The artisans of Confartigianato Imprese Lecce were protagonists of Dior’s Cruise 2021 Collection organized last July 22 in the Salento capital by the French fashion house. It was a tribute to the manufacturing excellence of Salento’s craftsmanship, a prestigious recognition of the know-how of Confartigianato enterprises at the center of one of the highlights of fashion at the international level.
A true tribute to the arts and crafts of Puglia, the Cruise 2021 collection was designed to celebrate the excellence and priceless value of ancient crafts. As Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s creative director, had announced, Dior’s Cruise 2021 collection is also the fruit of the work of small producers in Puglia, in homage to the region that gave birth to the designer’s father and that Chiuri herself will support in her new post as president of the Puglia strategy group.
And so it was a success for the fashion show and for the Confartigianato companies that helped make it so: Fratelli Parisi, Marilena Sparasci, Tessitura Tre Campane.
The models paraded in the center of a fabulous setting, illuminated by the glow of Fratelli Parisi’s lights (reinterpreted by artist Marinella Senatore). As described by the Parisian fashion house, “these designers and stylists of light have devised virtuoso shapes and graphics in which colors and intensities are combined, creating an astounding effect of movement. Transposed onto the collection’s looks with delicate prints and embroidery, these motifs pay homage to the beauty and power of Puglia’s fascinating traditions.” Since 1876 the company, a member of Confartigianato Imprese Lecce, has been decorating squares and streets with luminarias, the typical, colorful, traditional structures of light and wood that are one of the most characteristic features of our Apulian and Salento culture and an authentic expression of popular devotion and celebration.
Also paying tribute to the world of handicrafts was Marilena Sparasci and her ancient art of bobbin lace. With her dress of about 250 pieces embroidered in pillow lace: roses and butterflies, flowers and leaves created after entire days of work. Up to 15 hours a day spent embroidering in silence.
Not to be outdone is the research into local embroidery and textiles such as those of Tre Campane Weaving, with mattress stripes from the recycled threads of tobacco bales. The Alessano-based company, founded in 1950 and run today by brothers Massimo and Gabriele Liso, was chosen by Dior’s creative director because, while it relies on modern technology, it does not forget the traditional manual skill, which is essential for processing natural fibers such as cotton, linen and cashmere.
“Salento,” stresses President of Confartigianato Imprese Lecce Luigi Derniolo, “is a land full of riches all to be discovered, and every form of promotion is important to turn the spotlight on our excellence. In this sense, the Dior fashion show was an extraordinary showcase to celebrate the inestimable value of ancient crafts.”
“Maria Grazia Chiuri,” says Confartigianato President Giorgio Merletti, “dedicated a true act of love to the prodigies of Italian craftsmanship. A recognition of her value that adds to those of numerous international fashion protagonists who recognize the centrality of Italian micro and small businesses in guaranteeing the excellence of the production of global fashion brands.”
Article by Eleonora Celestini on Confartigianato
