By Today we are launching a new series on our blog, dedicated to interviews with personalities who represent the vintage world. As you know, for us, vintage means freedom of expression, breaking free from the constraints imposed by seasonal trends, but also and especially respect for the environment and sustainability.
We couldn’t start any other way than with Cecilia Cottafavi, known as Maertens, who is a celebrity in the world of vintage, second-hand, flea markets, and thrift shops. Active on social media for a few years, she has almost unknowingly inserted herself into a niche that was underrepresented, and from that moment on, her growth and popularity began, making her a reference and guide to this ever-expanding world.
The right person at the right time, certainly. But Cecilia is much, much more: a girl who places herself on the same level as her audience, without elevating herself to an undisputed style icon, offering advice and up-to-date content with consistency that does her honor, and with her gentle, calm, and reassuring tone. As she herself told us, her aim is not so much to impose herself as an unyielding commentator on what is “in” or “out,” but rather to offer alternatives suitable for the different tastes, styles, and personalities of those who follow her.
But enough of the small talk, let’s start the interview!
Is there any icon from the past you identify with or draw inspiration from? And from the present?
There are many figures that have inspired me and still do, each with a different relevance depending on the situations and periods in life. I must certainly start with my mother, it may seem obvious, but she is definitely my number one icon. Other important figures are: Iris Apfel, Diane Keaton, Janis Joplin, Audrey Hepburn, and Cher. They are very different from each other, but as I always say: I have many personalities.
What is your favorite decade in fashion history, from the 1920s to the 1980s?
The 1970s are undoubtedly my favorite decade, not only for the fashion but also because it was a period of great ferment and change, and I often find analogies with relevant themes in today’s world.
What do you draw inspiration from daily for your looks?
Every day I wake up and think about how I feel. My outfits always reflect my mood, and I tend to draw inspiration either from icons of the past or from fictional cinematic characters.
We’ve been following you on social media for quite some time, and we’ve noticed an evolution in your style. While remaining true to a 100% vintage wardrobe, how would you describe the changes in your looks over the years?
I have changed a lot, and my style in recent years has certainly become more classic. But I like change, and sometimes I transform myself with more extravagant and alternative looks.
Continuing to talk about social media, what do you think are the positive and negative aspects of seeking inspiration from them for personal style?
Social media are positive as long as they remain inspirational and help understand how to wear certain items. However, one must be careful not to be overly influenced. It is important to develop a personal style and not lose oneself.
Describe your favorite outfit: the pieces that, when put together, you would never tire of wearing, those that represent you day after day.
My favorite outfit is very simple: black pleated pants, white shirt with a large collar, vest, tie, oversized blazer, lace-up shoes, and of course, a beret!
You are the author of a very useful manual titled “Someone Likes Vintage“, a detailed guide to the main vintage shops in Milan and online. You included us in this guide, and we’d like to thank you and know what impressed you about our reality?
Di Mano in Mano is a very interesting reality. I like to go to the shop looking for clothing items and find myself in a setting that also offers furniture, books, and various objects, all in the same space. If you know how to search, you always find something, and I am often fascinated by accessories and curious objects.
Regarding what you chose to wear from our store for this interview: could you explain what fascinated you most and why?
I was really fascinated by the Ferré suit, it has a seemingly simple cut that hides a complex construction full of details. These are the pieces I prefer; I believe that elegance always lies in simplicity.
To conclude: what are your projects or ambitions for the future? Will you stay in the vintage sphere or do you have different plans?
At the moment, I don’t feel the need to make any bold moves. I will definitely continue with vintage because it’s a passion too great to abandon, but I also admit that I would like to embrace new realities.
And so, with a bit of suspense, Cecilia says goodbye, and we conclude this first short “vintage interview,” wishing her all the success she deserves in her journey.
We also say goodbye and… see you at the next interview! Follow us to discover who will be the focus of the second episode of this marvelous series!
