Joanne Pucci is from Italy and Fashion is part of the culture. Joanne's mother has always had a great sense of fashion and also created amazing dresses and she was the designer for a Fashion Show for Spain. Joanne’s mother fed her fashion addiction...

We sat down with Jo for her perspectives on fashion and why it can be so important in the lives of so many people. Joanne is a remarkable person who truly loves and has an eye for fashion for anyone. We hope this interview will help you find your own way through the world of fashion...

1.) What is fashion in your opinion? What does it consist of?

Fashion is wearing what makes you feel elegant and confident. I do not believe in following fashion trends blindly as everyone requires some details to enhance their specific beauty. We are NOT all the same!

2.) Does being in fashion have to be expensive? Why or Why not?

It is usually expensive and out of reach to a lot of people. I believe that everyone should have the change to dress in style. This is why I created Joanne's Closet and my tag line says, :Dress Like A Movie Star... WITHOUT Spending A Fortune!" Buying pre-ownder items has become a big market. There are items that have been worn once or never worn but the price is now affordable.

3.) How do you determine what is good fashion for each individual? Are some designers just universally awesome?

There are many designers that have incredible style. It is just a matter of finding the right outfit for the individual and that is based on the body type, the personal style of the person and what she/he feels as comfortable in as their own skin. Sometimes a person has to be willing to change a little in order to be more fashionable but at the end she/he is the one who has to wear it so they have the final say!

4.) Can large women be in fashion as well? Are there any specific designers that aim to flatter a full figure that you would recommend?

I believe so... there are many places where you can buy nice clothes in America. You would be suprised how difficult it is to purchase in Europe is you are a large size. As time goes buy though I think even the best fashion designers are realizing that larger sized people are here and a huge buying power. They are adapting their creations to fit everyone.

5.) Why are sizes so different from country to country? Do you believe the very greatests of designers originates in any certain area or the world?

Well I guess we just have (I am Italian) a different system as for any other measurement, ie: Weather, Distance and so forth. I believe that Italy is the biggest as far as designers but in the past decade many other countries started having some great fashion to propose.

6.) Do accessories and jewelry matter? How can these items transform from drab to fab?

It is VERY important to accessorize! A plain dress can be made unique just by adding details and I include shores and handbags with accessories as they really make the difference.

7.) How has fashion effected your life, good or bad and in what ways?

Well when I was younger I could not afford what was "in". My family was a working family and we had a very strict budget. My friends were mainly from wealthy families and it was difficult to be around and feel so "out". The good part is that I always loved fashion and I think that taste is something that nobody can take away, no matter how much money you have or not.

8.) Do you believe that fashion, in any capacity is important? Why or why not and explain?

I believe that it is the indication of a status. If you see a woman or man with a certain designer suit you know that they are successful... or at least you THINK they are. It is like having a nice car and a nice home. I think that it is important as for the personal satisfaction of looking in a certain way but it has not to go too far where it becomes more important than people themselves and it reaches the materialism and the urge to buy.

BIOGRAPHY:

Joanne was born in the United States and raised in Italy. She is a mix of both cultures. Joanne loves fashion and helping people find their style of renovating their current style and owns a consignment boutique. In her own words:

"It is like helping Cinderella getting ready for the ball! I have this feeling everytime and I am usually open late in special occasion to get others to parties and celebratory events!"