Dear Shaded Viewers,
For his Fall/Winter 2026–2027 Haute Couture collection, Sylvio Giardina turns to one of Europe’s most treasured artistic references: La Dame à la licorne, the medieval tapestry series preserved at the Musée de Cluny in Paris. Titled Mon Seul Désir, the project explores the relationship between craftsmanship, material, and perception, transforming the language of weaving into a contemporary couture expression.
In an exclusive conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sylvio about the collection, his inspirations, and the creative research behind the project. Beyond his refined approach to couture, I discovered a generous and thoughtful designer whose connection to history, craftsmanship, and artistic dialogue deeply informs his work.
Rather than reproducing the imagery of the tapestries, Sylvio focuses on their construction, studying the ability of thread to create depth, illusion, and movement. Through textile tressage, couture materials become almost sculptural, while the millefleurs technique evolves into a visual language that shapes the garments. Floral motifs, medieval jewels, and ornamental details are transformed into three-dimensional elements, integrated into transparent surfaces and architectural silhouettes.
The collection is defined by a careful balance between lightness and structure. Mikado, duchesse, tulle, crin, lace, and velvet come together through precise craftsmanship, with hand-executed pleating becoming one of its most distinctive gestures. A palette inspired by La Dame à la licorne, including red, white, blue, violet, yellow, powder blue, gold, and black, creates a dialogue between color, texture, and perception.
Mon Seul Désir unfolds between Paris and Rome, beginning with a site-specific installation exclusively and only at the Musée de Cluny on July 6 2026, before continuing at Trinità dei Monti in October.
Sylvio’s fairy tale.
Yours digitally,
Pedro
