She kind of looks like Audrey Hepburn. In every second photo she laughs contagiously. And her heart and soul belong entirely to fashion. Who is she? Giovanna Battaglia is an Instagram superwoman. The woman who taught 842,000 people (that's how many followers she has) to wear leopard print like no other and combine the craziest colors.
Now a favorite of streetstyle photographers, a muse for designers and the fashion editor of W magazine and Japanese Vogue, she lives between New York, Stockholm and the suburbs of Oxfordshire. Her husband, Oscar Engelbert, is a major Swedish developer and owner of several buildings in Stockholm. True, the image of a typical glamorous wife of a millionaire does not fit in with Giovanna. This is not all about her. She has her own style: wildly colorful and incredibly optimistic. And she wears animal print as if it were her everyday uniform.
Today Giovanna is 38. She was born in Milan - in the heart of Italian fashion. And I spent my entire childhood in a very creative environment. Of course! Her father is an artist, her mother is a sculptor and teaches at the Brera Academy, where Giovanna also studied at the Faculty of Art History. So she is not the only bright personality in her family.
Giovanna is the second child of the four Battaglia children. Her older brother Antonio owns a gallery in Milan, her sister Sara is a fashion designer, and younger brother Luigi is a fashionable decorator. Friends even jokingly call them the Italian Kardashians :-)
Giovanna with her sister Sarah
Giovanna has been obsessed with fashion since childhood, although at first she did not consider it as a profession. In one of the interviews, she even recalled that she wanted to work in opera, and in high school and even thought about a political career. But (thank God) these plans were not destined to come true. In 1997, she first appeared on the catwalk in the Dolce & Gabbana show and realized that fashion could be much more interesting than politics :-)
According to Giovanna herself, she was never a good model. She was too active and impatient, she couldn’t sit in one place for a long time, so filming for the glossy magazine simply drove her crazy. After all, you had to pose for hours, frozen like a statue! But, of course, working as a model also had its advantages.
The most important thing is that Giovanna started earning her own money, which she spent on... CLOTHES. Crazy fashion things that her mother would never buy her: plastic beads, shoes with giant platforms, a Gucci T-shirt with a portrait of Kate Moss that cost a fortune. The parents were then horrified that their daughter was spending her money on things, and not books or at least paintings.
Giovanna got her first experience working in a magazine in a publication with the capacious name Pig. Despite the sonorous name, the Pig editorial office was located in a garage in the Brera district of Milan. One day Giovanna just walked in and said, “Hi, I'm a stylist, but I used to model and now I have a lot of connections. Is there anything I can do for you? And they agreed! There was only one condition - Giovanna would pay for the shipment of materials to Paris at her own expense.
As a result, Giovanna stayed at Pig for three whole years. Accustomed to a good life, she worked tirelessly in a dirty garage without windows or air conditioning, but she was able to prove to the editors that she was serious about fashion.
2006 2007
2008 2009
Giovanna at the beginning of her career. 10 years ago, seeing Miss Positive dressed head to toe in black was commonplace.
The next job offer was much more interesting. And it came from Anna Dello Russo herself. At the time, she was working as a fashion editor at L'Uomo Vogue (men's edition). When she asked Giovanna how she felt about styling a shoot for... men's magazine, she replied: “Anna, with you I’m ready to style anything, even clothes for dogs.” So at the age of 28, Joe began a new chapter in his career, and Anna Dello Russo had not only a talented employee on her team, but also a new friend.
For many, working with Anna was an unattainable dream. For Giovanna this turned into reality in best traditions"The Devil Wears Prada" How to save 40 models in fur coats from fainting while shooting in the scorching sun? How can you protect those same models from frostbite during a photo shoot on a glacier? Filming under the direction of Anna caused shock and admiration at the same time. Anyone who imagines working in a glossy magazine knows very well that filming usually takes place several months before the release of the issue. Therefore, Giovanna had to wage an eternal battle with the weather. It was like a permanent state of emergency.
