Tag Archives: italian

Frost Interviews: Italian Actor Claudia Gerini

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_Claudia Gerini by Cristina GhergoFrost interviewed the beautiful and talented Claudia Gerini. Prolific and mufti-lingual, Claudia can be seen in Labyrinth, broadcast on Friday 29 and Sunday 31st March on Channel 4.

You got your first role when you were only 14. Do you think starting so young was a good thing?

Well, I think that there are advantages and disadvantages in all of

one’s decisions. Perhaps the positive side of this was that I started to work

immediately and was able to throw myself into the career that I had always

known I wanted to follow. The negative side could be that I started to work

straight away and so I wasn’t able to develop other interests or perhaps lost

out on other things but, at the end of the day I think that say it was a more

positive than negative outcome.

What is your favourite role you have played?

Well, I suppose it was the part that I had I’m Crazy about Iris Blond. I

played the part of a waitress ― Iris Blond ― who then becomes a singer and

given that singing is my passion and the role required me to sing a lot, I really

enjoyed that part.

You have over 53 credits on IMDB, how do you think you managed to have such a long and prolific career?

I suppose taking decisions and making the right choices. I don’t really

know. I follow a trajectory in which I try to follow a set of principles and be

faithful to my ideas and plans. Part of this is probably my love of challenge

and so I try not to repeat myself too much and I am always on the look out for

new genres and different roles.

Favourite film?

I have no doubts about that one. Moulin Rouge by Baz Luhrmann. I

don’t know how many times I’ve seen it over the years.

Favourite genre to work in?

I think I’d have to say comedy, a more romantic or ironic comedy but

then again, given that I like changing genres and roles and I am always on

the look out for a challenging role, I like dramatic roles as well.


You have worked in many different languages. Do you find learning

other languages hard? What is your favourite language to work in?

I find it quite easy to learn new languages, probably because I have a

good ear and so I tend to pick up the sounds quickly. I learned Spanish,

French and English this way and if I have to work in another language then

probably I prefer working in Spanish or English.

What would you be if you were not an actress?

If I could stay in the entertainment sector then I’d love to be a singer. If

I had to change sector then I think I’d love to work with children, young

children; perhaps as a pedagogue or even a primary school teacher.

How do you stay in shape?

I keep in shape by going to Taekwondo classes 3 times a week. Its so

energetic that you don’t really need to do anything else; there is a lot of cardio

and stretching and so its an all-round sporting activity. Recently I’ve

discovered pole dancing which is a lot of fun so I suppose just keeping myself

in movement. You know, being a full-time working mother, I have very little

time to sit and relax and another thing is that I’m slowly moving towards a

more vegetarian diet as well even though I still eat meat occasionally.

What’s next for you?

At the moment I am working on some projects that will be staring this

summer and so I’ll be back on set shooting in July. Tulpa is also being

released in Italy on the 30th of May and so I’ll be a bit busy with that as well

and so, in general, I’m getting ready to start filming again this summer.

Upgrading your tongue opens the door to the ‘feel good factor’, and better relationships.

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To mark the occasion of the European Day of Languages today, Rosetta Stone, a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, uncovers major drivers for adult language learning today, citing the feel-good factor, meeting new people and an interest in other cultures.

Rosetta Stone’s 2012 survey into motivations for learning languages found that 54% of respondents were motivated by the feel-good factor, stating that learning a language made them feel good about themselves. Increasingly, the mastery of a second language is considered to enhance attractiveness, and to enable cross-cultural relationships to thrive.

  • A recent survey of 30,000 British women found that Italian, Dutch and French were considered  the “sexiest nationality”.
  • A survey run by Rosetta Stone  found 29% of those surveyed stated that the lover of their dreams would speak French.
  • Closely followed by Italian (20%).
  • Only 12.7% preferred English speaking lovers.
  • Language learning can also increase opportunities in love.
  • Rosetta Stone provides e-learning to individuals, schools, universities and public and private organisations in over 20 languages.
  • Other major drivers for language learning which Rosetta Stone has identified are: Career prospects; travel and culture; and ‘heritage learning’, based on languages spoken through generations.
To mark the European Day of Languages, Rosetta Stone has a unique offer available on all e-learning courses which can be redeemed via the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RosettaStoneUK

Sylke Riester, Managing Director Europe at Rosetta Stone commented:

“Being able to speak a second language – or a commitment to doing so – automatically suggests a curiosity about the world, which we know are attractive traits.”

