Issue #7
Virginia Cademartori
L'Entusiasta
I was born and raised in Milan. After a year spent studying in Boston I realized that the USA was exactly where I wanted to be. I went back to Italy, studied and graduated in Milan and started my career first in a TV commercial production company, then I moved on to public relations. But still, my dream to live in the USA had not gone away, so in 2011 I decided to pursue it. I moved to NYC and started working for a PR agency. One of the best and most difficult decisions I have ever made.
I work at Sally Fischer Public Relations, a PR agency where I mainly represent Italian clients. This is great because I am still working with my country, increasing its exposure in the USA and promoting Italian products. When I am not working I am exploring: places, restaurants, people, anything that this city has to offer…The best moments are spent with my friends over a good glass of wine and lots of laughs.
I guess I never really liked Milan. I always felt like it was too cramped for me. At a specific moment in my life I felt the urge for a challenge, the need to leave everything behind and start a new life. I sold my Vespa and my car, saved money, left a secure job and came here. I always thought that NYC would be the right place for a fresh start and that is true. The city is challenging; it gives you a lot, but also asks for a lot in return. I guess that’s the foundation of a healthy relationship.
Probably one of the best memories that I have so far is crossing the Williamsburg bridge on a Vespa going back to Manhattan at night. Looking at the skyline and the lights — it was overwhelming, but in a good way. It made me feel like I made it, that I am tiny part of the city’s craziness and that I can call this home now.
I was looking for one of the typical NYC settings, and thought about the brownstones, the tall stairs, the brick walls – I am obsessed with brick walls. I chose this outfit because It shows the things I am most comfortable wearing, and the furry coat definitely defines my unconventional personality. It is me, 100%. One good memory I have, besides how comfortable Alexo made me feel while taking the pictures, was the fun I had when we agreed to disagree on the Italian soccer teams we support.
I think the ItaliaNY project is really cool. It’s wonderful to see something that gives the new first-generation Italians a voice. New York seems so accessible, and one might assume that dropping everything and moving from Europe is easy, but it’s not. We all had to go through a lot to make a home here, and it’s great to have an exhibition that shows this determination and our different experiences.
I represent Italy both in my personal and work life. I believe that my personal style is a bit eccentric and fun and it reflects the equally unique style of Italy. At my job in PR, I work with many Italian companies, raising awareness and interest about them to the American public. In both cases I like to think that in my own small way, I am bringing a little bit of “Italian-ness” to a multicultural city like NYC.