But over time, Giovanna realized that in working with Anna there is no such word as “difficulty”, there is only “solution”.
In 2011, Giovanna was invited to work for W magazine, and she moved to New York.
For a girl from a large Italian family, leaving her father's house was a real event, despite the fact that she was already 30. It was time to seriously think about independence :-)
In the same year, Giovanna’s career rapidly climbed up. And this was not only because of the success at W. By this time, years of friendship with Anna Dello Russo and an obsession with fashion had formed Giovanna's own unique style, which could not be ignored. So Scott Schumann couldn’t pass by such an extraordinary girl. Photos of Giovanna ended up on his street fashion blog “The Sartorialist”. Giovanna’s pictures collected so many views and comments that they almost destroyed the site. Her popularity began to grow exponentially, and within a month people were already recognizing her on the streets.
It was obvious that it was only a matter of time before she became a world street style star.
Popularity covered Giovanna with its captivating wave. It was so unusual and even fun. But in all this whirlwind of stardom, there was only one strange moment. All people wanted to know about her was what she was wearing.
In just a few years, Scott Schumann turned streetstyle into a religion, and made Giovanna, if not a goddess, then at least a prophet of street fashion.
And in 2013, the New York Times published a devastating article by Suzy Menkens that fashion weeks had turned into a zoo: a cattle market of poseurs waiting to see if photographers would notice them. No, Susie did not write about Giovanna specifically. After all, she was a real professional in the field of fashion and had worked in the magazine for a long time. The message of the article was more aimed at upstart bloggers who simply showed up near the event in the craziest outfits for the sole purpose of being photographed. But then this article confused even Giovanna. At one point, she even considered going back to black in order to get through the show unnoticed. Fortunately, she quickly discarded these thoughts, telling herself: “Fashion is an expression of me as a person, so I refuse to pay attention to what people think about me. Why should I limit myself at all? It’s completely normal that a person who lives for fashion wants to dress up for fashion shows.”
Since then, Giovanna has been hunted by street photographers. She is a real walking advertisement for luxury brands. And when in an interview they ask her how much she spends on clothes, she laughs and answers: “No comment!”
In 2016, Giovanna married Oscar Engelbert. But I can’t even call it a simple wedding. It was a three-day performance that resembled a luxurious haute couture shoot rather than a reunion of two loving hearts. The wedding took place in Capri, and anyone could find out all the details on Giovanna’s Instagram, where she carefully broadcast everything.
In three days, the bride changed SIX outfits.
For the welcome dinner, Giovanna chose a dress from her designer friend Azzedine Alaïa.
And she went to the bachelorette party in a Thom Browne dress in the style of Audrey Hepburn, hand-embroidered with pearls.
Giovanna walked down the altar in an Alexander McQueen princess dress with a long train, which her bridesmaids helped her carry. Among whom, by the way, was Anna Dello Russo.
After the wedding, the newlyweds had a party. And Giovanna changed her outfit again to a Giambattista Valli dress and Manolo boots.
And for the disco the next night I dressed up in Miuccia Prada
But my favorite dress is the one Giovanna chose for the civil ceremony at City Hall: a snow-white Valentino dress with floor-length cape sleeves.
“I didn’t intend to get married. It just so happened that I met this amazing man, so I decided to marry him and thought: “At least once it will be for me and not for the magazine. Let's go! Let's have fun!” (With)
Last October, Giovanna presented her own style book, GIO GRAPHY: FUN IN THE WILD WORLD OF FASHION. No, these are not style tips. This is an ironic guide to the glamorous life, where Giovanna talks about her own view of fashion in general, not forgetting to tell jokes in between. This is what she is all about.
The book costs about $29 and can be purchased on Amazon.
Giovanna's motto: “There is no other chance than today and now, so just shut up and go. It’s like there’s no other option or plan B.” In my opinion, you couldn’t say it better!
