The prestigious Italian haute couture house, Curiel, unfurled its “History & Future” themed exhibition with grandeur at the luxurious hub of Shanghai, the Central Trust and Tai Fu Plaza, affectionately known as the “Golden Triangle” of luxury. Marking a milestone in the brand’s 120-year journey, this retrospective marks the first time Curiel has ventured into the Chinese mainland to showcase its rich heritage and announce the dawn of a new era in haute couture.
The evening saw an assembly of approximately 200 distinguished guests, comprising political and business elites, international art luminaries, China’s top media personalities, and fashion opinion leaders, gathered to witness the historic opening. Among the esteemed attendees were Maria Ludovica Murazzani, Commercial Consul of the Italian Consulate General in Shanghai; Massimiliano Tremiterra, Chief Representative of the Italian Trade Agency in Shanghai; renowned opera diva Lucia Alberti from La Scala, Milan; Zhu Peiliang, General Manager of Central Trust and Tai Fu Plaza, Shanghai; Raffaella Curiel, the third-generation heiress, and Gigliola Curiel, the fourth-generation family member, representing the Curiel dynasty; Zhao Yizheng, Chairman of Hongjue Haute Couture; and Pan Wenyu, President of Curiel.
Curiel’s Journey Through Time and Space
Curated by the renowned Italian fashion event specialist, Giuseppe Silvestrin, and his team, who flew in from Milan, the “History & Future” exhibition in Shanghai builds upon the concept debuted during Milan Fashion Week last September, further embellishing the indelible bond between Curiel and La Scala Opera House. The facade of Curiel’s flagship store at Central Trust and Tai Fu Plaza was transformed into a gateway to the world’s most exquisite opera house, inviting guests to ascend the stairs, as if stepping back in time to the golden era of Italian haute couture and La Scala during the 1950s and 1960s.
Upon crossing this threshold of time and space, visitors entered a realm that traversed the vast and enchanting history of Curiel, an aesthetic odyssey through four distinct zones, each representing a pivotal chapter in the brand’s storied narrative.
Artistic Couture: A Fusion of Art and Fashion
The first zone, “Artistic Couture,” showcased Curiel’s pioneering integration of art into haute couture since 1992. From Picasso to Klimt, Tchaikovsky to Proust, Curiel’s garments encapsulate the essence of these masterpieces, translating their splendor into timeless silhouettes, crafted with generations-old tailoring techniques and classic hues. Each piece is a testament to the brand’s ability to transform artistic masterpieces into wearable works of art.
La Scala Opera House: A Glamourous Era Revisited
The “La Scala Opera House” section recaptured the grandeur of 20th-century Italy, when the economy and culture flourished. Curiel’s gowns adorned the opening nights of La Scala, becoming a staple for aristocrats and socialites. These elegant, ornate dresses, adorned with precious jewels, illuminated the red carpets of Italian and European society, creating unforgettable moments in the annals of fashion history.
Green & Black: An Oriental Twist on Haute Couture
The “Green & Black” exhibition space honored the brand’s innovative incorporation of distant Eastern embroidery techniques into its haute couture designs. This fusion of East and West, tradition and modernity, showcases Curiel’s commitment to pushing boundaries and preserving cultural heritage through fashion.
White: Royal Weddings and Timeless Elegance
Lastly, the “White” section, premiered exclusively in China, featured Curiel’s exquisite wedding gowns crafted for royalty and aristocracy. These immaculate creations, embodying purity and sophistication, are a testament to the brand’s mastery in creating bridal couture that transcends time.
A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Elegance
The Curiel “History & Future” exhibition in Shanghai is not just a retrospective; it is a triumphant ode to the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and creativity. Each garment on display is a living testament to the Curiel legacy, a testament to the power of fashion to preserve history, inspire dreams, and shape the future.
