The tenth edition of the International Couture fashion show, produced with the special support of the Med-Or foundation, took place on Monday, July 10th, at the MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts.
The designers participating at the show entitled “Mediterranean Sunset” came from Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Kuwait, India and Italy. The Designers have been selected for the originality of their creations, the fabrics’ beauty, the cut’s precision and the special care with which the products have been made.
This unique fashion show represented art and culture as means of integration between Mediterranean countries. Fashion is not only an expression of beauty but also management and training. From next July, International Couture will become the launching pad for new professional figures specialized in project management.
An advanced training course will be planned and organized by the Med-Or foundation aimed at students from Mediterranean countries who will conclude their journey participating actively in the organization and management of the fashion show event.
« Mediterranean Sunset » fashion show was organized by the Italo-Lebanese Cultural Institute with the patronage of the Lebanese Embassy in Italy and Rome officials, the Department of Major for Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion. The beauty of the models and their hairstyles were taken care of The Best Club by Wella, guided by artistic director Giovanni Salerno; the make-up was done by Face Place Academy by Pablo, with Pablo Gil Cagné as artistic director. Editorial photography was done by Pietro Piacenti and general organization by Maria Christina Rigano, Councillor of the Italo-Lebanese Cultural Institute.
International Couture chose as its tenth edition a journey of dreams dedicated to the « Mediterranean Sunset ». The collections of the designers tell a story of a young and elegant Lady with a modern and international spirit, but connected with her Mediterranean roots that decide to choose the best garments for her next Fall/Winter wardrobe following the paths of the “sunset”. Starting from India, she admires the beautiful and colourful dresses designed by Kartikeya designed by famous Indian designer Nitin Kartikeya with his special collection “Chasing Shadows of the mystic old town”, quietly observing sadness, love, loneliness, pain and other mixed human emotions that fill the city of Varanasi. In a special video interview for our magazine, Nitin told us what inspired him to create this collection.
The journey continues in Morocco, where she admires the embroidery of the caftan twisted by Morocco Royal Style Fashion House for the collection “Majorelle scents”. The talented designer Hayat Karimi’s signature piece is the traditional Moroccan caftan, cured by herself in every detail: cuts, embroidery, colours, stones, raw materials and even jewels, completely handcrafted. In a brief interview for our magazine, Hayat told us about the history of her brand and the secrets behind the creation of the classic caftan.
After travelling through the desert, the Lady crosses the sea to land in Panarea island, where she recognises the unique elegance of A’biddikkia’s unmistakable prints. This new collection is a “Tribute to Mida”, the Greek goddess capable of turning anything she touches into gold.
Therefore, the brand designer Giovanna Mandarano created a pure silk collection through vivid colours and golden patterns that impressed A’biddikkia’s unmistakable design.
Then she continues her trip to Kuwait, where she discovers the sophisticated gowns created for Villaamoon brand by Kuwaiti designer Nashmiya Al-alshuraiaan. The “Villaamoon” collection presents a traditional and classic Kuwaiti imprint but with a modern touch. By wearing it, our Lady can enjoy luxury, modernity and heritage while owning a piece she will keep for generations.
Leaving Kuwait and pursuing her itinerary, our international Lady reaches a country where the beautiful sunset kisses Middle East lands: with a stop in Lebanon, the land of the Cedars, she discovers Missaki Couture’s garments that resemble the most beautiful lady, Calista. The collection shows women wearing feathers, sumptuous fabrics, long sheath gowns with explicit shoulders and fascinating capes embellished with stones which is a part of the Missaki Couture’s signature look.
The fashion show’s story ends in Jordan, where the Mediterranean sunset reveals the blossoming of a cactus represented in the vibrant collection of designer Laith Maalouf. The “Bloom” collection is inspired by the Cactus and its flowers. From it, we learn the value of determination as it patiently waits for its moment to bloom in a burst of vibrant colors and it becomes a living proof of the strength of the human spirit.
After this unique fashion journey and looking over the sunset, our leading Lady comes back home carrying all the beautiful dresses she collected during her trip and, most of all, little fragments and memories of the magical places and cultures she found in this amazing Mediterranean kingdom.
Event Manager: Maria Christina Rigano
Organized by: Istituto Culturale Italo-Libanese / President: Maurice Salamé / Coordinator: Anna Rita Sereno
With the support: Med-Or foundation
Make-Up: Face Place Academy by Pablo Gil Cagné
Hairstyling: The Best CLub by Wella – Giovanni Salerno, Antonello Lotito, Alessio Larghetti, Leo Libardi
Casting Manager: Eleonora Eutizi
Show Production: Mazzini Event
Photo Credits: Pietro Piacenti – Augusto Frascatani – Daniele Trasatti
Video: Vertigo Live
Under the High Patronage of: The Embassy of Lebanon in Italy and “Roma Capitale”
Article Edited by Ekaterina Shevliakova