THE WORLD OF NOTTEVERA » MadeInItaly

Leather is a living, natural and durable material. At NOTTEVERA, we use several types of high quality Italian leather, including lambskin and calfskin. It’s not a matter of one being better than the other - both hides are considered luxury leathers - but there are in fact several differences between the two.

Lambskin is a remarkably soft, buttery, lightweight and delicate leather. And yet, in spite of its thinness, it is windproof and protective, and stands up to cold climates better than most other natural (or even synthetic) materials. On the other hand, Calfskin is firmer, and more well balanced in terms of softness and durability. It is stronger, making it good for harsh conditions and withstanding abrasions.

As a general rule of thumb, lambskin is best for leather garments (jackets and coats) because its soft texture easily forms to the body, whereas calfskin is better for accessories (shoes, handbags, wallets, and related accessories) because it is tougher and retains its shape better. Either way, if properly maintained, both hides will last for generations.

Our designers often like to mix things up. Our sleek Carla clutch is an exquisite example of an accessory made with genuine lambskin leather. It has bold design and a unique look, making it the distinctive choice for the sophisticated woman on the go. If you prefer a sturdier bag, then the Borchia clutch is more your style. Made with genuine calfskin, it sports raised gunmetal pillars around the frame and a rhinestone ornament, giving it a very glamorous look.

Can't choose? Get both, you only live once!

Today we have the pleasure of meeting international cover girl and Instagram star Radi Budyounova in New York where she has been living and working since 2015.  

We caught up with Radi at Ground Support in Soho and asked her a few questions about modeling, how she built her social media presence - and of course - her fashion style.

 

Hi Radi, tell us a little about yourself. 

I was born in Bulgaria, but have made New York my home after living mostly in Europe.

 

You are an accomplished international model. How did you decide to become a model, and what does it take to succeed in the industry?  

I always liked the spotlight and started modeling at 18. At first, it was small gigs here and there, but I quickly embraced this line of work and made it my career. Modeling is not an easy job, you have to be strong and determined. You cannot let people pull you down. You must stay focused and keep going even when things seem very hard. You just have to keep going at it.

 

Take us back to your first catwalk - what did you feel the first time you were behind the camera? 

I was very scared at my first runway and even more scared at my first photo shoot, but after I saw the results of my hard work I fell in love with creating art.

 

As a model, I am sure you travel a lot for work. You are a regular at all European Fashion Weeks and at New York Fashion Week. How did the pandemic affect your work?

The pandemic has affected the entire world, not only me. During this difficult period, I am focusing more on my influencer work, keeping my content on point and collaborating with many brands.

 

Yes, you are an Instagram star with over 1.7 Million followers and your posts regularly gather tens of thousands of likes. How were you able to build such a large fan base? 

You have to believe in yourself, pursue your dreams and work hard. At first, no one believed in me, even my mom was skeptical about me becoming a model and investing my time to build my social media brand, but after she saw my work she became my number one fan. The secret is to always work hard because nothing is given. But nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself.

 

What are your plans for 2024?

Live, love and create art.

 

What music do you listen to? 

I love k-pop and hip-hop.

 

Are you a BTS fan?

I love BTS!

 

What are you wearing today? 

A plain black tee and my favorite skinny jeans, which I complemented with my Evalina laminated leather trench. It is such a statement piece, it transforms my look effortlessly.

 

How’s the coffee? 

Sweet.

 

Thank you Radi!

Thank you!

 

Connect with Radi on instagram @radi_budyounova.

I get new ones all the time, but DJ-ing on a super yacht under the stars in Croatia in the middle of sea is definitely one of them.

- How has working late at night affected your personal life? 

Working late nights definitely has its drawbacks when it comes to personal life. Back home in London, I do lots of PR and fashion gigs that tend to be earlier hours thankfully. Often when you travel for DJ-ing, you are put on flights that might be a few hours after you finish your set, which can be exhausting.

Reading the crowd is the most obvious one. The second one is probably always hunting for music which takes A LOT of time.

Generally speaking, the US used to be much more Hip Hop and R&B focused but I think that's gradually changing now.

Very eclectic. For DJ-ing big events or dressing up, I love a bit of 70’s glam with statement jewelry. I also tend to wear anything low back cut.

A white Tahari cotton dress, Diesel sneakers and my NOTTEVERA Effie snakeskin bucket bag.