“ “From day-to-day chit-chat to heartfelt expressions of love, being able to share these moments in your partner’s language reinforce the relationship. It’s another way of demonstrating love and commitment and allows genuine integration into a loved one’s life, family and culture.”.”

ENERGIE START AW 12 ‘MAKE NOISE’ CAMPAIGN WITH UK ROCKERS ‘RUBBER KISS GOODBYE’

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ENERGIE KICK START THEIR AW 12 ‘MAKE NOISE’ CAMPAIGN WITH UK INDIE ROCK BAND ‘RUBBER KISS GOODBYE’
For their AW12 collection, Italian menswear brand Energie has captured the urban feel of the brand with a new campaign titled “Make Noise” fronted by UK band Rubber Kiss Goodbye.

The Energie ”Make Noise” campaign previews in the brands anticipated AW12 collection, presenting
a new means of expression through dress that is fully reflective of Energie’s identity to stand out from the crowd. The “Make Noise” collection presents a mix of black and white urban-style graphic t-shirts that are not for the faint hearted and a denim collection synonymous with the cutting
edge British indie scene.

Rubber Kiss Goodbye are proving to be one of the UK’s hottest new bands around, consisting of Tara Ferry, son of English singer, musician and songwriter Bryan Ferry along with other band members Oliver and Peter. Energie also appointed the Swedish photographer Alex Lindhal to follow the band in their natural environment where they live and work, capturing their every move. In turn resulting in a range of retro black and white campaign shots reminiscent of backstage scenes of indie-rock groups on tour, identifying and exalting the spirit of Energie’s “Make Noise” collection, for an independent and unmistakable style that goes beyond mere seasonal trends.

GEOX AND PATRICK COX SS2012 CAPSULE COLLECTION

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GEOX the premier Italian brand famous for the innovative use of breathable technology and the
renown British shoe designer Patrick Cox have teamed up to create a capsule footwear collection
for Spring Summer 2012 that is an exciting fusion of sportswear and urban chic.

This SS2012 capsule collection marks the start of an ongoing collaboration between GEOX and
Patrick Cox and will see the development of footwear collections for men and women that bring
together elements of active sportswear, big city living, innovative materials and cutting edge
design.

In a statement about his collaboration with GEOX, Patrick Cox has said:

“I want to create pieces that are casual in spirit and reflect London’s cool urban vibe building on
GEOX’s exceptional and innovative shoemaking technology.”

Patrick Cox who became a global household name following the launch of his Wannabe loafer,
arguably the most commercially successful loafer launched in modern times, is famous for shoe
design that skillfully mixes traditional and the avant-garde and for shoes that are ‘must have’ items
for a knowing and fashion conscious market.

Mr Mario Moretti Polegato, Chairman of GEOX comments:

“I’m very pleased with this collaboration that will further increase the value of our respective
strengths and excellences. This new and innovative project will enable our clients to find designer
shoes interpreting in a modern and contemporary way our innovative shoes technology”

The GEOX brand was originally inspired by the style of a British Gentleman who liked to meld
functionality and comfort with a stylish urban twist when choosing his footwear and the idea was
later extended to a broader customer base to whom this mix of styles appealed.

The debut collection that will be launched this weekend features 18 styles for men and 20 for
women that perfectly illustrate the meld of active sportswear and city chic. The designs include
classic wing tip moccasin and derby shoes but with lightweight, flexible GEOX BREATHING soles
or the combination of a traditional tubular loafer with a tennis sole.

The shoes are crafted in beautiful soft leathers in a vast assortment of colours. Available now this
new collection will be distributed in key European markets such as the UK, Italy, France and in the
USA and Asia. The range will be available in top department stores, selected Geox shops and
specialty stores.

