Florence, Italy – Reported by Coleman Bentley for Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Set within the throes of Florence’s 82nd Pitti Immagine Uomo Fair and featuring a Spring/Summer line equally influenced by both F. Scott Fitzgerald’s jazz-age swing and the bold elegance of Africa, Stefano Ricci made sure that Uffizi Gallery Museum’s very first fashion show began, quite literally, in style.
Released in tandem with the designer’s 40th Anniversary, the Romeo Conte-directed runway highlighted the classic Italian lines and luxurious materials that have combined to make Stefano Ricci world-famous. Assertive double-breasted jackets and crocodile leather jackets combined with cashmere silk garments to showcase an exquisitely crafted exercise in compliment and contrast, only furthered by a women’s walk-out that featured simple black-silk trousers accented with gold, diamonds and, yes, even more crocodile.
Unlike most conventional fashion shows, however, the highlight of Stefano Ricci’s Spring/Summer 2013 debut took place off the runway, as eight Maasai Warriors—who had never before left the confines of the Maasailand region of Tanzania—sat in attendance. It was an expression of gratitude on the part of Maasailand people (as if appointing Stefano Ricci himself Chief of the Masaai community in Simnajiro wasn’t enough) thanking the Ricci family for their involvement in countless public works projects throughout the area.
Stefano Ricci graciously accepted the gesture by announcing a new sewing machine-less bespoke atelier (to open next September) that will provide the world with the best and most humane high-fashion available.