The talented accessory designer Olympia Le-Tan

Olympia Le Tan – the talented accessory designer who has often been praised for her quirky style and creativity - will be the guest designer at Pitti W 9.  Taking inspirations from her family’s collection of literature classics, Olympia has created a range of minaudières depicting the covers of the first editions of renowned books such as Madame Bovary and Lolita. Her debut in Florence is scheduled for Thursday 12th of January 2012 when, during a site-specific performance at the exclusive location ok Museo Bellini, Olympia will present a project created specifically for Pitti W.

We met Olympia to ask her about her favourite authors and to discover something more about her work for Pitti.

- Which are the italian authors in litterature you love most and why?
I love Alberto Moravia, one of my favourite books is L'Amore Coniugale. I love the way he tells this simple story. Another one of my favourites is Alessandro Manzoni, I promessi Sposi was one of the first books I read in Italian. 
 
- How these litterature references will be present in this new collection for Pitti W?
As you may already know, I reproduce old book covers in the form of embroidery and turn them into bags.  I am searching for old beautiful Italian covers of these books to do that. I am also working on a new bag which will be more related to Italian films than books.

 - How will the the location inspire your installation?
The location is amazing. It is a beautiful old Italian palazzo. Every room is special and spectacular. It is full of beautiful objects and sculptures and paintings and furniture. It is very inspiring. 
 
- How did you feel in Florence going through many historical places?
I loved it. The museum of Natural History was fantastic, I have never seen so many stuffed animals in one place. The way they are displayed is so poetic and beautiful. I also visited the french institute which had a really beautiful little theater.