I come from a long line of builders. Both of my
great-grandparents came through Ellis Island in 1904 from
Palermo, Sicily. He was a carpenter, always working with wood.
She was a seamstress, creating couture gowns of silk. From wood,
from silk, from flesh and blood, they built a legacy and a family
that would stand the test of time. They had nine children
including four boys, who fought in World War II, and five
daughters who worked for some of the world’s greatest
fashion houses. Today I have the opportunity to craft my own
destiny, thanks to the great American traditions built by my
ancestors.