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Fete for Ferre
By Heather O'Brian
Photos courtesy of Gianfranco Ferre-FWD
MILAN, April 15, 2002/ FWD/ --- Flying in some of the world's most famous models all but
guarantees a great party.
And so it was that IT Holding feted Gianfranco Ferré, the company's latest acquisition,
with a gala dinner for 300 guests and a runway show featuring Naomi Campbell, Helena
Christensen, Esther Canadas, Pat Cleveland, Lynn Coster, Nadege, Marpessa, Nina Heimlich
and Fernanda Lessa.
The top mods showed off some 70 hits from the designer's ready-to-wear and couture collections
at his Milan headquarters on Via Pontaccio.
"Involving in this 'historical' show some of the models I've loved was practically a must
for me," Ferré explained.
"Their presence makes the evening all the more meaningful. And the fact that many agreed
to come has filled me with happiness. It goes to show that my relationship with them was,
and is, extraordinary."
Others "extraordinary" Ferré friends in attendance at the veritable Who's Who in Milan
event were Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani, fashion editor Anna Piaggi,
Camera Nazionale della Moda chairman Mario Boselli and honorary president Beppe Modenese,
along with Italian actresses Anna Valle and Chiara Muti.
And of course there was Ferré's new boss Tonino Perna, the head of the IT Holding Group,
who thought of the event as a sort of official welcome into the group's fold.
The designer acknowledged that it was hard to pick out just 70 looks for what he aptly
called The Best of Gianfranco Ferré, a show that was prepared in just a few weeks.
"It's hard to recount almost 30 years of fashion in 70 designs," he said.
"How could one possibly claim to love one child more than another?" the designer responded
when asked if he had a personal favorite.
But the crowd anointed two clear favorites, both worn by Campbell: a long red evening dress,
and a slinky red coral piece.
The party last April 10 was a celebration, but next week IT Holding will have to get down
to the business of presenting strategic plans and forecasts for Ferré.
The fashion house was acquired by holding company GTP, which also controls IT Holding, at
the start of 2001.
As expected, IT Holding agreed to acquire the fashion house from GTP last month.
IT Holding also owns the Malo, Extè and Romeo Gigli labels.
The Best of Gianfranco Ferré
The Best of Gianfranco Ferré
The Best of Gianfranco Ferré
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