At 86, Roberta di Camerino is probably one of the oldest fashion designers in the world…and she’s still going strong!

At what age do you ideally think you will retire from your job? Sixty? Seventy? Meet Italian designer Roberta di Camerino, who at 86 is probably the oldest fashion designer in the world. And yeah, she still has no plans on retiring.

Aptly called the high priestess of Italian fashion, Camerino was in the city a few days back as part of the ‘Festa Italiana-2006’ organized by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Dressed smartly in navy blue slacks and jacket with a bright red shirt and a string of pearls around her neck, Camerino was showcasing her gorgeous handbags and purses, each one prettier than the rest.

“This is my first time in India and I’m so happy to be here. It’s been a great experience and I can’t believe that I never had the opportunity to come here before! Hopefully I shall be coming back for a store opening as soon as possible. I started my career by making handbags and thereafter moved into clothing, accessories, footwear, belts, watches as well as décor objects. And even today I never design on paper; I start with the rough construction and then slowly give it shape. Today, of course, I have tons of helpers, my granddaughter, in fact, has joined me,” said Camerino genially.

Camerino’s bags over the past six decades have been a favorite with ordinary women as well as celebrities. A recipient of numerous awards, Camerino is huge in Europe and as well as Asian countries.

Her clothes and bags cater to women of all sizes and ages. And yes, she also loves the sari.

“I love the concept of a sari; I think the way its worn is just so sexy but I’d like to make it slightly shorter so that it becomes more practical to walk. I have no experience with fashion designers in India but I’d love to meet all of them some day,” said Camerino.