2026-anna-maria-vescovi-fashion
technical description

Long-sleeved Plexiglas cardigan inspired by stained-glass windows and hand-assembled using gold tone jump rings, featuring a crescent-shaped sleeve silhouette. Rounded pointed collar and front fastening with five jewel buttons. Blouse with short puff sleeves in silk and lurex jacquard, with a rounded pointed collar trimmed with lace and spherical front buttons. Bubble-style briefs in silk and lurex jacquard, trimmed with lace and finished with a satin bow fastening. Beige hold-up stockings and gold metallic leather pumps with three-dimensional brass floral embellishments.

concept

Anna Maria Vescovi has centered this womenswear collection on her first-hand archival research into Opéra Garnier’s 19th century costume jewelry, a collection of unique historical significance. Crafted from deceptively simple materials, the pieces were made specially for opera or ballet performances from the Second Empire onwards and embodied theatrical illusion, helping to define the characters’ identities. Vescovi has paired them with a deep passion for her Sicilian heritage, envisioning an unassuming Sicilian “nonna” who doubles as a kleptomaniac and steals gold relics from a nearby church. Heavy handmade embroideries and traditional Sicilian womenswear crafted from decadent textiles come together with a dash of cunning irony.

tags
19th Century, Ballet, Church, Cleptomania, Costume Jewellery, Opéra Garnier, Religious Relics, Sicily, Theater, Tradition, Traditional Costume
year
2026
category
Fashion
object type
Jacket, Sleeveless top, Shorts, Shoes
historical summary

ITS Contest Application year: 2026
Application area: Fashion
Collection shortlisted as a Finalist
Winner of Award

techniques
Hand Cutting, Hand Linking, Jacquard, Weaving
colors
Brass, Gold, Ivory, Peach
materials
Beads, Brass Wire, Cell Cast Acrylic, Leather, Lurex, Silk
note: this digital archive is a new project - work in progress. If you notice any inaccuracies please write to collection@itsweb.org.