I am very creatively inspired by the lives of my Italian grandparents, Mary and Alfred Roberts. Their parents were working class Italian immigrants from Abruzzi, Italy. As Italian immigrants in the early forties, they endured a lot of racism within their community in rural Pennsylvania. One of the ways they over came this battle was my great grandmother reminding her children, “L’azione e personale.” This Italian phrase means ‘the action is personal.” That it would not matter what others say or do but at long as your reaction is true to yourself, actions define you as a person. I do believe that this collection is the perfect definition of myself as a hands on, innovative and feminine young designer. The rustic hills and rooftops of the village in Abruzzi inspired the development of my linear design which ties together my collection in various ways from piece to piece. ~ Emily Kot arski 2 “L’azione e Personale” 1 2 3 4 5 6 2014 collection 3 1 champagne charmeuse halter gown with laser-cut organza overlay and front bodice wood detail 4 5 2 champagne charmeuse pleated top with laser cut organza overlay and navy bias draped silk crepe pant 6 7 3 blue gaberdine shift dress with full length wood detail 8 9 4 pearl grey laser cut leather top with pearl grey quilted silk crepe skirt 10 11 5 pearl grey silk jersey cold shoulder top, blue straight leg gaberdine pant with laser cut leather applique, navy quilted camel and cashmere blend jacket with laser cut leather applique 12 13 6 champagne charmeuse halter gown with laser cut organza overlay and front bodice wood detail 14 15 The photographs within this collection were made possible through the gracious assistance of: Michelle Gevint - Photographer & Michelle Celline - Makeup & Hair My thanks for your great work! Emily Kotarski 484 . 459 . 8782 [email protected]