John Richmond, highly talented avant-garde fashion designer, (he has designed for names like Madonna, George Michael, Mick Jagger and Annie Lennox) speaking from the stage where he was awarded the "Pyramid of Excellence" stated: "I have never seen so much creativity, so many ideas, such professionalism. The level that these students have reached is incredible!"
Andrea Panconesi, pioneer in the search for new trends and in the promotion of new talents, both through the web and through his cult shop "Luisa Via Roma" agreed: "I have had the opportunity to participate in many fashion shows of schools in Italy and all over the world, but I can say without a doubt that I have never seen such a high level, not only for the ideas and in the creation of the garments, but also in the organization of the event itself, the sets, the choreography, every detail was done to perfection."
Among the guests of honor was the famous California film director, James Ivory, who praised the creations of the Costume Design students.
Congratulations and words of encouragement were also given by the shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti (creator of exceptional footwear for the likes of Michael Jackson and Beyoncè), who underlined the importance of the role taken on by the Accademia Italiana in giving space and visibility to the young designers.
The fashion industry entrepreneurs who were present were likewise enthusiastic: Saverio Moschillo (24 showrooms throughout the world, producer of labels such as John Richmond, and vice-president of the Italian Chamber of Fashion) and Franco Penè (producer of labels that include Rochas, John Galiano, Paul Smith, Chloè, Roberto Cavalli menswear and others).
The design exhibition was also a great success, widely appreciated by the visitors. The innovative designer Denis Santachiara praised the projects proposed by the design students.
This year the theme proposed was "Fashion, Design and Music" which pulled together all the creations presented during the evening.
Each year, the Accademia Italiana organizes year-end events that are a launching pad for young creativity. Over the years many important names have participated, from the world of fashion, show business and design (to name just a few: Vivienne Westwood, Carla Fendi, Franco Zeffirelli, Alessi, Missoni, Fiorucci, Mendini, Cavalli, Scervino and many others).
The President of the Accademia Italiana, Vincenzo Giubba, summed up this mission: "The Accademia Italiana is no longer just a design school, it has become a reference point for international creativity."