Today, for her fans on Instagram, Giovanna is an unattainable ideal that they want to imitate. But despite everyone's love, she receives thousands of angry messages every day about how "it's easy to be fashionable when you're wearing a Burberry trench." For such people, Giovanna has the same answer: “Everything I do is just to inspire you. Yes, my Burberry coat is expensive, but you can easily copy my look at H&M or Zara. Get creative with this. And if I annoy you, unfollow me, please.”
Today one of my favorite topics is street style, and specifically: Street style and its icon Giovanna Battaglia.
But first, a little about what street style is. It is clear that translated from English this is street style. This concept appeared not so long ago, in the 80s of the last century, among surfers in Los Angeles. Local surfboard designer Shawn Stussy decided to start producing T-shirts with the same graphics as the boards, which gave rise to the development of a subculture of surfers.
Later, the concept of street style absorbed elements of skateboarding style, hip-hop fashion, Japanese street fashion and haute couture. This is such an explosive mixture. But over the years, street style changes, just as fashion itself changes. It absorbs all new fashion trends, becoming more diverse and expressive.
Not every street style will be street style. The style should be unusual, bright, memorable and individual. Real street fashion stars easily mix branded items with items from mass market stores and even second-hand ones in their looks. And in every fashion capital its own street fashion.
Giovanna Battaglia is a magnificent representative of Italian street fashion, a favorite of street photographers and fashion bloggers from all over the world.
Giovanna – former model and muse of the designer duo Dolce&Gabbana and Fendi. At 28, she left the catwalk and began working as a stylist, editor of L'Uomo Vogue magazine and freelance fashion editor for W magazine. Possessing excellent taste, she combines Italian chic with French restraint in her style.
She prefers a classic style in everyday clothes, in particular, Giovanna's shoes are always discreet. These are usually pumps or sandals with strappy heels to highlight already long and slender legs and graceful ankles.
But she adds to every outfit bright accents in the form of scarves or scarves, belts, stylish handbags and large quantity large decorations. The image of Giovanna is very recognizable and therefore unique. She considers Audrey Hepburn her idol, and her outfits often reveal the style of the 50s.
This is what Giovanna herself says about her style: “When choosing clothes, I always give in to the impulse of feelings. I wear what I like in at the moment. Sometimes I start choosing an outfit by choosing earrings or shoes. This is an unpredictable process. During my modeling career, I realized what clothes suit me and what doesn’t. I prefer more elegant images. Although I don’t reject notes of eccentricity. I would say my style is eclectic."
Street style is a reason for inspiration, an opportunity to look at some ideas for your wardrobe. Street stylers are the first to start wearing things that have just appeared on the catwalks and combine them in their images, sometimes, from the point of view of the average person, quite strangely. But it is precisely with their audacity that they help us not to be afraid of the new.
Photo Pinterest, Style du monde.
See you soon,
"Glamour, fun and elegance!"
Giovanna Battaglia- stylist and fashion editor, ex-muse and model of Dolce&Gabanna. A style icon among modern fashionistas, she managed to work for various Vogues, from German to Chinese, L'Uomo Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Gioiello and Vogue Pelle.
Rarely seen in trousers, she is the embodiment of femininity, which only a true Milanese lady can have. She doesn't have the theatrical style of Anna Dello Russo or the formal style of Emmanuelle Alt, instead she is a true fashion fairy, like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, but with Italian chic. Audrey, by the way, is her muse, as is Monica Vitti.
She skillfully uses the one that suits her color scheme, avoiding radical combinations or unrestrained amounts of “loud” prints. Her outfits are always succinctly equipped and have color “roll calls”. Yellow, coral, burgundy, purple, gold, milky, beige, inky blue - everything is here. The composition of her wardrobe is simply a godsend for girls with the same color type (“autumn”). Not a single miss.
The sets of the "Elegant Romanticism" direction are in perfect balance: without an abundance of frills - a sure sign of romance - and boring restraint, i.e. without extremes. Batalya goes for flowy knee-length dresses and Jacqueline Kennedy-style dresses; romantic shirts with a bow tied at the throat, but balanced within the style with a formal vest; trousers come in different lengths and cuts, but with a high waist; arguments in favor of elegant romanticism are fur products(fur coats/jackets) or details (trimming of dresses, scarves).
