Call it fate or a well-timed scroll
During the last workweek, Bloomingdales came up in conversation with a colleague, and as if by providence, one Saturday morning on 19 October, as I was having my morning coffee and scrolling on Instagram, one post from FoscArt caught my attention.
Bloomingdale’s was hosting a complimentary Italian Tote Bag Workshop in collaboration with FoscArt at its boutique at the Dubai Mall as part of its “From Italy, With Love” Fall/Winter 2024 campaign.
The carousel post featured an inspiring assortment of hand-painted tote bags reminiscent of picturesque, sun-drenched coastal cities like Amalfi and Portofino along Italy’s Mediterranean shoreline. From vibrant lemons branches and bursts of florals to seashells painted across the earth-toned fabric, I just had to join and get my hands on paint and brushes.
And honestly, who could resist?
An Italian-inspired tote bag, custom-painted by you? As a tote bag lover, I was sold. They’re versatile, eco-friendly, and making a major comeback in casual chic.
The suspense was real
It was the final day of the workshop, with the last two sessions set 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, operating on a first come, first serve basis. I made a mad dash to Bloomingdale’s, arriving at Dubai Mall minutes before 4:00 pm and knowing that limited slots were available.
Navigating through the store, I finally spotted the booth, decked out in cheerful yellow and white with the welcoming slogan “From Italy, With Love.” And, lucky me, there was still an open spot, instantly giving me that effortless ‘Dolce Vita’ feeling.
After a quick briefing
I was handed my blank tote bag, along with paper cutouts for inspiration, and was led to the art table, apron in hand. I was ready. Or at least I thought I was.
Choosing a theme took longer than expected. I found myself overthinking every design idea, but the team was great at offering advice. In the end, I opted for a scattered pattern of lemons and seashells, capturing a slice of Italy on canvas.
Meeting the Artrepreneur
Fosca Garcia, the visionary founder of FoscArt is a Filipina entrepreneur based in Dubai. She was incredibly encouraging and even guided me on how to add highlights and shading to elevate my design. Here’s a picture of us mid-creation!
My Italian Tote Bag Reveal
Without further ado, after a bit of trial and error and plenty of fun, may I proudly present my hand-painted tote bag, capturing that Italian charm. Each abstract and textured brushstroke had my unique art style, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It’s more than just a tote; it’s a personal piece of art. Now that I have an Italian-themed tote, the next step should be booking a flight to Italy!
Looking forward to more creative adventures like this in the future!
About Bloomingdale’s From, Italy With Love
Bloomingdale’s “From Italy, With Love” activation is a two-month celebration of Italian fashion, design, and culture, featuring over 300 exclusive products from 150+ renowned partners. Launched on 5 September, the event includes limited-edition collaborations across apparel, fine jewellery, beauty, and home, with exclusive pieces from brands like Max Mara, Ferragamo, and Valentino. Shoppers can also explore bespoke services and installations, including a tribute to Italian design. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the finest of Italy, both in-store and online.
About FoscArt
Foscart is an art experience provider that promotes creative workshops to bring in the community together. You can discover more about her amazing work and upcoming art events by checking her Instagram page.
Thank you for reaching the end of my very first blog! If you enjoyed the read and would love to be connected for future articles, events, and features – follow me on Instagram. If you are a brand open for exclusive press and media collaborations, send an email at hello@aeronvictorantonio.com.
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