Istituto Secoli is one of the key participants in the exhibition Rosa Genoni (1867-1954): A Woman Conquering the 20th Century, which will be inaugurated during Milan Fashion Week on January 13, 2018, at the State Archives of Milan. The exhibition, curated by Elisabetta Invernici with the contribution of granddaughter and biographer Raffaella Podreider, is a narrative and emotional journey highlighting the Italian designer’s commitment to fashion and teaching for women’s empowerment. Two original dresses on display—one inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace in bamboo viscose and the other by the Egyptian Kalasiris in 100% natural nettle fabric—were created based on the patterns and descriptions contained in the book written by Rosa Genoni in 1909, Per una moda italiana: modelli, saggi, schizzi di abbigliamento femminile, 1906-1909. These two garments, produced and exhibited to the public for the first time, were studied and hand-sewn by Rebecca Formenti, a student of the Master in Lingerie and Bridal Wear at Istituto Secoli in Milan. The dresses will be displayed in the fashion section of the exhibition “Tribute to Rosa Genoni,” which can be visited until February 4, 2018, and features contributions from renowned fashion brands including Curiel, Fratelli Rossetti, and Ornella Bijoux.
“It was a wonderful experience to work on this project,” states designer Formenti, continuing, “engaging with a pattern-making approach completely different from what is studied in the classroom was challenging but fascinating; I tried to remain as faithful as possible to the original patterns designed by Rosa Genoni in her book.”