The Exhibition
After two years of restoration works, 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 selected from haute couture and prêt-à-porter collections donated by designer Gianfranco Ferré.
Opening day is June 21st, and the exhibition is scheduled to remain until September 30th. Entitled "Altre Emozioni" (Other Emotions), the various displays have been divided into five sections and seventeen themes such as Gold, Orient, Opulence, Fable, Alchemy and so on...). The various areas present a mosaic portrait of the designer's creative philosophy from 1986 to today. Characteristic features are a propensity for gold and color and stark white.
The impressive backdrop, fashioned of gilded dais and fibreglass columns works in perfect harmony with the Ferré style.
This particular event is part of a larger Gianfranco Ferré project, which involves a series of donations to public service organizations and museums such as the Musée Galliera in Paris.

Galleria del costume
Founded in 1983, the Galleria del Costume in the Palazzo Pitti is still the only museum of its kind in Italy today, dedicated to the history of clothing. Over 6000 items of clothing and accessories document the cultural evolution of materials and technique from the 17th century to the present day.
The display are accented by the addition of several impressive works taken from the adjacent gallery of modern art: the section dedicated to the '30s is completed the paintings of De Chirico and Sironi.

Palazzo Pitti
Palazzo Pitti, perched on the terraced slopes of Boboli, is the largest palazzo in Florence.
The structure dates back to the mid-1400's and now houses the Galleria Palatina, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, the Museo degli Argenti, the carriage museum and since 1983, the Galleria del Costume as well.
The palazzo's position on the gentle hills of the Giardino di Boboli, surrounded by its rich landscape with its magnificent fountains and statues, renders an enchanting atmosphere.
The beautiful amphitheater which graces the northern garden, used for important presentations and performances from its earliest beginnings, now hosts the largest men's collection show in Europe: Pitti Immagine Uomo.