As we enter into the new year, we wanted to introduce you to our entire CMMP team from our Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta showrooms. We sat down with each member of the team and asked them a few questions about life, CMMP, and menswear.
We would like to introduce you to Vanessa Davoli, a staple in our Philadelphia showroom for the past 8 years. Her role at CMMP is very multi faceted, as she assists on creative direction for the brand, manages in-house production, Philadelphia Showroom Manager and is one of our Wardrobe Advisors.
CMMP: How did you get your start in the world of menswear or fashion?
Vanessa: I was interested in working in the fashion industry from a young age. During middle school and high school I attended weekend fashion courses at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. From there I decided to continue studying fashion in college. I graduated from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy and this where I began to notice the drastic difference of how men dressed in Italy compared to the men in America. It wasn't until I met Craig while I was back in the states where I thought I could really contribute to his company, Commonwealth Proper. Craig gave me the opportunity to take what I learned in school; construction, Italian tailoring, style and make it more American....something American men can relate to. A new approach to Modern American Tailoring.
CMMP: Who is your favorite designer and why?
Vanessa: Favorite designers include the legends: Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, McQueen, Gucci and Prada. I also love smaller brands/designers, people who are hustling and doing great things like Rachel Comey, Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, Nino Brand, The Deck, Colorant, and Aysha Bilgrami. These smaller brands inspire me and I am so interested in their stories, the way they make clothes is intimate and how they are produce their garments locally. This is all very important to me.
CMMP: Do you have any favorite things to do outside of work, hobbies, etc.?
Vanessa: I love reading. At the moment I am reading Coco Chanel An Intimate Life by Lisa Chaney. Listening to podcasts, traveling, cooking, drawing, painting/water color, crochet (all things artsy and creative). I would like to get into tennis (I had my first lesson not too long ago!). I enjoy going to museums. A favorite is the Museum of the city of New York.
CMMP: Favorite garment you have created for CMMP?
Vanessa: There have been many! A seersucker tuxedo that was worn for a NYC Summer rooftop wedding, was a highlight. I also like sampling new garments, the tech overshirt and the BBQ shirt are two products I started sampling and have now been constant pieces in our RTW collections.
