Fashion & Antiquity, a pioneering event that delved into the fascinating connection between fashion and antiquity, has successfully concluded after five engaging and thought-provoking days. The event, hosted by three esteemed institutional partners – Museo Nazionale Romano, Fashion Studies Sapienza, and NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) – offered a comprehensive program open to the public. Activities, exhibitions, dialogues, and comparative studies with archaeology were just some of the highlights that made this event both informative and inclusive.
Curated by Alessio de’Navasques and Stéphane Verger, with valuable scientific contributions from Colomba Leddi and Romana Andò, Fashion & Antiquity presented a program comprising three workshops and a two-day symposium that brought together experts, students, and fashion enthusiasts.
One of the workshops, led by renowned curator Judith Clark, was titled “Building Classical Ideals: Recognizing the Gods through their Attributes.” Students from NABA and Sapienza had the opportunity to create an exhibition path inside Palazzo Altemps, exploring the concept of monumentality and crafting a narrative itinerary through the inclusion of captions. This hands-on experience allowed the students to gain insights into the symbolic aspects of fashion and to understand how ancient sculptures communicated through symbolic objects, much like fashion does today.
Installation created by students of the Fashion Design area of NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti and of the SARAS Department of Sapienza University of Rome as the outcome of the workshop Building Classical Ideals: Recognizing the Gods through their Attributes, under the artistic direction of Judith Clark, as part of the Fashion & Antiquity initiative, promoted by the National Roman Museum, Sapienza University of Rome and NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, curated by Alessio de'Navasques and Stephan Vérger, with the scientific contribution of Romana Andò and Colomba Leddi . The installation was hosted at the National Roman Museum, Palazzo Altemps on November 28, 2023.
Photography Cinzia Capparelli
In the workshop “Timeless Shapes and Constructions of Handwoven Garment Making,” curated by Jan Jan Van Essche – an award-winning Belgian designer – students immersed themselves in the study of archaic and geometric shapes found in linear textures. Over the course of just two days, these students transformed their research into a poignant and visually striking installation located within Michelangelo’s Cloister at the Baths of Diocletian. By exploring the relationship between textile and form, they were able to create a captivating exhibition.
Installation created by students of the Fashion Design area of NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti and of the SARAS Department of Sapienza University of Rome as the outcome of the workshop Timeless Shapes and Constructions of Handwoven Garment Making, under the artistic direction of Jan-Jan Van Essche , as part of the Fashion & Antiquity initiative, promoted by the National Roman Museum, Sapienza University of Rome and NABA, New Academy of Fine Arts, curated by Alessio de'Navasques and Stephan Vérger, with the scientific contribution of Romana Andò and Colomba Leddi. The installation was hosted at the National Roman Museum, Baths of Diocletian on 29 November 2023.
Contents by Megha Chandan, Eva Corrivetti, Maedeh Dallakan, Samira Fathimourjani, Lesia Fomenko, Jacopo Greco, Ilaria Meo, Boris Mirnykh, Zoja Muhic, Mina Pourghasemi, Sudabeh Rahimzadeh, Mokhibonu Saidmalikova, Emanuele Scattaretico, Elham Shakibaee, Somayyeh Sharifi, Atefeh Shirkoul, Lenart Solar, Andrea Teodora Toader, Aishwarya Wagh
Photography Cinzia Capparelli
The third workshop, titled “Indexing Fashions” and curated by fashion scholar Marco Pecorari, aimed to provoke reflections on the meaning of fashion archives. Choosing four sculptures from Palazzo Massimo’s collection for their symbolic significance, students explored how fashion can provide insights into the contemporaneity of ancient figures. The culmination of this workshop was the presentation of four performative works that addressed topics such as racial discrimination, feminism, the construction of gender identity, and the connection between sculptures and contemporaneity. These works incorporated fashion’s imageries and engaged the audience in a dialogue about contemporary issues.
Installation created by students of the Fashion Design area of NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti and of the SARAS Department of Sapienza University of Rome as the outcome of the Indexing Fashions workshop: rethinking the photographic archive of the National Roman Museum through fashion, under the direction artistic work by Marco Pecorari, as part of the Fashion & Antiquity initiative, promoted by the National Roman Museum, Sapienza University of Rome and NABA, New Academy of Fine Arts, curated by Alessio de'Navasques and Stephan Vérger, with the scientific contribution of Romana Andò and Colomba Leddi. The installation was hosted at the National Roman Museum, Palazzo Massimo on 29 November 2023.
Photography Cinzia Capparelli
The Fashion & Antiquity Symposium, held over two days, featured expert panels discussing a wide range of themes. Topics explored included the symbolic and ritual meaning of fashion, the body and gender identity, and the depiction of the ancient as imaginary. Speakers such as Stéphane Verger, Alessandro Saggioro, Emanuela Cristiani, Chiara Giobbe, Maria Luisa Frisa, Vittoria Caratozzolo, Gwen Grewal, Romeo Gigli, and Alessio de’Navasques shared their knowledge and insights, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between fashion and antiquity.
The second day of the symposium featured panels that delved into topics such as the fold and the garment in motion, the sacredness of dressing, and Fashion Remains. Thought-provoking discussions were led by esteemed speakers, including Judith Clark, Irene Baldriga, Donatella Barbieri, Luca Scarlini, Clara Tosi Pamphili, Marco Pecorari, Agnese Pergola, Marco Galli, Francesca Coletti, Simona Segre Reinach, Alessandro Manzi, Romana Andò, and Silvia Mazzucotelli Salice. These experts shed light on new methodologies of fashion studies, offering insights into contemporary fashion practices.
Fashion & Antiquity proved to be a captivating and engaging event, providing a platform for interdisciplinary discussions and fostering a deeper understanding of the profound connection between fashion and antiquity. By combining the expertise of scholars, the creativity of students, and the enthusiasm of fashion enthusiasts, this event successfully showcased the enduring influence of ancient civilizations on contemporary fashion.
For further information and updates on upcoming events, visit the official website at www.fashionandantiquity.com.
About Museo Nazionale Romano:
Museo Nazionale Romano is an esteemed institution that preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of ancient Rome. With a focus on archaeology and art, the museum aims to educate and inspire visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient world.
About Fashion Studies Sapienza:
Fashion Studies Sapienza is a leading academic institution that promotes the study and analysis of fashion from various perspectives. Through research, teaching, and public engagement, the institute seeks to contribute to the development of fashion studies and cultivate a greater understanding of fashion’s cultural significance.
About NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti):
NABA is an internationally renowned art and design academy based in Milan. With a forward-thinking and multidisciplinary approach, NABA offers programs in various creative fields, including fashion, design, visual arts, and communication. The academy is committed to nurturing innovative and socially responsible artists and designers.
33 MAGAZINE 