By LAWRENCE TAN
Mauro Orietti-Carella does to leather bags what cosmetic
surgeons do to women in their forties desiring some youthful rejuvenation. He
botoxes them.
It all started as a bit of a trial-and-error for the
44-year-old Milan-born designer. Inspired by his past life as a trained
dermatologist, he injected silicone (similar to the kind used for breast
implants) and a plant resin into leathers like crocodile, python, ostrich and
calf before they are crafted into bags.
The result: leathers that are as supple and soft as cashmere
to the touch, and a glossy finish that also yielded more vibrant colors.
Carella has also experimented with injecting 18k gold dust and silvers, and
oxidizing the gold- and silver-infused leathers with acid.
Carella’s patented procedure not only gave leather a new
lease of life, it single-handedly revived the fortunes of Italian brand
Zagliani, which Carella now heads as its creative director, after the company
faced the possibility of extinction eight years ago after its original founder
Bruna Zagliani had passed on.
Zagliani bags have also become highly coveted bags of
fashionistas and celebrities alike, from Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Kylie Minogue
and Cindy Crawford. The label’s signature IT bag, The Puffy, is now available at
the On Pedder boutique at the Takashimaya Shopping Centre in Singapore.
Zagliani