Thierry Mugler Haute Couture collection, 1997
Piumina by Beatrice Brandini
At the Farnesian Uccelliere in Rome, Rara Avis – Fashion in flight, a small jewel exhibition presents some of the most spectacular bird dresses created for couture collections.
The plumage of birds, in particular the feathers as a detail, have always represented a perfect inspiration for the creation of clothes, patterns and colors. Another unmissable exhibition, in which from mythology and through the centuries, feathers have been chosen to decorate garments and accessories. Let’s think of Marie Antoinette with her hairstyles decorated with real stuffed birds, or of the hats of the Royal Family already in the Victorian age.
Article Più Piume by Anna Piaggi, Vogue Italia July 1995
“The location is not accidental, it is in fact two pavilions built in the seventeenth century by the Farnese family, where rare birds from exotic places were housed, whose purpose was to be admired”. Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park.
Alexander McQueen dress (FKA twigs in London for the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition).
Masterpieces ranging from the marvelous white swan dress in tulle foam enriched with wings, created by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Christian Dior (Cruise 2022 collection), or the black swan, created instead by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy haute couture in 1997. And then again from the parrot bolero from Jean-Paul Gaultier’s first couture show, also in 1997.
Dolce&Gabbana, High Fashion Florence, 2020
Christian Dior by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Ready to Wear Cruise 2022
“Feathered clothes and bird accessories are part of an allegorical lexicon with multiple meanings, a symbol of contrasting allusions – fear, beauty, prison and freedom – which has enchanted artists and writers, sculptors and fashion designers over the centuries” Sofia Gnoli, curator of the exhibition.
Among the feathered garments also the organza corset dress entirely embroidered with rooster and pheasant feathers, from the 2020 Dolce&Gabbana Firenze collection; or the long black dress by Thierry Mugler enriched with colorful feathers.
Atelier Versace by Donatella Versace for Katy Perry, Met Gala 2018
The unforgettable Anna Piaggi with a plumed hat
Roberto Capucci, 1982
Seeing Rome is always a gift because every glimpse tells us a story and leaves us amazed, this beautiful exhibition (open until 21 July 2024) will be one more reason to go there; you will admire real bird dresses and wonderful couture creations.
Poster of exhibition Rara Avis Moda in volo
Good life to everyone!
Beatrice