A decade ago if you had called me up from America and asked me what the fashion scene was in Arezzo, I would have answered with “Sexy funeral”

Today fashion in Arezzo has undergone a transformation, offering a new variety of styles. A playful blend of edgy biker, retro, and vibrant colors, with a hint of sophistication. In three days while completing my mundane daily chores, I started to document the Aretini. Here is what I captured.

Each morning at around 8:45 am I can be found walking in front of our giant cathedral called the Duomo. I always noticed this incredibly well-dressed gentleman. This particular morning, I whispered to my husband “Oh wow look at how amazing that guy looks!” My husband responded “Just go ask him if you can take his photo”. I dropped the kids off at school, went home to grab my camera and built up the courage to ask this gentleman if I could take his photo. I’m sure I seemed like a derailed lunatic walking up to reception, also when I get really nervous my Italian begins to sound very “American”. When I walked into reception there was a sweet woman, I shyly walked in and described “This man that could possibly work here… dressed very elegantly…?” She smiled and informed me that she would call for him.

After meeting the dapper Augusto, I started my journey back home, but I took a different route, I went down our main fashion strip because it never disappoints. I saw a striking woman in front of a very posh little boutique. Corso Italia is known for its shopping scene. It has shops for more than 500 meters on either side of the street. I asked if I could take her photograph and informed her that I would be documenting the stylish people of Arezzo. I snapped a few shots, gave her my information, and met her wonderful colleague. They own a shop called “Soul”. When you come to Arezzo, please be sure to stop by the boutique for your shopping needs. Corso Italia, 32, Arezzo – https://soulstorearezzo.it/

follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulstorearezzo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulstoreArezzo

Later in the morning, I witnessed immaculately dressed people, I approached and asked them for a photograph and was totally declined. This took a cheap shot to my ego. I was feeling bad and I wanted to give up the project altogether. Fun fact, one of the women I asked to photograph, THAT TURNED ME AWAY would show up at my doorstep a day later and ask me for directions to Piazza Grande, a huge part of me wanted to give her directions out of city center walls and send her in the opposite direction. But I thought “no no Lourd, just be the bigger person.” I know deep down inside she recognized me, the redhead with the camera. It is also rare to see a German “dressed in the latest fashion” but Arezzo will do that to you, it will inspire you to dress up! I will also start a project with a game: Aretino or tourist… and you will be able to cast your vote. Stay tuned.