Art and Fashion
By Alice Carlon

Now that clothing is practically walking sculpture, fabrics rustling canvases and accessories indispensable finishing touches, it's obvious that fashion is rapidly approaching the level of art, and drawing increasingly upon art for its inspiration. As in art, there are brilliant single strokes of creativity, frequent breaks with established norms and inspired experiments with materials diverted from other sectors. Like art, the effect is equally astounding, equally provocative. Fashion and the evolution of style have become social and cultural phenomenon which command a great deal of interest and study.

Giorgio Armani, one of this century's fashion icons, is the subject of a current exhibition hosted by NYC's Guggenheim Museum , while Gianni Versace's prematurely interrupted career is spotlighted in Sydney, at an exhibition first presented at the Moma.

Bulgari, whose has been name historically linked with the work of master artisans is to present its latest watch within the context of a recent exhibition dedicated to art of the 1930's.

But fashion is not solely about exhibitionism: quite often the industry is working busily behind the scenes as promoter, producer and executor of a variety of events. To this end, both the Fondazione Prada and the Spazio Krizia were founded. Both organizations provide a forum for young artists to introduce new means of creative expressions and innovative techniques.

Bulgari, has always actively supported the preservation of artistic traditions and is currently involved in an initiative to benefit the city of Florence as the sponsor of various artistic and cultural events.

And it's unforgettable the "Shoemaker of the Stars", Salvatore Ferragamo, who decided to return to Italy to open his atelier in Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence, but did not renounce his adoring clientele.

The costume gallery of the Palazzo Pitti in Florence is to reopen its doors with an exceptional gesture: an exposition of sixty-six completely accessorized ensembles donated by designer Gianfranco Ferré.
This particular event is part of a larger project, which involves a series of donations to public service organizations and museums.