A red carpet event for a good cause and a win for vintage fashion.
This year, the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef Gala 2021 returned to the island of Capri in the south of Italy, taking place at La Certosa di San Giacomo. The event welcomed superstars Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, and John Legend among other international celebrities like Heidi Klum, Vanessa Hudgens, , Amina Muaddi, Lousita Cash, Tina Kunakey, San Giovanni, Jessica Wang, Rita Ora, and of course the Director General of UNICEF Italia, Paolo Rozera and CEO of LuisaViaRoma, Andrea Panconesi.
Red Carpet Gallery
The usual fanfare for the event's red carpet looks were overshadowed by the 1978 Pierre Cardin worn by Katy Perry, dressed by Stylist Tatiana Waterford, procured by the fashion insider favorite Shrimpton Couture, vintage dealer Cherie Balch. The buzz on social media about the look exploded with mentions by FashionBombDaily by Claire Sulmers, JustJared by Jared Eng, and ayil9881 by Fatima Ilay, among others.
The attention received for the vintage frock is more than just good taste, it may also be an indication that the circular fashion economy is becoming mainstream.
With the circular fashion economy valued at $5 trillion as reported by Vogue Business in November 2020, the industry is scrambling to restructure a business model that is responsible for countless product waste, heavy carbon emission, and dumping in landfills. Vintage and resale fashion, the production of eco-fibers, digital fitting rooms, 3-D printing, and clothing alterations have become the new modus operandi for the next generation of fashion players entering the market and a blueprint for veteran fashion houses.
The collaboration between LuisaViaRoma and UNICEF every year is a benchmark for charity and fashion in Italy to demonstrate the two industries' joint dedication in supporting the greater good, and creating a brighter future for the next generation. Katy Perry and her team’s choice to present a vintage look is in clear alignment with the gala’s intentions and position.
The yearly gala includes an auction of which the proceeds are dedicated to combating world hunger and the malnutrition of children in developing countries. This year a percentage of the profits will also be dedicated to the restoration of the Certosa di San Giacomo. Some of the coveted items in the auction conducted by Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s included Steve McQueen’s 1961 Cooper Formula Junior, artwork by Andy Warhol, and a rare Jacob & Co. Astronomia watch.