Sylvio Giardina, the youngest luminary of Rome’s haute couture scene, unveils his 2024/2025 Autumn-Winter collection in the architecturally stunning foyer of Rome’s MACRO contemporary art museum, designed by Odile Decq. This year’s choice of venue, with its goth-rock aesthetic, marks a bold departure from his previous shows in historic settings like the Farnese Palace and Diocletian Spa.
Giardina’s decision to present his collection in the futuristic spaces of MACRO underscores the eclectic cultural influences that shape his work. Despite his Parisian roots, Giardina has embraced Rome’s rich tapestry of history and modernity, using the city as both backdrop and muse for his innovative designs.
The collection is a masterful juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. Giardina’s dresses, sculpted with jewel-bedecked netting and Thirties moulage techniques, evoke the grandeur of late-Baroque sculptures, yet they are reimagined with contemporary twists—shortened hems and corolla-shaped skirts that infuse a touch of playful street style.
The color palette is dramatic, dominated by black and white with surprising splashes of peach, shocking pink, fuchsia, and a standout water green, symbolizing the collection’s aquatic theme. This theme is further embodied in the intricate three-dimensional decorations that resemble foam spray or delicate lily of the valley blossoms, each meticulously hand-applied, showcasing the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines true haute couture.
Giardina’s collection, titled “1962” in homage to his older brother, reflects an off-centre perspective that challenges conventional viewpoints. This is evident in his innovative use of textiles, from Mikado silk and gazar to high-gloss fabrics and jewel-encrusted netting, all manipulated with a virtuoso touch reminiscent of sculptors from the Sansevero Chapel.
Presented at the MACRO on July 8, 2024, Sylvio Giardina’s latest collection not only reaffirms his status as a visionary in the fashion world but also promises a vibrant future for Italy’s haute couture tradition, nurtured by his team of young, talented artisans.
PHOTOGRAPHERS NARÈNTE
LUCIO ARU + FRANCO ERRE
ART DIRECTOR TANIA ALINERI
STYLIST
VERONICA BERGAMINI
MAKE-UP & HAIR DANIELA DESSÌ
MODEL
TETI MAR
INDEPENDENT MODEL MANAGEMENT
FASHION ASSISTANT CRISTINA PALAMARU