A great variety of prints fit perfectly into the wardrobe of this style icon: from abstract and geometric to polka dots and flowers.
04 09 2015Italian Giovanna Battaglia is a girl who knows everything about fashion. She was born in the most luxurious fashion capital of Milan, began her career as a model (even was a muse for Fendi and Dolce&Gabbana), and after leaving the catwalk at the age of 28, she became an editor and stylist. In less than four years, Giovanna managed to achieve stunning success in this field: her resume includes work in Chinese, German and Italian Vogue, L'Uomo Vogue, Vogue Gioiello, Vogue Pelle and W magazine, as well as the status of it-girl and style icon ( Here the girl’s modeling background was especially useful - she is used to increased attention to her person, does not shy away from photographers and bloggers, and looks great in all pictures). And although evil tongues claim that they became interested in Battaglia solely because she goes everywhere with Anna Delo Russo (with whom she allegedly became friends specifically to promote herself), we don’t think so. Giovanna is a bright personality - charismatic, talented, pleasant to talk to and oh-so stylish. Do you want to have the same stylish wardrobe? Fashionable clothes. Even Carine Roitfeld is delighted with this girl, and Giovanna, by the way, is dating her son.
Unlike her friend and Vogue colleague Anna Delo Russo, Battaglia dresses much more calmly (without theatricality or shockingness) and prefers simple, feminine outfits with a classic cut. At the same time, there is always some detail that makes the image complete and gives the ensemble a special charm - embroidery, appliqué, print, original jewelry, clutch or mind-blowing stilettos that any fashionista would kill for.
Despite the fact that fans consider Giovanna the standard of a modern lady and call her the Italian Audrey Hepburn, the girl tries not to take her style too seriously (although the comparison with Hepburn flatters her very much, because the young fashionista has repeatedly said that the actress is her main role model, like and Monica Vitti). Battaglia chooses almost all outfits spontaneously, under the influence of the moment. In general, she can start building an image with earrings, which she definitely wants to wear, and therefore needs to find something to go with them. matching dress and other components. Fortunately, during her modeling career, Giovanna has studied very well what suits her and what doesn’t, and she practically never makes fashion mistakes. The shades are selected strictly according to the color type (favorite colors are red, blue, green, white, black), style according to the figure, high-heeled shoes (they slim and lengthen already long legs). 
When asked how to become an it-girl or, at least, a fashionista, Battaglia answers: wear dresses and skirts. It's sexy, feminine, fashionable and much more interesting than pants. The latter can be worn when it’s cold, and also occasionally for variety, if they are very fashionable.
Another valuable advice from a young Italian woman: best friends girls... elegant little handbags (you didn't think about diamonds - how vulgar!). They do not distract attention from the woman: her figure, hair, face, outfit... Also, you should not wear bags that everyone carries. Giovanna is not too fond of all sorts of Chanel/LV/Hermes - half of the ladies at the party are guaranteed to appear with them and a lot of people on the Internet. If you aim to be a style setter, this is clearly not your path.
What do you think streetwear and luxury Italian clothing have in common? Of course it is Giovanna Battaglia-Engelbert! The inimitable Italian is the creator of impeccable images that one cannot help but admire. Giovanna is a favorite of street photographers and truly exudes Italian sophistication, a touch of eclecticism and impeccable taste. Who is Giovanna Battaglia? Why is she considered a trendsetter in street fashion? What style lessons can she teach us? All this is discussed in our article.
All photos – Pinterest, Instagram
Giovanna Battaglia-Engelbert: biography
We don’t know much about Giovanna Battaglia’s childhood and early life. Since the age of 16, she has been a successful model, and this is not surprising: just look at her impeccable figure, as if created for catwalk dresses.
Despite the characteristic Italian appearance, large nose, thin (not pumped up) hyaluronic acid- oh miracle!) lips, Giovanna still makes you look at her again. Huge brown eyes, dark skin, bright smile made her a muse Dolce & Gabbana, and also an inspiration Fendi.
