The first edition of Rome Fashion Show # Haute Couture, a new kermesse combining Haute Couture and culture, ended on July 14, reconfirming the capital as one of the places where the fashion system can and should have its say. Over 900 attendees in two days for the project, created by Artistic Director Steven G Torrisi (who has been in the fashion industry for over twenty-five years) and managed by Infantino Management, which featured both established maisons (the so-called “Ambassadors”) and new designers. Over the course of two days on July 13 and 14, the new designers and fashion ambassadors, at the National Events Space in Rome, took their creations down the catwalk in front of the press and numerous guests.
On the evening of Saturday, July 13, presented by former Miss Italy Denny Mendez, the collections of eight women, new proposals of Italian fashion, took turns. Opening the dances was Ve.Q EXPERIENCE (by designer Veronica Quadraroli) who presented her eco-sustainable Flos collection, a tribute to feminine strength and boldness. Emanuela Madonna, the second on the calendar, brought to the runway her dresses that with sartorial mastery, games of pleats, silks, laser-etched leather and 3D scuba, perfectly declined the concept of illusory reality. Next it was the turn of Concita Ties&Pearls, brand of Sicilian-born designer Concita Petralito, who with her “Bella Sedara” told a collection characterized by silks and cottons that draws maximum inspiration from an ancient Sicily, that of Tommasi di Lampedusa, rich in beauty and sensuality. During the first evening, alongside the godmother Denny Mendez, partners and patronage offices supporting the event spoke on the blue carpet. Official partner of the event Cosmlab, a company for ten years specialized in cosmetic and pharmaceutical research, represented by its founder and Ceo Marco Esposito, who was honored with a plaque celebrating the first edition of the event.
This was followed by Raimonda Casale’s turn with her satin, lace, mikado, tulle, cadi and organza creations, embellished with pictorial decorations and spotlights. Among the event’s sponsors were Confine (Confederation of Italian Entrepreneurs in Europe with the patronage of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers) Lazio Region, Lazio Regional Council, UniVerde Foundation, and Coldiretti, During the initiative, in the presence of the head of Donne Coldiretti Mariafrancesca Serra and the president of Terranostra Dominga Cotarella, creations designed by three young women farmers were presented in the name of biodiversity and the recovery of natural fibers and colors obtained from plants. Fiorenza “Cosetta” Enzo ( Donne Coldiretti Veneto), Flavia Sbrolli ( Donne Coldiretti Umbria) Rosa D’Urso ( Donne Coldiretti Puglia) demonstrated with their experiences how the rediscovery of certain fibers and natural dyes can represent an opportunity for development for agricultural enterprises, but also a contribution to the revival of Made in Italy fashion.” After the Coldiretti Women’s fashion show, Maria Elena di Terlizzi offered her creations, bringing to the runway Puglia, the region that evokes freedom and euphoria to her, showing lace dresses in Mediterranean shades that appeal to the elegant and lively woman. Rome Fashion Show # Haute Couture touched on sensitive issues such as eco-sustainability but also that of disability and inclusiveness. Giovanna Giambruno, founder of Udisky, a company that operates in the field of hearing assistance, spoke to empower on the issue of speech and hearing disabilities. The sixth designer on the calendar, Gioia Radini, told of her homage to the peninsula, with clothes inspired by each Italian region, featuring hand-painted natural fabrics embellished with natural stones. Barbara Basciano, on the other hand, with her concept of “Fashion is elegance,” personified a romantic and courageous woman thanks to dresses with contrasts of light fabrics, transparencies but adorned with rhinestones and pearls. Before the closing fashion show, another testimony in support of businesses aimed at enhancing the territory came through the intervention of Edoardo Cicchinelli founder of Ethical Food Selection, a project that aims to highlight small producers by supplying their products in the best places of Italy.
Grand finale of the first evening with Pina Grasso and her exclusive collection of precious materials such as duchesses and mikado, dedicated to unique and refined women who love to enhance their character. During the second day of Rome Fashion Show # Haute Couture, that of Sunday 14, the spotlight was shone on five “ambassadors” of Italian fashion who brought to the catwalk their most iconic garments belonging to their personal archives, a tribute to the period of “La Dolce Vita” and memorable events such as “Donna sotto le stelle” and Alta Roma. After the respective fashion shows, the couturiers recalled their “master,” the designer who most influenced each one’s working and creative path. From Maison Franco Ciambella, dresses inspired by the Venus de Milo and her imperfect beauty are evoked. The brightly colored garments feature 3D workmanship and hand-painted prints, embellished with golden threads. Ciambella’s tribute went to Fernanda Gattinoni, a sophisticated, determined and enterprising designer. Next, Maison Michele Miglionico brought romance and drama together, presenting a collection composed of several iconic dresses that highlighted manic attention to detail, showcased through a careful play of contrasts. The designer’s memory goes to Mila Schön and her fashion during the 1960s. Maison Nino Lettieri dusts off a selection of evening gowns made from 2010 to 2020, which are united by their haute couture and handmade in Italy, each of which caters to a chic, refined and fine woman.
The tribute goes to Lorenzo Riva and his art. Maison Gianni Sapone plows the runway with a selection of haute couture that takes shape from 2000 to the present. Every single dress has its own story, its own magic and this is the cornerstone of each collection created by the couturier. Moment of emotion for the designer’s words towards his mentor Fausto Sarli. Also among the audience in the front row in support of the event was fashion designer Regina Schrecker, guest of the evening. Finally, Maison Giovanni Cannistrà closed the event by showing part of its archive made from 1998 to 2024 characterized by bold combinations, lace and brocades, a clear reference to the brand’s homeland, Sicily. After greeting designer Pino Lancetti, the “tailor-painter,” Giovanni Cannistrà called colleagues and event artistic director Steven G. Torrisi into the spotlight amidst a standing ovation from the audience. A choral enthusiasm that confirms the desire of Rome and Haute Couture to continue to shine.
