This Russian princess, who happened to be in Italy by the will of fate, lived a long and interesting life, becoming famous as a fashion designer of women's clothing, and her collection of trouser suits palazzo pigiama put her among the most famous designers in the world.
From Russia to Italy
Irene, who was born in 1916 (or 1918) in Tbilisi in the family of Prince Golitsyn, belonged to an ancient Russian aristocratic family, which had its roots in the early 18th century. Like many representatives of the Russian aristocracy, Iren's parents left Russia after the October Revolution and emigrated abroad, first to Turkey and then to Italy.
True, Father Irene, who was barely a year old, could not stand the noise and bustle of Italy. Leaving his family, he moved to Paris. Despite the fact that Princess Golitsyna was left alone with a small child in her arms, she was not constrained in her means and led a decent life. Russian emigrants who settled in Italy constantly visited her house. At her evening parties, one could meet ballerina Anna Pavlova, Tatyana Sukhotina, daughter of Leo Tolstoy, Prince Yusupov and other famous compatriots.
Adolescence
After graduating from school, the young princess entered the University of Rome, where she studied political science. Fluent in several foreign languages, she saw herself in diplomatic work, but fate decreed otherwise.
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New hobby
The longer the girl studied science, the less she wanted to be in the chosen field. She was imperceptibly interested in painting, and if at first she painted landscapes, she gradually began to make sketches of clothes, sitting for hours on studying fashion magazines. She was so fascinated by this lesson that she began attending sewing and cutting courses.
Having a good theoretical knowledge, Irene went to practice and got a job in the atelier of the Fontana sisters, where for three years she worked as a seamstress and then as a clothing designer.
Own business
Having gained experience, the princess decided to create her own business and opened a salon, and her husband, Silvio Medici de Menetses, who she married in 1949, financed this venture.
Despite the fact that the beginning dressmaker had no shortage of orders, she could not reach a higher level. She herself had to experiment, taking the clothes of Parisian designers as a basis, since in those years it was the capital of France that was considered the trendsetter of world fashion.
First collection
The efforts of the fashion designer were not in vain. Gaining experience with French couturiers and introducing her ideas, Golitsyna managed to create interesting models that were fundamentally different from the clothes offered by Italian designers.
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In 1959, she released a full-fledged collection, which was not only in Italy, but also in France, a tremendous success. She attracted the attention of the world community to her creator.
Recognition and glory
In 1962, Iren Galitsyna fulfilled her dream - she entered the international level by presenting a collection called palazzo pigiama, which included trouser suits made of silk fabric for women. The Italian press did not leave this event unattended and called Irene the designer of the year, and in 1965 her talent was rated even higher. The fashion designer received the International Design Award.
It is not surprising that such a success brought Golitsyna the widest popularity. Celebrities and socialite appreciated spectacular models that reflected not only the spirit of modernity, but also the centuries-old traditions of female fashion, distinguished by sophistication and elegance.
The fame of a designer, whose services are used by representatives of high society, has entrenched her. And, indeed, not only stars such as Sophia Loren, Greta Gorbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Claudia Cardinale, Maya Plisetskaya and others began to dress her, but also the first lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy, who later became her friend.
