MILAN, May 12, 2005/ FW/ --- Tonight, during the Eight Annual Benefit Gala of the Mosaic Foundation, Gianfranco Ferré designs will join the creations of fourteen other world famous designers in a fashion show at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1998 by the spouses of Arab Ambassadors to the United States, the Mosaic Foundation is a charitable and educational organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children while promoting Arab identity, culture and civilization in the U.S.A.

“West Looks East” is the theme of this year’s edition of the benefit gala. Thus the show aims to highlight the influences of traditional Arab dress on contemporary fashion design.

For “West Looks East” Gianfranco Ferré chose three creations that offer a distinctly glamorous take on quintessential Arab styles and decorative elements: the caftan first of all, in exquisitely light layers of soft pink georgette with gold embroidery; then a sumptuous fuchsia cady burnous, paired with comfortable pants and blouse in the same gorgeous color; lastly, an ensemble in cady and jersey with rich passementerie trims, embroideries and inserts reminiscent of North African cabinet work and mosaics.

Along with relative autographed sketches, the Gianfranco Ferré designs shown at the event will be donated to the Mosaic Foundation.

Gianfranco Ferré, together with Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Dominique Sirop, Donna Karan, Elie Saab, Emanuel Ungaro, Giorgio Armani, Jean-Louis Scherrer, Jean Paul Gaultier, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Rucci, Reem Acra and Valentino will be revealing their own visions of Arab influence on design through their creations.

The ensembles will be available for auction after the Benefit (details to be determined). Proceeds of the evening, in addition to supporting Mosaic and our programming for the 2004-2005 year, will be used to initiate a telemedicine pilot program developed by the Children’s National Medical Center.

For more information about the Mosaic Foundation, please log on: www.mosaicfound.org

Gianfranco Ferré

Gianfranco Ferré

Gianfranco Ferré