Carla & Martha De Giulia - The Artist Sisters
Sisters
Carla De Giulia is the elder sister of Martha De Giulia, both hailing from Bellagio, Italy. Carla, a charismatic and warm woman, was born in 2036, while Martha, the younger one, is an elegant and bold woman born in 2045.
At the time of her encounter with the young Katrina, Carla was 47 years old. She taught art and canvas painting to various groups of varying skill levels. Eventually, in 2083, she welcomed young Katrina into her fold, recognizing in her eyes an overflowing passion and a spirit still intact, capable of imagining and bringing to life the most extravagant ideas.
​
Martha, Carla's younger sister, had already left for Napoli some time ago to pursue a career in fashion and haute couture. Staying in Bellagio was not an option for her. While it was a bit disappointing for Carla, as they had promised not to part ways, it was just a pinky promise, nothing too serious in the end. Despite it all, Carla was proud that her sister took flight, as Martha was only 16 when she left in 2061.
​
They knew they would reunite later in Napoli. Not twins, but they understood each other like no one else, despite their significant age difference.
Carla enjoyed Bellagio and her career as a painter until 2092 when, at the age of 56, she decided to teach in France. There, she experienced a small surge in celebrity thanks to her revival of the impressionist movement. Spending so much time with Katrina and witnessing her evolution over a decade in her studio rekindled Carla's love for light and its ephemeral effects on colors. She painted with passion and enthusiasm.
​
She lived for 11 years in the south of France before finally settling in Napoli. The two sisters, Carla and Martha, exchanged numerous phone calls and messages to stay updated on their respective adventures. Despite having plenty to share, they never managed to meet in person for various reasons. These two women, deeply immersed in their artistic pursuits, devoted much of their precious time to their work and art. On one side, a growingly famous impressionist painter, and on the other, a renowned seamstress and stylist in an ever-evolving city. They couldn't let go...
Break
Martha, on her end, worked in many fashion houses until being hired by Nuvola for her own brand, Nuvola Haute Couture, in 2091. Following a competition organized by the designer, Martha was elected the best dressmaker and stylist of the year. Her work was refined, elegant, and profoundly original. She blended noble and lightweight materials in her own way, perfectly suited for Italy's sometimes humid and extreme climates. Martha maintained her composure and precision, leading to her becoming an associate for Nuvola in 2092, establishing the renowned partnership between the two fashion artists.
​
Ultimately, in 2103, at ages 67 and 58 respectively, Carla and Martha decided to take a break. Carla had no issues putting her career on hold, as her return would be acclaimed, adding to the mystery surrounding her. As for Martha, her high-ranking position and comfortable advantage allowed her to leave the company and return whenever she wished. Although she had many substitutes, none matched her caliber. Nuvola Haute Couture had no reason to part with her. Her models remained in vogue, and she guided fashion with a firm hand.
​
They decided to tour Europe, especially the Nordic countries. They wanted a change of scenery and to spend time together as "almost twin" sisters. Carla was increasingly tired; after all, she was 67, unlike Martha, who was 58 at the time. But at the same time, both women knew it would be their last trip together, so they had to make the most of it, recharge, and make up for lost time. They never stopped working; after all, their work kept them in shape. The decision to take a break in 2103 to travel across Europe underscored the sisters' desire to make up for lost time. This intense period created lasting memories despite the age difference, but life's realities brought them back to their respective activities.
​
After their journey through the Nordic countries, they returned to Napoli and resumed their respective apartments and activities. This year had passed quickly and allowed the two women to regain their dynamism in their pursuits. Year after year, they made up for lost time. They spent a lot of time at Mare Solar, enjoying restaurants and the beach. However, Martha became increasingly busy, and Carla spent a lot of time alone. It didn't bother her. It reminded her of her years in France, where she enjoyed the song of cicadas and the beautiful light offered by her balcony, painting the infinite horizon of the Mediterranean Sea, with its rhythmic waves breaking on the shores of Antibes.
​
Carla found a somewhat similar ambiance in Via Veneto. She loved sitting on a bench and observing children and art students on extracurricular outings to paint the surrounding environments. Carla was a rather calm and nostalgic person, so this atmosphere soothed her, and she let herself be carried away by the sounds of the market, the noises, and the metallic symphonies emitted by the cables of the neighborhood cable car. She would never have imagined that during this time, her sister was struggling with Federico and participating in his whimsical organization.
Confidence
Indeed, Martha had gotten herself into a bit of a mess, but Carla was oblivious. What's the point of burdening her with such nonsense, thought Martha.
​
Finally, in 2107, everything became complicated during the famous Isola Festival. Only Martha was invited to the event, and it didn't bother Carla at all. She was too old for parties. She would have liked to see Katrina again, but she had resigned herself; Katrina must have been too busy. Surprisingly, and probably for fear of disturbing her, Carla De Giulia had never gone to see Katrina in person after giving her lessons in Bellagio during her childhood. People lose touch, Katrina was busy, and they couldn't meet again to discuss art. It was her only regret, not being able to attend the party on Isola Island; she assumed that Katrina would be there. In any case, the two women held a special place in each other's hearts and would not forget.
​
Despite her joy at being invited to the Isola Festival, Martha was very embarrassed and had felt guilty for a while about dealing with Federico and selling confidential information in exchange for market shares and cutting-edge technological components that would help her create new outfits without any issues and maintain a definite advantage over her competitors. But remorse and regrets plagued her, digging deep into her being. Why had she done this, she wondered? She wasn't like this; she was human, she told herself! The overexploitation of resources had no place in the new fashion lifestyle!
​
While the De Giulia sisters were at Martha's apartment, the latter burst into tears, begging Carla to go to the party in her place. Carla, confused and surprised, declined the offer and asked for explanations. Sooner or later, lies fade away, and the truth resurfaces. Martha was ashamed; she had hidden her machinations from her sister, lied to her, and could have even put her in touch with Katrina, who, on her end, regularly inquired about her sister Carla in vain.
​
Carla was disappointed, offended, and left without a word or turning back. She was aging; she didn't have time for such stories. She was disappointed, but she knew that in a week, she would have moved on. That was how Carla was. Perhaps she would return to Antibes...