Sergio Zambon, the creative director of Galitzine, has taken his international sensibility for modern fashion and reignited the Italian brand, infusing it with a renewed appreciation for structured silhouettes and classic pieces. Zambon’s clothes have been featured in a number of movies, including I Am Love with Tilda Swinton. Having spent time at Fendi and Max Mara, Zambon now speaks about ‘60s influences and the label’s mix of European and American taste.

Rachel Pidcock: You were kind enough to send us the letter from Jacqueline Kennedy as a special Galitzine document, can you elaborate on why this letter is important to the label and perhaps explain who Jayne, Marella and Lee (the ladies referenced in the letter) are?

Sergio Zambon: The letter of Jackie Kennedy is important to the Maison Galitzine because it has the synthesis of what Galitzine has been in style. The word “uniform” written in the letter by Jackie Kennedy describes the smart invention of the pyjama palazzo as contemporary, elegant pieces, and all the ladies mentioned there—Marella Agnelli, Lee Radzwill, Jane Waitzman, represented the natural milieu of Princess Galitzine and her fashion.

Left: A letter from Jackie Kennedy to Irene Galitzine discussing Jayne Wrightsman, Marella Agnelli and Lee Radzwill. Right: Flower damasque Pyjama Palazzo by Galitzine by Sergio Zambon. Photography by Hugo Lippe. Styling by James Valeri. Model Giedre at Women Management NYC. Hair Owen Gould at The Wall Group. Make Up Zenia Jaeger at The Wall Group.

Rachel: How does the Galitzine silhouette affect your ideas for designs? 

Sergio: I always liked sleek modernist silhouettes and a masculine side on women’s fashion. So I completely feel at home with the taste of Galitzine which is a mixture of the chic old Europe and the functional American.

Rachel: The Spring/Summer 2013 collection clearly maintains the history of the label, can you speak to the importance of classic pieces and their role in contemporary fashion?

Sergio: Yes, the Spring/Summer 2013 collection reworks pieces from the ‘60s and there is a subtle line for me that goes from the ‘60s to now which is the constant evolution of modernist style adapting every decade to the new version of it. It’s a collection based on evolving.

Rachel: What is your vision for the label and how does it consider the history and importance of fashion houses in Rome? 

Sergio: My vision for the label is contemporary luxury starting with the capsule collection of 23 pyjamas palazzo presented at 10 Corso Como in September 2012. So I put the focus on the invention of the house. From that I want to grow organically every season from the capsule, for example Fall/Winter 2013 will include coats and knitwear and a side project like bijoux. I will probably develop a line with a Roman jewelery house that has heritage.