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Collezione Fortuna Fashion Boutique

Cortile San Remo Courtyard, Lincoln bet.5th. & 6th. St.

Carmel by the Sea, CA 93921

(831)626-1287

Proud Recipient, 2006 Business Excellence Award, Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Collezione Fortuna: Cathy's Biography

My Italian-American heritage has been a huge influence in my life. Having been exposed to the many artisans who had the natural talent in creating beautiful clothing items I had many aunts, and "aunties" who were seamstresses by profession.

Many have worked in the major garment districts in the United States. I would spent quality time with them watching them make patterns, cut out garments, piece them together, and do all the finishing work, all from start to finish. I was in awe by their projects-and quite inquisitive, asked many questions, and broke many sewing machine needles, and leather belts on the old "Singer" rotary machine.

I wanted to make "something" at age 7 or so. To quiet my constant nagging, my aunt would give me several pieces of remnant fabric and would patiently show me how to make a simple apron, which was well accomplished. From the fear I would sew my fingers together on the sewing machine, I was instructed how to sew simple items with just a needle and thread in simple stitches the "old fashion way" before "couture" came into the picture.

From there, I was making my own doll clothes. I had a Barbie doll. She had quite a wardrobe quite different than any other Barbie Doll!! One of my aunts took me "under her wing" and worked with me very patiently. I was very persistent.

As I entered my teens I was making my own clothes, often coming up with my own ideas - nothing ever looked the same-everything appeared to be unique.

By the time I finished High School, I knew art, clothing, creativity was a field I wanted to pursue. It was a field that came natural to me, I saw detail in everything often missed by others, I accessorized fabrics, and clothing in a away often missed by others and often heard "how come I didn't see that."

My designs are influenced by my heritage, with "Bohemian" twist. I have combined the two influences together in my own way in my designs creating one of kind items that are fun, elegant, sassy, whimsical, and a bit conservative at the same time! Nothing is duplicated or "mass produced" all have my personal touch!

I have also included restored vintage hats and new hats in my collection, fashion jewelry, and a selection of upscale clothing items that I hand pick myself in limited quantity, so everyone will have their own individual look!