We Speak Fashion

Interview with talented and fashionable couple Pete and Mila Molinari

Published

1 year ago

October 6, 2023

Holly Jo Photo

Musician Pete Molinari and his wife, the dancer and actress Mila Molinari, are used to turning heads. But this talented couple are about more than just their cool vintage style. British-born Pete has just released his new single ‘Careless Heart’, from his upcoming album, ‘Wondrous Afternoon’, and he’s also published a collection of illustrated lyrics and poems, ‘Caffè Del Artista’. He met his Brazilian-born wife Mila – who grew up in the circus – in LA, and it was a meeting of minds (and wardrobes). Mila has recently leaned into acting, appearing in the critically acclaimed films ‘Mank’ and ‘Babylon’. They tell us about their singular style, exciting new projects, and the Hollywood legends who inspire them.

How did you two meet?

“We met in June 2019 at a mutual friend’s place in Hollywood – she apparently invited lots of people, but we were the only two who showed up to bake cookies and drink cocktails. She swears it wasn’t a set up! Two months later, we moved in together.”

What have been your favourite musical and artistic projects, Pete?

“I love every record I’ve made, from my early acoustic/café/solo efforts to my latest album, ‘Wondrous Afternoon’. The album is released in November and is my most adventurous to date. I’ve also recently published a collection of illustrated lyrics and poems – ‘Caffè Del Artista’.

I continue to write dramatic plays and literature, and plan to publish and produce them in the near future.”

Mila, you’re a multi-talented artist – tell us about your burlesque?

“I come from a Brazilian/Italian circus family and that gave me the foundation to explore many different art forms. “

“My persona as an artist has unfolded very naturally, combining a strong sense of self and a passion for musicals and cinema.”

“I’m a ‘triple threat’ [actor, singer and dancer] inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, and I was nominated ‘Miss Burlesque Idol Los Angeles 2015’. This award opened doors for me to tour and teach around the world for several years. I continue to produce my musical revue ‘Tropical Follies’ and perform residencies in Los Angeles.”

How have you moved into acting recently?

“Recently I’ve focused a lot on acting and music, including my debut as a showgirl in the huge Oscar-nominated film ‘Mank’, directed by David Fincher, and you can also see me in Damian Chazelle’s ‘Babylon’. I will also be releasing my first single at the end of this year and I’m working on a screenplay.”

You’re both very stylish – do you feel like you complement each other in your fashion sense?

“You could say one of the qualities that attracted us in the beginning is our mutual love for style and sophistication. Fashions change, but if you know your sense of style then you will always have a handle on what suits you best. We are both inspired by vintage styles, but we also love to mix it up and we each very much have our own thing going on.”

“As well as the vintage aspects, we love to come up with our own designs and have them hand-tailored.”

Who inspires your fashion?

“We both love timeless couture – Schiaparelli, Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent. We equally love the Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Weimar periods, and also the colours and flamboyance of the 1950s and 1960s. Pete has grown to love a lot of vintage and collectible sportswear recently, and I’m inspired by Old Hollywood costume designers Edith Head and Natacha Rambova, and stars such as Nazimova, Dietrich, Rudolph Valentino and Maria Callas. For us, style is about being free, knowing yourself, having fun and putting a unique spin on something to make it entirely your own. We also have a few boutique collaborations: Pete has his ‘Molinari’ shoes and clothes collabs with 66 Clothing, and I work with my friend Gowns By Roberta and model for Je Suis Swing from Paris.”

What is next for both of you?

“The big thing right now is the release of Pete’s new single ‘My Careless Heart’, recorded in Rome, ahead of the release of his amazing new album ‘Wondrous Afternoon’, that’s out in November on Blind Faith Records. We plan to get very busy with promotion and tour it around Europe and the USA.”

Featured photo credit: Holly Jo Photo

We Speak Events

“Pop Couture” Redefines Fashion during NYFW: A Bold Fusion of Anime, Pop Culture, and High Fashion

Published

1 month ago

January 22, 2025

Adavie Gutierrez

Jan. 22, 2025 (New York)— Pop Couture is set to redefine the runway during New York Fashion Week with a runway show and post runway show event on Friday, February 7, 2025, presented by Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment. This groundbreaking show spotlights the transformative influence of anime, Japanese craftsmanship, and pop culture on modern fashion, featuring visionary designers who are reshaping the industry with bold, innovative designs.

Pop Couture is a fashion revolution, blending pop culture’s bold artistry with high-fashion craftsmanship to redefine the runway. With Millennials and Gen-Z leading the charge, this event celebrates the storytelling and individuality shaping the future of media, retail, and style. More than a show, Pop Couture is a cultural and economic statement unveiling what’s next in fashion and beyond.