At the age of 28, Giovanna Battaglia decides to change the direction of her career, but does not abandon the fashion industry. Her retraining: from model to trendsetter. Giovanna becomes magazine editor L'Uomo Vogue, freelance fashion-editor W magazine, runs her own fashion blog and works as a stylist.
For me, reading Vogue is a real ritual. Indeed, great glossy magazines will never be supplanted by Internet projects
Starting to work with Vogue, Giovanna became close friends with Anna Dello Russo - independent fashion- Japanese consultant Vogue Nippon. Battaglia's style can be called similar, but Giovanna does not like to shock the audience too much, as Anna often does.
Giovanna Battaglia met with Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, the son of Carine Roitfeld, editor-in-chief of the French Vogue(until 2011). Like this Vogue connects destinies and makes new acquaintances.
Vladimir and Giovanna lived in New York, where Roitfeld has a private company in Manhattan that exhibits and trades works of art.
However, Giovanna Battaglia’s husband was not Vladimir Roitfeld, but Oscar Engelbert, a realtor from Sweden. The wedding took place on Fr. Capri. Wedding dress Giovanna - from Alexander McQueen, see photo:
In the photo - Giovanna and Oscar Engelbert during the Couture 2018 collection shows in Paris in July 2018
Giovanna Battaglia-Engelbert's style: impeccable street look
Casual style of Giovanna Battaglia- incredibly feminine and harmonious, she really has a lot to learn. The Italian loves a variety of prints and can safely mix them.
She does it especially well with stripes: just look at these images created with regular stripes. Of course he is look It’s usually called French, but Giovanna adds real Italian chic to it.
By the way, about France. The style icon for Battaglia herself is. Isn't this where all these perfect silhouettes come from, which started with Audrey? Thin waist, full skirt, graceful pumps and huge sunglasses - from a distance Giovanna can be mistaken for a modern Hepburn.
But Battaglia also has more daring and even eclectic clothing combinations. Having disassembled these images into their components, you wonder how you can put it all together? But Giovanna does it, and very well: she knows how to create a harmonious image without being too pretentious.
What's wrong with wanting to stand out? If you want to wear a crazy dress or an incredibly colorful scarf, why not? You're not killing anyone!
Style lessons from Giovanna Battagli-Engelbert
What can you learn from the philosophy that Giovanna adheres to when creating style? Yes, almost everything!
We are sure that you will not blindly copy the images of an Italian woman, because we are all individuals, and something different will suit everyone. Nevertheless, Battaglia’s techniques can be safely adopted.
Style rule No. 1: shoes are the basis of the image, its alpha and omega
Classics - that's what Giovanna Battaglia loves. The shoes in her looks, even the most original ones, are always discreet. Classic pumps (mostly with a pointed toe) and open sandals with several straps always lengthen the legs, make them slimmer, and emphasize the grace of the ankle.
Joanna Battagli-Engelbert Style Rule No. 2: Accessories are everything, or style is always in the details
Giovanna Battaglia's street style is based not only on the clothing items themselves, but also on the details: bright accents in the form of belts and scarves, massive jewelry, artsy handbags and clutches. Sometimes a stylish Italian woman manages to create a seamless look with just accessories.
Style rule No. 3: natural makeup
Third is the appearance itself. Naturalness and naturalness are the background that works flawlessly with any image. When going outside in your daily routine, you are unlikely to paint your eyes with multi-colored shadows and glitters.
Even to evening dress Giovanna often wears nude makeup and simply emphasizes her natural beauty, see photo:
Long eyelashes and drawn eyebrows, bronzer powder for cheekbones, natural lip tone - this is how Giovanna Battaglia-Engelbert paints. Hairstyles Hers is also very reserved. Italian women's black hair is almost always gathered and styled in a low ponytail, parted in the middle or to the side. Simple and convenient, isn't it? At the same time, the curls are always shiny and incredibly well-groomed.
Tatiana Maltseva
