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Florence, Italy (24/6/1999) – Lately, Tuscany and specifically Florence seem to have become a reference point for fashion-oriented activities. First it was Esther Cañadas' surprise wedding (except for the 140 close friends and relatives invited) to Dutch sweetheart of two years, model Mark Vanderloo. It took place at the Vallenbrosa Abbey located on Patronian hill, overlooking Florence.

Today, it is the turn of one of Europe's most important men's fashion events, Pitti Uomo, which celebrates its 56th edition presenting the collections for spring/summer 2000 in a moment of crisis in this industry.

In preparation, Fort Belvedere, located on the Oltrarno hills, had been closed to the public for days because it was to hold Hugo Boss' presentation today. All of this to the chagrin of the tourists that climb to it to view the beautiful sights of Florence seen from there. Also, a catwalk has been set up in the Piazza Degli Ufizzi, surrounded by the museum building from which it derives its name, alongside the river bank of the Arno. In it, according to one of the people in charge of the installation, 23 designers will present their new millennium collections. Thus, the people of Florence expect a weekend of overbooked hotels and restaurants as well as difficulties finding taxis.

Another of the companies that presents its new collection here is Burberry's, whose new designer, Roberto Menichetti - drafted from the Jill Sander studio - has been given the mission of renovating the brand's "deja vu" image. He has opted for laser sewn designs. Among the other firms showing are Katharine Hamnett, Les Copains, Superga, Invicta and Moschino with its new Moschino Line. Certainly, the city that holds Michellangelo's David is, again, as it has been for some time, a wonderful place to hold a men's fashion event. Pitti Uomo ends on the 27th of June.

All of this coincides with an interesting exhibition called "Audrey Hepburn una donna, lo stile" (Audrey Hepburn a woman, the style), which is taking place in this city's Museo Salvatore Ferragamo (the famous shoe designer). It covers the actress' career and her work for Unicef drawing on photos, accessories and dresses worn by Hepburn both in her private life as well as in movies. These have been loaned to the museum for the occasion by her children, American Studios, Hubert de Givenchy and Valentino. The exhibition also includes the original wooden last of Audrey Hepburn's foot made by Salvatore Ferragamo in 1954. The proceeds from the exhibit, whose tickets cost approximately US$ 8.00 (12.000 lire), will be donated to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund, an American organization created by the actress' son, Sean Ferrer, to continue her humanitarian mission. Audrey Hepburn una donna, lo stile, which opened on the 1st of May, can be visited until the 1st of July.

Finally, we must mention that Colombian painter/sculptor, Emilio Botero, whose statues have graced the streets of many a global city, is also presenting a selection of his statues in Florence these days. They are lined alongside the Palazzo Vecchio in the Piazza de la Signoria and in the Piazza Degli Ufizzi.

Esther Cañadas

Brochure of the
Hepburn exhibition.

Hepburn with
Ferragamo in 1954.