Grimaldi Giardina: Byzantium Chic
By Mari Davis
Photos by FW

PARIS, Jul 8, 2004/ FW/ --- Roman couturiers Grimaldi Giardina continue their philosophical treatment of fashion with their Fall 2004 haute couture collection as they put Mary Magdalene on the limelight as both woman and saint dressing her in Byzantium inspired gowns, dresses and pantsuits.

Students of history know that the Byzantine Empire is the eastern half of the ancient Roman Empire whose capital was at Byzantium or Constantinople. Because of its geographical location with Asia Minor at its heart, the Byzantine civilization resulted from three influences: the first Alexandrian-Hellenic, a native product, the second Roman, the third Oriental.

Designers and couturiers alike can mine this very rich cultural heritage, and Grimaldi Giardina did just that, focusing on the religious aspect of the empire, which, by the way is the most important influence in its development.

Taking us to the point in history wherein Christianity had taken hold of the land; Grimaldi Giardina recreated sacred vestments turning them into closely cut ruche pants and pairing them with body-hugging tops with deep horseshoe shaped necklines adorned and embedded with crystals.

The big sleeves of the Roman toga, circa 6th century A.D. became part of the striped catsuit with the bodice made of wide strips of cloth while the vestment of church officials was translated into a golden mini dress with the sleeves shaped like a cape.

Not leaving anything out, Grimaldi Giardina also used jewelry by Cipriano. From the golden chokers to the dangling earrings, the icons of the Byzantine Empire turned into necklaces, bracelets and charms.

And the best part of this collection – it is entirely wearable! Grimaldi Giardina made the clothes light and sweet even with the heavy ornamentation. Embroidery, tiny diamantes, crystals and gems became the modern day transformation of the chunky Byzantium adornments.

One thing that was curios in the runway show is that there were times when the models wore leather flip-flops. It looked incongruent, especially when the outfit screams stilettos or high heels as footwear. But Grimaldi Giardina wanted to stay within the periods wherein the denizens of the Byzantine Empire wore flat sandals.

With that explained, there is nothing to mar this incredible collection - a lesson in history that came with great looking and wearable clothes. A fashionista cannot ask for more.

Grimaldi Giardina

Grimaldi Giardina

Grimaldi Giardina

Grimaldi Giardina