Italian stylists descend the steps of Rome's Trinitá

The Donna Sotto le Stelle fashion show turned 20 amidst spectacle, internationally renowned stylists and top models

Donna Sotto le Stelle, the traditional fashion spectacle that takes place on Rome's Trinitá dei Monti steps, featured international stars of both music and fashion. Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special programme, this year's theme reverted back to the protagonists of past editions.
The birthday party was inaugurated by famous Italian singer Claudio Baglioni who, strumming along with his guitar, entertained the guests with renditions of his more popular songs. Entertainers Gerry Scott and Valeria Mazza were the show's hosts which was broadcast live on Canale 5 from Rome's Piazza di Spagna. The event was organized in collaboration with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) and directed by Roberto Cenci.
Present during the evening was a public of 650 people, with the front roles situated around the historic fountain.
Six gigantic totem-screens shed light on the steps throughout the evening. The evening featured 18 stylists, four of which were international; the performance by Baglioni with 300 dancers accompanying him and eventual singers Annie Lennox and Skin; an award ceremony celebrating Tai and Rosita Missoni, who showcased the last 50 years of their fashion work; the presentation of Premio Serico to Roberto Cavalli; and a special award to Italian model Maria Carla Boscono, who's responsible for having elevated the profession throughout the world.
As crowning tribute to the show were the beauties and the celebrities called upon as witnesses to the designers: Manuela Arcuri, Gabriel Garko, Mario Cipollini, Nina Moric, Vanessa Incontrada, Elenoire Casalegno, the "black Venus" Alek Wek, Fernanda Lessa, Matilde Brandi, Angela Melillo, Carla Fracci, and veteran runway model Benedetta Barzini. Descending the steps were 200 models from the world's top modeling agencies.
This long-awaited runway spectacle opened its designer showcase with the international Celine (LVMH group) which featured zebra-printed coats, glicerine-coloured jackets, suits in white leather and pink-coloured cardigans.
Next up was Roberto Cavalli whose models were none other than Manuela Arcuri, Gabriel Garko and Mario Cipollini. They wore the Tuscan's stylized classic fashions. Handing Cavalli the Premio Serico was CNMI president Mario Boselli.
Then was Claudio Baglioni's second performance who introduced his 300 dancers, all of whom are accompanying him on his current tour around Italy's largest cities. Surrounded by women wearing see-through spherical hats, Baglioni sang "Tutto in un abbraccio," from his latest album Sono io l'uomo della storia accanto. He would later perform another song from the same album.
Then it's back to fashion with Antonio Berardi whose model, Alek Wek, took audience members' breath away with her African beauty.
A little bit of happiness with some sensuality, then it's time for Pinco Pallino, with his 40 blonde and red-haired child models, and Simonetta, another stylist of children's fashions. Then it's the turn of Giulia Ottonello, winner of Maria de Filippi's television show Amici, who sang "Calling You."
Model Eleonaire Casalengo showcased the fashions of Iceberg with a five-metre high backdrop of a guitar. She was followed by Mariella Burani and Matilde Brandi who descended the steps to the soundtrack from Chicago.
Following Baglioni and his third song ("Sono Io") it's Rocco Barocco's turn with his pret a porter. Annie Lennox enchants the audience with her angelic voice as she sings "A thousand of beautiful things."
Then comes Byblos worn by Vanessa Incontrada, followed by international giant Marcel Marongiu featuring red, black and white fashions, a triumph of fashion.
It's Rome's Vice-Mayor, Maria Pia Garavaglia, who hands top model Maria Carla Boscono a special award.
Maurizio Galante's fashion seduce thanks to the grace and class of model Benedetta Barzini, an icon and cover girl of the 1960s. L'Oreal Professional showcases colourful images and ultra-modern hairdos through one of its most popular hair stylists, Aldo Coppola. Model Fernanda Lessa did the honours.
Then it's Skin's turn, the ex-singer of Skunk Aanasie, who sings "Faithfullness."
Leo Cut's diamonds shone the steps on the skin of Nina Moric. This was followed by the final international stylist, Evan Minge.
Closing the programme was Egon von Furstenberg with Angela Melillo, followed by the heads of the next generation of couture: Franco Ciambella, Rosy Garbo, Gianni Molaro and Angelo Vitti.
In collaboration with TIM, Donna Sotto Le Stelle decided to support Save the Children and its project of building schools and wells in Ethiopia. During the evening, in fact, the public was encouraged to make donations for the children of Ethiopia.
Italy's largest design houses presented their latest works on the world's most famous steps with some of the most beautiful models around.

Publication Date: 2003-07-27
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2981