Meet the Designers Who Are Changing the Game

Frank Huynh | Lê Tâm (He/Him): Frank is the mastermind behind Lê Tâm, where heritage meets avant-garde fashion. Drawing deeply from his Vietnamese roots, Frank’s designs are a stunning collision of tradition and modernity, exuding elegance and artistry. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and storytelling through fabric, Frank’s creations have captivated audiences in prestigious arenas such as the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building and DC Fashion Week, making him one of the most exciting designers to watch this year.

KingKitsu (He/Him): KingKitsu is rewriting the rules of fashion with their transformative, statement-making designs. Known for their daring blend of regal and rebellious styles, KingKitsu creates bold looks that embrace individuality and celebrate self-expression. Their work is a perfect balance of theatrical artistry and wearable luxury, captivating audiences with every collection.

Dykemint (They/Them/He/Her): Dykemint is redefining couture with a bold mission: to create sustainable, one-of-a-kind fashion that’s equal parts chaos and beauty. Fi Black’s anime-inspired, maximalist designs break the mold of fast fashion, delivering handcrafted pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are jaw-dropping. With a commitment to size-inclusivity and sustainability, Dykemint is a rebellious force in the industry, proving that creativity knows no limits.

Aya Sakai | SAI Japan Vintage (She/Her): Aya, founder of SAI Japan Vintage, brings Japanese heritage to the forefront of modern fashion. Her designs reimagine centuries-old kimono fabrics as contemporary masterpieces, each piece telling a story of history, culture, and innovation. Aya’s work is a love letter to traditional craftsmanship and a bold statement about sustainability, earning her a place as one of fashion’s most visionary upcyclers.

Plus Ultra Entertainment (They/Them) is making its fashion debut with an anime-inspired capsule collection set to premiere at the Pop Couture runway show during New York Fashion Week. This limited-edition collection draws on the vivid energy and imaginative worlds of anime, translating them into sleek, wearable art pieces designed to captivate both pop culture and high-fashion enthusiasts.

Featured Makeup Partner

Elevating the runway looks is Yva Expressions, the featured makeup partner for Pop Couture. Renowned for its vibrant eyeshadow palettes, luxurious lip glosses, and stunning use of color, this cruelty-free and vegan brand seamlessly blends pop culture with high-quality cosmetics. With products that cater to both bold and subtle aesthetics, Yva Expressions will craft the unforgettable beauty looks that complement and elevate the fashion on the runway, embodying the show’s dedication to ethical and inclusive artistry.

Featured Jewelry Designer

TruFacebyGrace is a celebration of African heritage and Afrofuturistic vision, crafting bold, culturally inspired jewelry and fashion that bridge tradition and modernity. Drawing on the rich tapestry of African customs and craftsmanship, each piece tells a story—honoring the intricate artistry of diverse regions while embracing a forward-thinking aesthetic. This blend of heritage and innovation has captured the attention of global icons like Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Zozi Tunzi and more. TruFacebyGrace has also been featured in Coming 2 America and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. From the Oscars to the Golden Globes and Essence red carpets, the brand stands as a testament to cultural pride and its powerful connection to pop culture, redefining what it means to wear your story.

Press & Media Invitations Now Open

Members of the press/media are invited to request credentials via [email protected]. Seating and capacity are extremely limited.

Stay Connected
Follow Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes looks at Pop Couture.

Studio|Couture and Plus Ultra Entertainment, the event’s award winning, visionary producers, have created a platform that blends impeccable event production with a passion for highlighting emerging talent. From small to large experiences, media features and impact, their expertise ensures Pop Couture delivers an experience that rivals the biggest shows of the season.

About Studio|Couture

Studio|Couture is a premier creative agency specializing in fashion, art, and luxury event production. Renowned for its innovative approach and dedication to elevating emerging talent, Studio|Couture blends high-end aesthetics with cutting-edge storytelling to craft unforgettable experiences. From conceptual design to flawless execution, the agency is committed to pushing boundaries and redefining modern couture.

About Plus Ultra Entertainment

Plus Ultra Entertainment is an award-winning entity and inclusive nerd space dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the diverse voices within nerd, anime, cosplay, and pop culture. With a mission to creatively build community and culture, Plus Ultra Entertainment bridges the gap between fandom and artistry, crafting experiences that unite and inspire. Through its innovative productions and dedication to inclusivity, the company has become a trailblazer in highlighting the transformative power of nerd and pop culture.