High-quality fabrics, bright colors, and figure flattering designs are just three ways to describe the beautiful outfits created by Anna Omodeo of La Collezione di Anna. Based in Venice, Italy, Anna uses her Ph.D. in architecture combined with inspiration from some of the best high fashion designers in the world, to help create one-of-a-kind designs for her clients located in both Europe and the United States. She believes that “every piece is a unique story” and we found that Anna’s story is unique as well.
When Omodeo found it difficult to find fashionable show clothes in Europe, she began designing outfits for herself. She was inspired by riders in the States which led to her starting her own company, La Collezione di Anna. “I used to go to the United States to watch the biggest shows, and I was amazed at how the riders looked in the show pen. I wanted my style to be at their level.”
Now, Anna is designing clothes for clients all over the globe and says there is nothin
g better than seeing a photo of a client wearing her outfits, holding up a nice trophy.
Congress Champion, Cathrin Gutmann of Austria (pictured right) is one of Omodeo’s loyal clients. “I really like Anna’s clothing as I think it combines craftsmanship with art. It’s all manufactured in Italy using the best materials and every detail matters. The thought that goes into a jacket and how she designs it specifically for the individual person, the customer care and the professionalism, are unparalleled.”
While Omodeo does not believe in following trends, she does put considerable thought toward what looks best on her client’s body shape. “I believe that being elegant, stylish, self-confident and at ease with what you are wearing makes the difference between an outfit that is trendy and one that is not,” said Omodeo.
Anna wants to tell a story through her clothes by representing her client’s personality. Omodeo is careful to be honest with her clients and encourage them to not go into a design with preconceived notions. “One example would be symmetrical and very geometrical designs. That will not work on everyone’s physique, especially if the repeating of lines develops in a horizontal way. This design will give a heavy look, rather than a slender shape, especially if you don’t have a very small waist. On the same body, rounded and soft shapes can give a completely different effect.”
Self-identified as a “color-holic”, Omodeo believes that there are no ugly colors, only ugly color combinations. “I love every color and every shade. Sometimes I like to develop a ‘tone over same tone’ design where the small details and the play of light work in harmony. Other times, I create contrasts between strong and bright colors that will catch the observer’s eye for their happiness.” However, Omodeo personally still enjoys the glamorous effect of a black-on-black color combination.
According to Omodeo, good quality and the refinement of a material are important details to the designer. The base material, used by Omodeo, is not a common lycra, but a specialty technical fabric used within the sports industry. This fabric comes from a company in the designer’s country of Italy, but also guarantees the health of the wearer’s skin, promotes environmental sustainability and can be cleaned easily. The leather, used in Omodeo’s designs comes from an Italian craftsman who tans and colors the leather by hand. The ultra suede used to make chaps, is made from 100% recycled plastic; making it environmentally safe, while also respecting the product quality standards. It is some of the most peel-resistant material on the market today.
Omodeo’s location in culturally rich, Venice, Italy gives her the ability to be inspired by some of the most established fashion houses in the world such as Giorgio Armani, Prada, Ferragamo, Pucci and Versace. “I also have access to high quality ‘Made in Italy‘ material, as well as the possibility to attend the most important fashion shows, fairs and events that demonstrate the creativity of the ‘Made in Italy‘ fashion industry.”
Omodeo’s studio, where she creates her designs, is a centuries old liberty style villa, where modern machines are mixed in with mid-century style furniture and fixtures that are hundreds of years old. The walls of the studio are lined with enormous windows that look out onto the terrace and garden. “In spring, we open it all, and it seems like you are working in the middle of a tropical garden,” Omodeo states, “There is always a natural and fantastic light.” Eventually, Omodeo hopes to live at the studio, and she has been working to renovate the villa bit by bit.
When we asked her, “Why should exhibitors choose her to design their clothes?” Her response was, “I create my outfits with the same passion and vision that you have when you show your horses. My custom outfits are not just tailored to your size; they tell your story.”
To her, designing these outfits is more than just color, size, and patterns; it is getting to know her clients and letting their personalities shine. Anna keeps her production to about four outfits a month allowing her to pay close attention to each and everyone.
Omodeo does not like to compare herself to other designers. She lets her passion and her work speak for itself, stating, “If you are reading this, you know better than anyone that showing horses is not just like any other sport. It is something that requires a great amount of passion and determination that people from the outside cannot understand. In the show pen, every little detail matters, nothing can be left to chance.”
Omodeo knows the importance that details play in showing horses. It is her own love of horses that fuels her passion. “I show and I couldn’t do this job if I didn’t love to show as much as I do.”
This year, Omodeo plans on showing in the western pleasure at all the main Quarter Horse shows in Europe, as well the western riding in the near future. Anna will show her multiple European Champion bay gelding, Asset Machine (pictured left), in the Bavarian Golden Series, at European Championships and DQHA Futurities.
For Omodeo, success comes from the design process–getting to know her clients and their personalities; seeing the design take shape; and finally being able to watch the design grow from a sketch to a finished product. “As I said, it is emotional for me to see my clients successful, smiling and at ease in my creation.”
Click here to view Anna’s ad in the May issue of GoMag
