FASHION FRAMES: WHERE STYLE BECAMES CINEMA
The exhibition “Fashion frames”, from an idea and curated by Stefano Dominella, offers the view-
er a journey through the elegance and creativity that characterize Italian fashion, with iconic cre-
ations by illustrious designers, presenting an exclusive selection of works and clothes from the
most prestigious Italian fashion brands. Each creation tells a story of craftsmanship, innovation
and passion, testifying to Italy’s lasting influence on the global fashion scene. Italy has “dressed”
the entire world, from Hollywood divas to the great figures of international history, creating a
global stylistic revolution, which has changed the history of our country. Italian fashion has al-
ways kept up with the times, very often dictating the rules. In the 1950s it was cinema itself that
showed the world that a new Italian “couture” trend was emerging in Rome. The capital was
transformed into the “Hollywood on the Tiber” and the Italian-style dream factory. Cinema and
celebrity immediately became a vehicle and a privileged tool for Italian fashion. Hollywood stars
who arrived in the capital began to dress the creations of the then nascent Italian fashion hous-
es, triggering a style revolution throughout the world. Coming from important private historical
archives and the personal historical archive of the curator, we find in the exhibition itinerary the
clothes worn by iconic actresses who have marked and dictated new styles: the draperies sur-
rounding Lana Turner invent a new romantic sex appeal; the empire style of Audrey Hepburn in
the film “War and Peace” by King Vidor, 1956, inaugurates a new “fashion” all over the world;
the mermaid dress that envelops Anita Ekberg in “La dolce vita” by Federico Fellini, 1960, be-
comes an icon of style and sensuality; closer to us over time we meet Monica Bellucci, of stat-
uesque Mediterranean beauty, immortalized by Giuseppe Tornatore in the film “Malena”, the
charming Scarlett Johansson in the film “A Good Woman” by Mike Barker, 2004, and still other
divas such as Beyoncé, Gina Lollobrigida, Celine Dion, Claudia Cardinale, Maria Callas and Sofia
Loren in her red dress, in the unforgettable scene of the Italian mambo in the film “Bread, love
and...” by Dino Risi. A section of the exhibition is dedicated to eco-sustainability with unique cre-
ations created thanks to the upcycling and recycling technique, strictly with waste materials, as
a hymn to the protection of planet Earth.
“The exhibition is not only a tribute to Italian fashion, but also an opportunity to celebrate our
culture and heritage,” says curator Stefano Dominella. “We are proud to present our excel-
lence to the world, which continues to inspire and set trends. For the first time we are bringing
to Tbilisi, in Georgia, at the Museum of Modern Art, on display the value of know-how, beau-
ty, and style that have made Made in Italy famous around the world. Visitors will be able to
admire up close the iconic pieces of Italy’s greatest designers who still tell stories of creativity
and high craftsmanship today.“