particular shape and the monogram, I find it is absolutely versatile to wear and to match with every look, making it unique and sophisticated. The Superpower I’d like to have is the classic Chanel 2.55, which is simply timeless.