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Italy has been synonymous with the art of fashion for centuries and the embassy in Bahrain is featuring a colourful collection of ensembles from design giants Gattinoni in a glamorous two-day exhibition for all to admire.
The ‘Racconti di Moda Italiana’ (translated to Tales of Italian Fashion) is being curated by the honorary president of the Gattinoni Fashion House, Stefano Dominella, tonight and tomorrow at the Memory of the House-Bin Mattar in Muharraq.
According to Italian ambassador Paola Amadei, the stylish showcase is being organised by the embassy in co-operation with the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research to promote the Italian culture of fashion.
“It will be a surprising exhibition itinerary with clothes and fabrics never shown before, in a creative-artisan excursion suitable for both the professional public and visitors,” the ambassador told GulfWeekly.
“The exhibition was conceived by Stefano, who is one of the most influential and leading experts in the fashion sector.”
Visitors will witness creations being unveiled for the first time, coming from Stefano and Gattinoni’s historical archives, as well as contemporary ones that have written some of the most important pages in the history of international fashion, and which are still created today.
“Visitors will be able to learn more about the excellence of the Italian fashion industry and the culture and values behind it,” added ambassador Paola. “In other terms, why fashion is not only one of the main Italian production sectors but also constitutes a true form of fine and delicate art, recognised and admired throughout the world for its elegance, refinement, creativity and innovation.”
The Gattinoni fashion label’s story began in 1946 when it was founded by Fernanda Gattinoni following her experience in London with Molyneaux and the stylistic direction of the Atelier Ventura in Milan.
For 30 years, the Gattinoni Maison in Rome was a compulsory stop-off for movie stars and women of the international jet set.
At the end of the 80s, Raniero Gattinoni took over, revamping the style of the designer label and consolidating numerous ‘Pret-à-Porter’ lines in addition to successfully continuing the tradition of couture.
Following his untimely death, Guillermo Mariotto took the artistic direction of Maison Gattinoni. He brought numerous success stories while being courted by famous stars such as actresses Gong Li and Qu Ying.
Other celebrities include Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Anna Magnani, Kim Novak, Lucia Bosè, Monica Vitti, Charlotte Rampling, Vanessa Redgrave, Amanda Lear, Sabrina Ferilli, Sophie Dahl, Marla Maples Trump and Beyoncè.
“Italian fashion has traditionally been behind many international movies,” shared ambassador Paola.
“During the exhibition, people will be able to admire a collection of original dresses worn by Hollywood divas, including the dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1956 film War and Peace and by Anita Ekberg in the iconic Italian film La Dolce Vita, directed by Federico Fellini in 1960.”
Meanwhile, the colours, the quality of fabrics used, the creativity of the design, the sustainability of the production processes and the well-established culture of beauty characterising the Italian fashion houses continue to spread the prestige of ‘Made in Italy’ throughout the world.
“It is not surprising that the fashion industry is one of the key sectors for Italian exports not only in Bahrain but throughout the world,” added the ambassador.
“And according to the event confirmations already received, that in itself confirms the genuine passion of Bahrainis for ‘Made in Italy’, and for Italian fashion and its immense and priceless heritage of creativity, skills, refinement and innovation that it traditionally expresses.”
The exhibition, which is free for all, is open from 5pm to 7pm tonight and then from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm tomorrow (September 28).
For details, follow
@italyinbahrain and
@shaikh_ebrahim_center on Instagram.
