Ferré e Comte: DETAILS

The myth of Maria Luigia – timeless cultural icon of the city of Parma – is rediscovered to mark the bicentenary of the arrival of the Duchess in the land of Verdi.
A path of cultural events, which comprises places, style and neoclassical culture, has been created by the city of Parma in celebration of this important occasion.

Fashion and photographic art come together in the ‘Ferre and Comte. DETAILS’ project, hosted at the Governor's Palace of Parma.
The two exhibitions pay homage to one of the most popular figures of the city, a symbol of style and elegance, and accompany the audience on an exciting path between fashion, art, photography, history and taste.

The unexpected similarities between Gianfranco Ferre and Maria Luigia are revealed by the Gianfranco Ferré Foundation, which presents a wide range of leading, selected high-fashion and ready-to-wear collections to show the parallels. The work is the result of a research project aimed at identifying the “unexpected similarities between some of the style variations of Ferré and the passions, taste and times of the ‘Good Duchess’”.
The exhibition displays all the details of the history of fashion, as interpreted by the genius of Ferré. Sixty beautiful garments are accompanied by their preparatory sketches as part of a show that creates a simultaneously emotional and philological journey. Divided into distinct areas, a story unfolds – but it is not defined by historical and temporal timelines, rather it is designed with an emphasis on the tastes, passions and fascinations of the time and therefore of the heroine Maria Luigia herself.

The exhibition, by Michel Comte entitled ‘Neoclassical’, is located in the second floor of the Governor’s Palace, and has been curated by Jens Remes in collaboration with Alberto Nodolini and Anna Tavani. The pieces convey emotions of an ancient past, which are reinterpreted with rigorous poetry by one of the most prestigious contemporary photographers.

Michel Comte’s neoclassical pieces first inspire, then lead to destruction. Still today, the charm of neoclassical art remains unchanged in history, fashion and design. Comte shows his way of interpreting the neoclassical parable – “through a path of sculptures, light installations and photographs”.