On a sunny Sunday afternoon, amidst the buzz of Milan Fashion Week, international media and discerning buyers were treated to a unique experience, distinct from the ongoing prêt-à-porter collections. This was a showcase of sophisticated couture creations, where craftsmanship’s artistry beautifully harmonised with the materials’ preciousness.
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The event commenced with a meticulously arranged welcome cocktail, setting the stage for the presentation of key personalities and the much-anticipated haute couture runway show.
In the heart of Milan, within the splendid setting of Hotel Principe di Savoia, the 17th edition of Fashion Art and More recently unfolded a pinnacle of haute couture curated and orchestrated by brand manager Sabrina Spinelli, the visionary manager behind Wellness for You Fashion.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, amidst the buzz of Milan Fashion Week, international media and discerning buyers were treated to a unique experience, distinct from the ongoing prêt-à-porter collections. This was a showcase of sophisticated couture creations, where craftsmanship’s artistry beautifully harmonised with the materials’ preciousness.
The event commenced with a meticulously arranged welcome cocktail, setting the stage for the presentation of key personalities and the much-anticipated haute couture runway show. The runway was graced and expertly navigated by the ever-charming presenter, Ylenia Totino, who managed the display of luxurious pieces from renowned luxury brands.
Fashion Art and More successfully mixes creativity, luxury, and beauty embodied by Italian and international brands. Now in its seventeenth year, the event has, in recent seasons, found its ideal home within the esteemed walls of Hotel Principe di Savoia, precisely chosen for its image and strategic location. The event’s uniqueness lies in its emphasis on craftsmanship and bespoke creations, a stark contrast to the standardized and industrialized trends prevailing in the fashion world.
The distinguished audience of the show, comprising buyers, media representatives, and influencers, was graced by the presence of the stunning Valentina Bìssoli as the Guest Star. An icon of beauty and elegance, Valentina has previously showcased for prestigious brands and graced the pages of esteemed magazines like Grazia, Elle, GQ, Maxim, and Forbes. Her representation of the Italian Mediterranean beauty has been hailed by Panorama. In 2019, she was a special guest at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, standing alongside international Hollywood stars.
The event also showcased exceptional designers whose work exemplifies the epitome of creativity and craftsmanship.
Ivana Picallo, the Argentine designer, stood out prominently. She made her debut at Buenos Aires Moda at the age of 20 and was honoured as the “Young Revelation in Fashion.” Her journey has been one of continuous triumphs, from being recognized as a Latin American Designer of Artisanal Haute Couture at the London Fashion Week to being a judge at the “España Linda España” competition in Marbella. Ivana has crafted the first haute couture “sportswear” collection for women in the polo world. Her motto, “I see bodies, not stereotypes,” epitomizes her mission to break barriers.
Victor Otem, hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, made his debut on the Milanese runways, showcasing his expertise in crafting sartorial garments for both men and women, specially tailored for weddings and ceremonies. His collections boast exquisite men’s suits and sumptuous bridal gowns, resonating with his motto: “Let your choices reflect your style or help you find it to express your evolution.”
Zenobia, a brand conceived by Silvia Pegoraro, emerged from her enthrallment with the artisanal mastery and vibrant colours witnessed during her travels in India. The heart of this brand lies in the alchemy of fabrics and colours, shaping into unique and never mundane forms through the creative process of its founder. Drawing inspiration from multifaceted aspects of nature, her journeys, the pursuit of precious fabrics on-site, unwavering passion, and a blend of imagination with spontaneous simplicity, all coalesce into exclusive and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Raimonda Casale effortlessly comes to mind. Her brand is a testament to her passion for beauty, rendered in a truly original and precious manner, giving her creations a distinctive appeal. Breaking away from the traditional white that has dominated Haute Couture Bridal fashion for decades, Raimonda Casale has crafted an exclusive brand characterized by lavish garments featuring delicate drapery, further adorned by splendid hand-painted embellishments personally executed by the designer. To complete the allure, fascinating headdresses or hairstyles accompany her line, bestowing enchantment and allure upon the modern woman.
Elena Socoloschi, the designer extraordinaire, unveiled her new collection, demonstrating that fashion can indeed be ethical and trendy simultaneously. “We strive to use eco-sustainable materials because we believe that fashion can go hand in hand with environmental preservation,” explains the designer. “To create high-quality garments with a touch of authenticity and sustainability, we use precious and unique materials like premium Italian cotton and Damask fabrics. Our collection is dedicated to all women who want to feel beautiful, fashionable, and confident.”
Another notable highlight of the event was the runway graced by La Griffe Academy, the Fashion Academy based in Tirana, Albania. In its second year in the market, La Griffe Academy offers a range of courses that align with the aspirations of fashion enthusiasts. The academy is dedicated to nurturing creativity and promoting talent in the world of fashion, offering courses in Fashion Design, Pattern Making, Modeling, Haute Couture, and Make-Up Artistry. As a unique opportunity, they also provide a prestigious 2-year Fashion Design program culminating in a Master’s degree in Milan, Italy, the global capital of fashion.
The event also featured two prestigious brands, each showcasing their unique excellence:
Gio’ Bastian, with his special wooden handbags, showcased his 100% Made in Italy production. Crafted from eco-sustainable materials sourced from the finest Italian leather and wood producers, these precious, one-of-a-kind bags embody a fusion of creative flair, passion for wood, and craftsmanship secrets. For Giorgio Bastianelli, known as Gio Bastian in the art world, creating has always been a fundamental necessity, an inseparable part of his existence. In his view, artistry and craftsmanship deserve to be celebrated and appreciated.
Svetlana Karpova, the Ukrainian designer, founded her brand in 1995. A winner of numerous competitions at international fashion shows, her inspiration is deeply rooted in Slavic mythology, particularly the Semargle mythology. Her concept draws from a singular historical line originating from the ancient cities of Ukraine and Italy. The collection comprises basic pieces, silk dresses, and cashmere sweaters adorned with mythological symbols such as the winged lion, the supreme deity Semargle, and the tree of life.
The event was supported by esteemed media partners including Fashion Channel, Celebre Magazine World, Luxury Investment Magazine, Rinascimento Magazine, Journal Des Bijoux and Ewa’s Place Magazine.
Acknowledgements and gratitude go to the invaluable support from:
Idola Saloon Naples, Rome, Florence, Milan and Barcelona
Hair & Makeup Services by Capelli & Company Mauro di Domenico
Performances Al Pacino Service by Giovanni Sciarrillo
Fashion Art and More’s 17th edition was an epitome of elegance, craftsmanship, and creative expression, showcasing the finest blend of Italian and international talent. The event celebrated the art of haute couture, emphasizing the essence of uniqueness and individuality while nurturing sustainability and ethical fashion, setting a high standard for the fashion industry globally.
Article edited by Massimo Basile
Editorial Director