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Marni to Design Spring Collection For H&M

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MARNI TO DESIGN A SPRING COLLECTION FULL OF SIGNATURE PRINT AND PATTERN FOR H&M

H&M is proud to announce a spring designer collaboration with the Italian brand Marni. Famed for its original prints and inventive spirit, Marni is one of fashion’s most-loved labels, and its Founder and Creative Director Consuelo Castiglioni has created for H&M a spring collection for both women and men which capture the essence of Marni. Available from March 8, 2012 in around 260 stores worldwide and online, the collection features both clothing and accessories all at H&M’s prices, meaning everyone will have the chance to enter Marni’s world.

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic adding sporty utilitarian elements”. Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director.

“We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will do the same. Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of print and colour, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time, as a lovely statement for spring“. Margareta van den Bosch, Creative Advisor H&M.

Marni is a label that sticks to its own path, setting its own trends for print, cut and silhouette that are always playful and elegant. Marni has remained a family owned-business as it has grown to become an international luxury brand with stores around the world.

Marni’s collection for H&M has all the freedom and experimentation for which the label is renowned, with all-over prints in strong colours all intended to be worn together in layers that both match and clash. For women, the colours are vivid and the prints are bold, be they African inspired or simpler colour blocks. The silhouettes are all Marni staples, with full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knit, and fabrics range from silk to crisp cotton poplin. To finish the complete look the collection also includes jewellery, shoes, bags and scarves.

For men, the colours and fabrics are softened for a relaxed take on menswear staples that is truly Marni. The use of print is subtle, often as a lining or as a contrast detail for shirts, the silhouette a modern and relaxed take on masculine classics. The Marni collection is the latest designer collaboration for H&M, which has previously collaborated with brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Comme des Garçons, Jimmy Choo, Lanvin, and most recently Versace.

The Inept Girl's Guide to Cooking. Catherine Balavage learns how to cook….

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I have been spoilt. This is, obviously, not a complaint. Just an observation. My entire life I have been surrounded by good cooks. Most of my childhood memories are of dinner time. My parents also loved to bake. I was raised on wholesome, delicious, home cooking.

As a child I could bake fairy cakes and sponge cakes. Do a mean lasagne or spag bol. I sat in the kitchen with my family and partook in the wonderful, bonding thing that is cooking.

However, in recent years this has all changed. I live a busy London life and I rarely cook from scratch. If I do I lack imagination. Always falling on the dishes I have been doing for years. I have now decided that this will not do. I will learn to cook. I will have a large variety of dishes at my disposal. I will be a domestic goddess. I will get someone to taste the food each week to give their opinion. This is the first article in my journey.

Sunday April 25th 2010.

I decide to start easy: spaghetti bolognese! I am good at this. I have been doing it for years. I don’t want my confidence knocked straight away. And I fail…. James brings the ingredients around and I have a heart attack because MY MAC WON’T WORK! How can I write a column without a computer? Luckily I know someone who knows someone who has amazing IT skills. I unpack the food and pour some wine. I switch my computer on and put it on the freezer and I watch, happy and amazed, as Ewan ( Currently my favourite person in the world ) remotely fixes my computer from Scotland. I even talk to Ewan through textedit.

While Ewan does his impressive fix up of my Mac I give some onions a chop. I pour some mince in a pot and, erm, James does the rest. I have fallen into my old habits. I do, however, have a good reason this time. I will not lie. I did some stirring and I drank some wine, and nothing else. I am aware this is not a good start….

An hour and a half later we have cooked and ate:

Starter: Insalate caprese. Buffalo Mozzarella, basil, tomato drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Main: Spaghetti bolognese.

Brown mince, chop onions and fry, boil some tomatoes and then peel. Put all ingredients in one pot. Optional, but you can add some buffalo mozzarella. Cook spaghetti and Put that in too. You have a very good and easy to make dish.

This is actually different from how I usually make it. Probably because I didn’t. I add tomatoes puree,tinned chopped tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and garlic. I brown the mince and then add the ingredients. I cook pasta separately.

Verdict: The food is amazing. You can never go wrong with Italian. I give it 10/10. The only Spaghetti bolognese I have tasted that I like more than the ones my parents make. Check back next week for my next column. Where I will actually cook.

The other good result? My Mac now works perfectly.