An exceptional museum exhibit is the mythical “empire style” dress by the Gattinoni fashion house. This dress was worn by Audrey Hepburn in “War and Peace” in 1956. The film was nominated for Oscar for best costumes. Another great dress, which is displayed, is the unforgettable red dress by Valentino, which was worn by Elizabeth Hurley on the charity event in London, organized by Εstée Lauder in 1998. Another exhibit is the precious corset-dress by Luciano Soprani for Jacqueline Bisset worn in the movie “Wild Orchid” in 1988. Two designs by Prada: tulle dress, which is embroidered with gold, was worn by Kate Blanchet in 2000 and the chiffon dress designed for Mila Jovovich for the Los Angeles première of her film, “Joan of Arc” in 1999. The male fashion is represented by a smoking by Brioni, which was made for Pierce Brosnan in “Die Another Day.”
The style of the Italian fashion designers is distinct and imprinted in clothes, which are transformed into symbols: the characteristic male line of Giorgio Armani, which was introduced also in the female dinner jacket line, embroidered in blue and gold; Versace’s love for luxury and ostentation in a dress made with Swarovski crystals (1998-1999); the “Jungle” dress, which is characteristic for Donatella’s style, which was worn by Jennifer Lopez in 2000.
Fashion ties hands with culture: dressed by Renatto Balestra’s dress “Carmen,” which is dedicated to Maria Callas and by Lancetti’s clothes, which are inspired by Picasso. Every visitor of the exhibition can see the great Fendi fur creations and masterly workmanship of Trussardi in the use of leather.
Accessories, which are connected to celebrities are also displayed: the first round-shaped bag, which was designed for Jacqueline Kennedy in 1975 by Helietta Caracciolo; the necklace, which was worn by Nancy Reagan and the earrings, made for Hillary Clinton; one of the most favorite “Bagonghi” bags of Grace Kelly, designed by Roverta di Camerino; Madonna’s sandals worn in “Evita,” which are an exact duplicate of the ones made for Evita Peron by Salvatore Feragamo.
The whole last 50 years of cinema and celebrity life is presented with clothes and accessories made by Italian designers. The visitor can read each story of a dress or accessory on a sign under the model – who wore it and on which event. The exhibition confirms that clothes are one of the details, which add up to the glamour of celebrities but displayed on mannequins, they transform into fetishes, which look sad and abandoned.