Studio Trip Log:
Tuesday
Milan, May 6
Arrival & Setup
We landed in Milan in the early afternoon and went straight to the atelier. No stops. No distractions. With fittings scheduled to begin within 48 hours, the priority was clear: unpack, assess, and prepare the space for a focused production week.
“We skipped the after parties last night and caught an early flight,” Stacy said to the camera as he slid into the backseat of the car outside the airport. “We really couldn’t mess around. We’ve got fittings in two days and—what—three gowns to finish before Friday? We had to get here today.” He glanced out the window as traffic buzzed past, the street already full.
He sat with his assistant, Monroe, the two of them quiet in anticipation as they headed toward the studio.
The Milan space was familiar by now—clean, modular, and built for speed. It functioned as a direct extension of the New York base, stocked with essential machines, core fabrics, trims, and rotating reference materials.
“Hellooo! Hellooo!” Stacy called out as they stepped into the studio. A small team was already working in the atelier, heads bent over machines and handwork. He paused near the back, eyeing two large white gowns in progress.
“Ugh. Perfect,” he said, tugging gently at one of the skirts. “The shape’s holding up really well. I think the neoprene was the right call.” He looked over at one of the design assistants.
“Yes, it worked way better than just doubling the skirt,” they replied.
Stacy nodded and continued toward his office. He dropped his bag on the large velvet patchwork couch while Monroe followed behind, settling into a chair across from his desk.
“Need anything before we get started?” Monroe asked.
“No—dinner’s ordered, right?” Stacy asked without looking up.
“Yes. It'll be here at eight. Groceries should be in within the hour.”
“Perfect. Then go ahead and check the loft. Make sure everything’s set up for tomorrow, and you’re good for the night. But—7AM. Don’t forget. I’m giving you the night off so you’re on time.”
“Got it.” Monroe stood. “You’ve still got two hours with the studio team—don’t waste it.”
“I know. Thank you,” Stacy replied, eyes locked on his screen as he opened his laptop and dove back in.
“Okay. See you in the morning.” Monroe grabbed his bag and left out the office.
“Perfect.” Stacy got up from his desk and walked out to speak with Alesandra from the studio team.
Alessandra was born and raised in Florence, where she studied textile development and pattern engineering before relocating to Milan to work in luxury fashion production. With over 15 years of experience in both couture and high-volume atelier workflows, she brings a sharp eye for proportion, fabric behavior, and the kind of silent precision that drives great garment-making.
She first collaborated with Studio Atelier in 2023 as a technical consultant and was quickly brought on to oversee special European projects and fittings for international clients. For Cannes 2025, Alessandra leads the Milan-based team in final construction, sculptural adjustments, and managing Studio Atelier’s in-house finishing techniques.
"Alessandra," he said, nodding toward the dress. "It’s reading really well from the side. The skirt’s got that perfect hold, but I want to make sure we’re not losing movement when Ara walks."
She looked up from her clipboard, already anticipating the note.
"The neoprene is holding the structure, but I’ve kept the underlayer open near the side seams. She’ll get swing—just not collapse."
Stacy nodded. “I love the bow so much. We did this a year ago for a Grammys event. It’s fun to have a reason for the drama again.”
“We love the bow as well. We steamed the pleats into the ribbon this morning,” Alessandra added. “They’re stitched in place with boning along the sides so the shape won’t drop in the heat.”
Stacy paused. “Good. This one matters. It’s for our sponsor’s film so I want everything to be perfect.” he exhales.
Alessandra gave the slightest smile. “It will be. It’s already perfect.”
Satisfied, he turned back toward the corridor. “Don't be here too late Alessandra!” he yelled as he walked away.
Stacy went back to his office and walked the full production schedule for the week—each fitting, alteration window, and internal check-in plotted by the hour. No space for error but planning for one just in case.
This first day was about efficiency. Getting grounded. Just setting the tone for what needed to happen next.
Tomorrow? Production.