Carla Sozzani discusses her life in the realms of art and fashion, expressing her ambition to revolutionize the magazine industry.
Carla Sozzani: A Pioneer in Fashion and Culture
Carla Sozzani, a trailblazer in the world of fashion and culture, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her career, spanning over five decades, has been marked by innovation, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born and raised in Mantua and Milan, Sozzani began her fashion journey in 1971 as a journalist at Chérie Moda. This early stint honed her editorial vision and established crucial connections in the fashion world.
In the following years, Sozzani's star rose meteorically. She became a major figure in fashion publishing, notably at Vogue Italia, where she contributed to groundbreaking fashion narratives and championed diverse voices in style.
A pivotal moment in Sozzani's career came in 1990 when she opened Galleria Carla Sozzani over a Renault garage in Brera, Milan. This gallery quickly became a hub for contemporary art and photography, hosting over 300 exhibitions and working closely with photographers like Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, Don McCullin, Annie Leibovitz, Horst P. Horst, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Hiro.
One of the most significant exhibitions at Galleria Carla Sozzani was the first Helmut Newton Ritratta di Donna (Portraits of Women) exhibition, which opened in 1994.
In the same year, Sozzani made another groundbreaking move by founding 10 Corso Como, the first concept store in the world, in Milan. This pioneering retail space combined boutique retail with art exhibitions and cultural programming, establishing Sozzani as a visionary gallerist and retailer.
At 10 Corso Como, Sozzani introduced influential fashion brands such as Margiela, Comme des Garçons, Alaïa, and Prada, transforming the retail landscape and setting trends that continue to influence the industry today.
The 10 Corso Como boutique was more than just a shop; it was a living magazine, bringing images to life.
In 2016, Sozzani co-founded Fondazione Sozzani with her daughter Sara Sozzani Maino and artist Kris Ruhs, further cementing her role in promoting photography, art, and fashion culture.
Sozzani's contributions to fashion publishing and retail have earned her recognition and admiration from her peers. Gianni Versace famously said, "You and I, we know how to dare!" in recognition of Sozzani's daring and innovative approach.
Along with her sister Franca, Sozzani played a key role in the transformation of Milan into an international fashion capital in the early 1980s. She also became lifelong friends with Azzedine Alaïa, featuring his work twice in Vogue Italia Pelle.
Today, Sozzani continues to work on multiple projects simultaneously, with the future coming from her past experiences and the people she has met. As the leader of Fondazione Sozzani and the president of the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa in Paris, Sozzani remains a driving force in the integration of fashion and art.
- Carla Sozzani's 10 Corso Como, a pioneering retail space in Milan, not only sold fashion-and-beauty items but also hosted art exhibitions and cultural programs, reflecting her interest in the intersection of fashion and lifestyle.
- Books on pop-culture, art, and fashion have been an integral part of 10 Corso Como's offerings, mirroring Carla Sozzani's dedication to spreading knowledge and celebration of these areas in her store-cum-living magazine.
- As a regal figure in both fashion and celebrity circles, Carla Sozzani, with her prolific career and groundbreaking ventures, has contributed significantly to the shaping of entertainment, fashion, and pop-culture narratives over decades.
