Italian fashion show opens tomorrow with local influence

The Bridge Foundation, founded by Letizia Maggi over three years ago, acts as a cultural bridge between Italy and Southern Africa to create platform for the sharing of ideas and resources between the two countries. It seeks to create new ways to enhance productivity through the channels of arts and fine craftsmanship. It is facilitating cultural interchange at the festival in several ways.

Ethical fashion

Italian fashion designer, Angela Corsani (www.angelacorsanisartoria.it) has been invited to showcase the unique way in which her designs incorporate traditional cultural influences into contemporary clothing creations. Angela's work draws on the local roots of culture and fashion from various regions.

Representing 'ethical fashion', she is working with South African women from communities in Limpopo and incorporating their fine hand-embroidery work into her modern clothing designs, thus 'building a bridge' between Italy and South Africa.

Angela's collections will be a highlight in all daily fashion shows taking place on the Piazza throughout the duration of the festival.

Ceramics, décor

The foundation has also been instrumental in bringing ceramic artist Eugenio Taccini and interior décor craftsman Tommaso De Carlo to the festival.

Taccini will be demonstrating the art of painting on tiles as well as the making of 15th and 16th Century style vases from Florence, www.eugeniotaccini.com. Tommaso will be demonstrating various styles of Italian design and interior décor, www.tommasodecarlo.it. Both are attending the festival as members of the Foundation of Artisans of Florence, www.fondazioneartigianato.it.

Bridge Foundation creating sustainable communities

Empowering women and creating sustainable communities are key objectives of the foundation's work. A primary conduit to the achievement of the foundation's objectives is the combining of local resources with the equity of the 'Made in Italy' stamp.

Culturally, the project assists creative communities to develop and finesse their designs while being exposed to Italian creativity and flair. Likewise, hand-manufactured articles, such as accessories and embroidery, typically South African in their make up and colouration, provide inspiration and a fresh new material for Italian designers.

Socially, the programme supports the development of communities through providing additional training in their craft, developing their handicraft and adding more value to their work, achieving international levels in the highly competitive fashion and accessories markets, while still keeping alive the true spirit of traditional South African design. The programme also forms an avenue for the development of social identity in communities where traditional roles are being challenged.

For fashion show times, go to www.italia-in-piazza.co.za.