A Super Model Called Greta Cavazzoni

Greta Cavazzoni was discovered at a modeling competition at 16 in Italy and has since graced the covers of Spanish, Italian, British, and German Vogue, French Elle, German Elle, and many other international fashion magazines.

She has also appeared in campaigns for Valentino, Versace, Les Copains, Christian Dior, and Tommy Hilfiger. She has also appeared on numerous catwalks for  top fashion designers including Armani, John Galliano, Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, and Oscar De La Renta.

Greta has also studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute and after appearing in Robert Altman’s “Prêt-à-Porter” and hosting MTV Italy’s “House of Style” in 1999, she landed her first big role in the Italian romantic comedy “Ogni lasciato e’ perso” with comedian Piero Chiambretti. She appeared on the hit Fox television show “Two Guys and a Girl”and in 2002, during her first visit to Los Angeles, she was cast in a leading role on the NBC pilot "Life at 5 Feet".

I am very excited to profile her since she has recently launched her first handbag collection which she designs and produces and which I love. Having been in the fashion industry for so long it felt natural for her to give it a try, and the result is very cool.

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration are old Italian films.  I love the simple glamour and elegance of those characters which are very different from the Hollywood glam.

What is your brand about?

My brand is about looking chic and finished with an accessory but also having a sense of humor about it. The girl I design for is sophisticated, sexy and not pretentious.

Favorite stores?

• HARVEY NICHOLS in London COLETTE in Paris LA RINASCENTE in Milan

• All these stores have fun innovative labels but also keep a classic traditional costumer.

Favorite ad campaigns you have done?

For Martell Cognac because being their spoke person took me all over Asia which I really enjoyed visiting.

Plans for the future?

I´m planning to open a store in L.A. with shoe label Andrea Carrano next year, ( who recently opened a store on the Upper East side). and of course I will keep expanding distribution of my handbags all over the world.

Differences between the fashion industry in NY, LA and Italia?

NY and Milan are definitely fashion capitals, for me Milan is still the ¨fashion capital of style and production¨.

New York is great for the commercial effect on fashion as it can put a label on the map in a short amount of time. Its a great place to develop and promote which I learned in my time as a model. Ive recently moved to LA and I must say in this day of age it has become a very interesting city for fashion because of the major impact of the entertainment industry in the fashion world.

3 things you cant live without?

• My handbag of course,

• my blackberry

• and my "EVERYTHING PENCIL",- a great make up trick from Judith August.