The La Scala 2010 Opera Season opens tomorrow amid controversy over arts funding in Italy and further controversy over the chosen composer, Wagner, a choice which has been defended by Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim who will direct the four-hour performance of “Die Walküre”.
But now, as the great evening approaches, another choice has been exercising the vip ladies of Italy – their choice of gown for the première. After all, reports Corriere della Sera, there is only one La Scala and, even if, in these hard times, it would be insensitive to display one’s wealth outside the building, once the ladies have entered the foyer, it is red carpet time!
Among the dignitaries attending the première will be President Napolitano, accompanied by Mayor of Milan Letizia Moratti, who is said to favour Armani. Minister of Economic Development Paolo Romani is bringing his fifteen-year-old daughter, Lucrezia, along and she says she is prepared to sit through the long opera as it will be her first opportunity to wear an evening dress, designed by Lidia Cardinale Privé. Minister of Tourism Michela Vittoria Brambilla will be wearing Dolce and Galbana and perhaps this year she will change the colour from the black she usually prefers.
Northern League European Member of Parliament Matteo Salvini’s companion, Cinzia, will wear a silver outfit by Lorenzo Riva while actress and writer Sarah Maestri has chosen a long, black, chiffon gown by Blugirl. Actress, showgirl and designer Valeria Marini will wear one of her own dresses but celebrity Gabriella Dompè is bravely “betraying” Italian designers by choosing a Dior creation in bronze and gold which is in keeping, she says, with the military theme of the opera. Her accessories, however, will be by the Italian company Casadei.
The première’s most favoured designer is, however, Lella Curiel. Laura Teso, Marta Brivio Sforza, Hedda Urbani and Eva Leitgeb will all wear her designs. Curiel says that the evening is one for opera connoisseurs rather than a social one. Saverio Moschillo will attend with his daughter, Alessandra, who will wear an outfit by John Richmond, the British brand which her father owns. Mr Moschillo says that La Scala represents the international aspect of Milan and that there is no obligation to wear only clothes designed by Italian houses:
“We are proud to be Italian but above all, European.”
