The Look Book

Claudio di Blasi and Ilaria Castelli, Business Student and Fashion Showroom Assistant

“Ilaria's style is pretty much like mine. That's why we are together.”

By Amy Larocca
Published May 21, 2005

(Photo: Jake Chessum)

How did you meet?
CLAUDIO: That’s a good memory. We met each other in the Marais in Paris. A friend of us introduced each other, and it was love. Not really right away. We started going out together, then I had to go back to Italy to solve some issues. But we kept calling each other, and after two or three months, I met her again. I decided to move here because I wanted to go to business school. It was a little more difficult for her because she had a good job in a fashion showroom, but she was very brave.

Ilaria, what attracted you to Claudio?
ILARIA: His glamour, gentleman manner, and his eyes.

How would you describe your style?
ILARIA: I like to look fashionable and cool. And, of course, to be comfortable. This coat is Fay—I bought it in Milan.
CLAUDIO: I love clothes. That’s why I am Italian, probably! These sunglasses are the classic aviator by Ray-Ban, and I am wearing Dandop jeans. You don’t have them here, and I am sorry for you.

How would you describe each other’s style?
CLAUDIO: Ilaria’s style is pretty much like mine. That’s why we are together. I love it when she wears Marni, and she loves Marni. The last thing I bought her was a Marc Jacobs skirt. We live across the street from the store, so I don’t have to walk.

What’s your favorite city to live in?
ILARIA: Paris. It’s the city of love.

How did you feel about the pope’s death?
CLAUDIO: I have a special feeling with what happened because I was in Vatican City for five years. I knew the pope. He was the spiritual dean at my university. I wanted to go to Rome and be there for the funeral, but I wasn’t able to do it, so I went to St. Patrick’s, and I followed everything on CNN.

Did you know him personally?
Not one-on-one, but we were together in groups. One thing I can tell you about is the look he used to give me. He looked me right in the eyes, like he was trying to transmit a message.