UNDER THE HAMMER: Italy’s fashion world is coming to the rescue of Milan’s historic gothic Duomo cathedral with the project “La Moda aiuta il Duomo,” or “Fashion helps the Duomo.”
Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, the historic organization responsible for the monument’s preservation and restoration for almost seven centuries, launched the charity project to support the high costs of restoring its 135 spires and most urgent structural work. In 2012 the organization initiated a fundraising campaign called “Adotta una Guglia [Adopt a Spire]” to help collect money for the spires.
Giorgio Armani, Brunello Cucinelli, Costume National, Etro, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Krizia, Missoni, Moncler, OTB, Prada, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Tod’s, Trussardi and Vivienne Westwood are among the companies and brands that contributed to the project with items of their ready-to-wear and accessories collections.
Under the patronage of the Italian Chamber of Fashion and in collaboration with Tiffany & Co. and auction house Christie’s, the pieces will be auctioned off during a charity gala on April 19 in the Sala delle Colonne at the Great Duomo Museum. Starting today, all pieces are listed on the online auction platform charitystars.com, where interested buyers can pre-bid on their favored items until April 18. The highest bidder per item will receive a proxy invitation to the charity gala, where the final auction will take place.
Prior to the auction, an exhibition will be held from April 14 to 18 at the Great Duomo Museum, on the occasion of the Salone del Mobile furniture and design trade fair, showcasing 10 garments that are embellished with jewels picked by Tiffany & Co.