https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9P-1HDWz1k
I ran out of battery so…many interesting students work is missing…
Dear Shaded Viewers,
I was thrilled to be part of the inaugural edition of “Romantica Station,” which unfolded this past weekend in the Temple Hall of Vibia Sabina and Adriano, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome. It’s worth noting that ASVOFF Rome once graced this same venue years ago. This initiative successfully aimed to elevate Rome’s status as a hub for contemporary fashion research and education. Under the guidance of Romantica Station, Clara Tosi Pamphili curated an exceptional ensemble of innovators, predominantly Italian, with myself as the exception, showcasing Rome not just as a city steeped in history but as a hotbed of creativity and constant reinvention.
The strategy was clear: spotlighting the youth and merging technological advancements with traditional craftsmanship. Italy’s reputation for its artisanal excellence and knack for tackling challenges that define “Made in Italy” was proudly showcased. Pride and innovation were the defining themes.
The primary goal of Romantica Station is to position Rome as a laboratory for exploring technology, sustainability, and contemporary creativity, fostering collaborations on a national and international scale beyond the traditional fashion capitals. The event, which featured exhibitions, workshops, and discussions, naturally engaged enthusiasts, locals, and tourists alike. Notably, the event was open to the public.
This edition of Romantica centered on the symbiotic relationship between Craftsmanship Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence, a topic of great relevance in today’s fashion landscape.
For the first time in Rome, 11 local fashion academies took center stage, showcasing the city’s potential as a launching pad for future talent. Through interactions with students, instructors, and artisans, we exchanged insights and ideas, enriching the experience for all involved.
Accademia Costume & Moda, Accademia del Lusso, Accademia di Belle Arti di Frosinone, Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma, Accademia Italiana, Accademia Koefia, Ied – Istituto Europeo di Design, Istituto di Moda Burgo, MAM – Maiani Accademia Moda, NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Rufa – Rome University of Fine Arts, and ACCADEMIA NAZIONALE DEI SARTORI COLORIAGE.
The schedule was as follows:
On Saturday, April 13th:
Companies explored new technologies, memory, and sustainability, led by esteemed figures : Stefano Micelli, member of the Unicredit Advisory Board, Compasso d’Oro 2014, professor of International Management at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, with Simone Salomoni, Vitruvio Virtual Lab Bologna, and Viktoriia Shiriaeva, Dedagroup spa Trento.
- Conversations delved into nurturing new talents and paths, featuring luminaries Clara Tosi Pamphili, curator of “Romantica,” in conversation with the artist and designer Gianluca Traina, prosthetic designer and supervisor of Imaginari Factory, Leonardo Cruciano, I must add that years ago I had the opportunity with Clara and Alta Roma to visit Imaginari Factory when it was located at Cinecitta, and Roberto Scappaticcio of the VesteM Mundi project.
- Discussions on culture in evolving spaces were led by Maria Luisa Frisa, fashion theorist and curator, in conversation with art historian and curator Tiziana Amicuzi, scenographer, lecturer, and member of ASC Italian Association of Set Designers, Costume Designers, and the game designer, lecturer, and digital expert Fabio Viola
- The evening concluded with a collaborative session on narrating and communicating new creatives, moderated by Alessio de Navasques in conversation with the creative director of RED-EYE Gloria Maria Cappelletti and yours truly.
On Sunday, April 14th:
- The day featured a 6 hours hands-on digital fashion and costume archiving workshop with the d_archive project, promising insights into future initiatives.
Kudos to the Chamber of Commerce of Rome for backing this endeavor, and heartfelt appreciation to Clara Tosi Pamphili for her unwavering commitment to nurturing Rome’s future talents while honoring its rich heritage.
Later,
Diane
