My outfit for Symposium' ‘23: a riot of Excellences
‘Symposium’ is yearly event by SprazzidiBellezza.com in celebration of its invaluable community.
Photos by Ludovica Barone & Francesca Basili.
An ode to well-made
and consistency in detail. The outfit chosen for ‘Symposium’ was the result of a further combination of Excellences.
On the occasion of ‘Symposium’ asked everyone to wear their best dress [Dress Code: Reinessance Reminiscences] , without hesitation, without doubts; I wanted everyone's identity to reveal itself with confidence and tell as many stories as possible!
It was with this in mind that I carefully chose my own outfit, because a physical object, such as a dress or a piece of jewellery, is a powerful vehicle for many more stories and values than can be told in words!
During ‘Symposium’ I was wearing stories of four realities of Excellence.. plus one, an intimate and personal one, that I cherish in my heart.
I/The Dress
Antonella Rossi Atelier
The dress I was wearing, is a precious sartorial garment from the archives by the Roman couture atelier, of Florentine origin, Antonella Rossi Atelier.
Antonella herself, who's been a couture tailor for over 30 years, took it from the archive; she picked it straightforward, convinced that it was THE perfect dress; and I felt the way a bride feels when she finds her wedding dress!
A riot of hand-embroidery, impeccable details and precious inserts on the corset, an exquisitely Renaissance cut, a cascade of the softest chiffon from the waist down that I played with all evening and made me feel straight out of a fairytale.
That's the absolute magic of sartorial couture: behind every embroidery, every cut, there is a gentle gesture of a loving soul, who's only goal is to leave a mark of her love, her passion and her story through every stich!
II/IV The Earrings
Rossella Ugolini, Roma
These masterpiece of earrings are a precious unique piece, handcrafted by Rossella Ugolini Roma, the Roman artist, artisan and goldsmith with whom I have shared a professional relationship and friendship for years. The earrings echo the Renaissance tones of the Francesco I Suite, thanks to the natural shades of topazes, citrines, diamonds and 18-carat gold.
III/IV The pendant
Paolo Penko, Firenze
The pendant is one of the most precious pieces from the Paolo Penko collection, as it is inspired by one of the three Graces’ pendant from Botticelli's 'Spring'. A classic example of Florentine Renaissance jewellery. The pendant has, in the white of the pearls and the red and green of the tourmalines, a reference to the colours of the three Medici feathers.
The Penko family is known for its meticulous research work on the original historical archives of the city of Florence and the Medici family. Through extraordinary technical work in the traditional manner, they are able to bring to light historical jewellery and iconography with the utmost authenticity.
IV/IV Hair & Makeup
Eleonora Gentile Firenze
Eleonora Gentile not only created the most refined make-up and hairstyle that perfectly matched the atmosphere of ‘Sumposium’; her most valuable contribution is invisible from the photos: she made me an unprecedented wellness experience in her renowned salon in Florence Eleonora Gentile Luxury Hair Spa, where hair care leads to the well-being of body and mind. It was totally unexpected and God knows I needed it that morning!
Have you ever had the experience of washing your hair, lying on a warm massage lounger, hugging a hay pillow, receiving a gentle neck and face massage and a facial, while enjoying chromotherapy, aromatherapy, the gentle sound of fountain water, bamboo reeds and relaxing music... all at the same time?
For me, it was the first time I had seen and experienced such a treatment, completely dedicated to me in a cozy and elegant space in the centre of Florence. The Eleonora Gentile Luxury Hair Spa is based on the clear mission of slowing down time and applying innovative knowledge, techniques and methods to provide an experience of pure wellbeing.. the more classic hair services, which are nevertheless executed with impeccable professionalism, are, so to speak, the icing on the cake of the whole experience!
Eleonora then joined me in the Francesco I Suite of Palazzo Portinari, where she put the finishing touches to an already impeccable look. I am infinitely grateful to Eleonora for opening the doors of her salon to me, in the heart of Florence, for not only giving me a precious wellness treatment, but also her experience, her work and her Time, and the latter we know is one of the key ingredients of true Luxury.
Plus one.. the shoes.
From my Grandmother’s closet.
A non-exaggerated, comfortable heel, just enough to slender elegantly; a pointed design, with a delicate wave pattern on the edging; a precious sage green satin fabric, which blended wonderfully with the walls of the Francesco I Suite, of the same shade; from the 1960s. If there is one thing that my grandmother Maria, the most refined and sophisticated woman of old-fashioned beauty, taught me, it is that if you take care of things, they will be immune to the passage of time; and they will no longer be mere objects, but messengers, bearers of memories and values to be treasured forever.
