From the Velvet mi Amor exhibition by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
La Vellutina by Beatrice Brandini
Until June 8, 2025, the Museo del Tessuto in Prato celebrates velvet, one of the oldest and most precious fabrics over the centuries, in the Velvet mi Amor exhibition curated by the creative imagination and research of the studio of designers Stefano Chiassai and Corinna Chiassai.
From the Velvet mi Amor exhibition by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
Velvet mi Amor is an exhibition project dedicated to contemporary experiments with velvet, in which 24 characters dressed entirely in velvet, show how this material is versatile and, thanks to the creative minds of Stefano and Corinna, lends itself to decidedly innovative combinations.
From the Velvet mi Amor exhibition by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
It is an exhibition that also and above all enhances Italian craftsmanship, excellence that exists only in our country and that gives life to incredible creations, the result of special treatments such as laser, inlays, weaving, prints, etc. Also important are the combinations with other materials such as velvet and satin, velvet and denim, velvet and poplin.
From the exhibition Velvet mi Amor by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
“The idea was to transform velvet. New shapes, new processes, surprising placements and greater versatility”. Stefano Chiassai
These anthropomorphic figures by Chiassai allow us to understand the versatility and potential of velvet.
I had already seen something of the Velvet mi Amor exhibition in a past edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo, and, now as then, I was definitely impressed. It is incredible to see how they managed to transform this fabric, making it extraordinarily creative, innovative, different, precious, and even witty. Yes, because what shines through in Stefano Chiassai’s work is always also a hint of irony (or self-irony), someone who knows how important and serious work in fashion is, but at the same time doesn’t like to take himself too seriously, aware of being lucky to do what he loves and what he knows how to do well.
From the Velvet mi Amor exhibition by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
Stefano Chiassai is an artist, a designer, a collector and an author.
Corinna Chiassai is a Fashion Designer, Art Director and Archive Curator. Today Studio Chiassai is one of the most established design studios in Italy. Furthermore, its collection of vintage garments boasts an archive of over 20,000 garments, a passion that has given life to another important project, TheCube Archive, a unique heritage, but also a point of reference for the fashion industry and its protagonists.
From the Velvet mi Amor exhibition by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
Stefano Chiassai was my teacher when I was studying at Polimoda, even in those years his approach was certainly professional but also relaxed; I remember teachers who were quite “scary”, obviously because they were very strict and selective. I, for example, who have never been very manual (I’m talking about sewing), had a lot of difficulty in making things. Stefano never made me feel uncomfortable, and this aspect is, in my opinion, fundamental for a teacher. Let’s stop with the idea of terrorizing, we talk a lot about inclusiveness and tolerance, but at school first, and then at work, these two aspects are often ignored. In fact, being “bad” rather than understanding seems to be a priority. I am no longer an entrepreneur (swimwear), but I would have certainly tried to create a happy and serene environment because I believe that this is the only way creativity can develop.
From the Velvet mi Amor exhibition by Stefano and Corinna Chiassai
Visit this exhibition because it is really worth it.
Museo del Tessuto, Via Puccetti, 3, Prato
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00 / 15:00. Friday – Saturday 10:00 / 19:00. Sunday 15:00 / 19:00
Good life to everyone!
Beatrice