When students give recognition to the masters.

On 26th April at the Obihall Theatre in Florence, the final academic year event by the Accademia Italiana, an international school for fashion and design with headquarters in Florence and Rome, that in 28 years of activity has become a point of reference for young designers and industries in the field.

More than 2,000 invited guests will be coming from all over the world, representing universities and companies who will participate at the opening of the Design Exhibition and Fashion show, makes this event a real showcase for the graduates of the School.

"This year we have chosen a particular theme - affirms the President of the Accademia Italiana, Vincenzo Giubba - in fact, the main theme that inspired all the creations "Body and Soul" is also the theme of the event. The theme has been elaborated by the students in the different academic programmes (Fashion and Costume Design, Photography, Interior and Product Design, Graphic Design and Visual Communications as well as Jewellery Design) bringing together research and different formal experiences, at times even antithetical; ranging from cult objects to tattoos. From the sacred to the profound, without provocation; above all, different visions of a unique complexity that involves feelings, sensations or emotions through images, clothing, objects and colours".

The young talents of the Accademia Italiana will present more than 250 outfits on the catwalk, while the works done by the Graphic and Interior & Product Design students will be proposed at the Design Exhibition. The Photography students will prepare a multi-medial space with photo projections and images in movement synchronised to sounds and music.

The central event of the evening will then focus on the awarding of the Pyramid of Excellence to great names in art, fashion and design.
In the past, the students of the Accademia Italiana have awarded this recognition to artists such as Vivienne Westwood, John Richmond, Carla Fendi, Franco Zeffirelli, James Ivory, Ottavio e Rosita Missoni, Ermanno Scervino, Oliviero Toscani, Alessandro Mendini, Andrea Branzi, Elio Fiorucci, Alberto Alessi, Riccardo Dalisi, Cini Boeri, Gabriella Pescucci, Evelyn Swarowsky as well as many other artists and important design companies.
On these occasions, many of these famous artists have been able to meet and discuss with the students in seminars and workshops, their work experiences and projects.
In addition, many of the students have used these encounters to establish professional relationships with these prestigious artists and design companies.

During the 2012 edition the following artists will be awarded the "Pyramid of Excellence":

- The well-known international artist Michelangelo Pistoletto for his deep commitment to the new generation with his "Cittadellarte";

- The prestigious furniture company Poltrona Frau (present, the Vice Director, Dott. Dario Rinero) for design and interiors; the company includes the brands: Poltrona Frau, Cassina and Cappellini;

- The fashion designer Anna Molinari (Blumarine) for women's wear;

- The famous fashion house Bottega Veneta for luxury leather accessories;

- The fashion designer Emilio Cavallini, fashion hosiery;

- La Perla for luxury lingerie (accepting the award, Creative Director, Giovanni Bianchi);

- The entrepreneur, Francesca Lavazza, photographic and graphic artist for the Lavazza artistic calendar;

- The Creative Director for the Armando Testa Agency and Michele Mariani, responsible for the calendar.

The Pyramid is a sculpture designed by the award winning set designer, Gianni Quaranta, Honorary President of the Accademia Italiana, and represents a re-elaboration of the AI logo.

As in each year, guests from the press, television as well as international and national academic institutions will attend.
Among the important international universities present, will be representatives from La Salle University, Drexel University, and Arcadia University in Philadelphia, the University of Rhode Island and Iowa State University. These are all universities from the United States with whom the Accademia Italiana has important links and exchange programs active.

Program of Events: Obihall Theatre, Florence - 26th April 2012
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h. 12.00 Press Conference
h. 17.30 Opening of the Design Exhibition "Body and Soul"
h. 19.30 Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony

(Obihall Theatre, Lungarno Aldo Moro, Florence )

Here is a pre-view of some works that the fashion design students are preparing, documented by the students in the photography course.