Interview: The Emotional Tale of Valentino and Alda Balestra at 'The Many Lives of A Garment

Why do we love certain garments best? Is it the happy memories they evoke, the feeling of being our best selves when we wear them, or the bittersweet reminiscences of loved ones - or unrequited loves? The exhibition "The Many Lives of A Garment" includes a collaborative section displaying beloved pieces with their own stories. The first in this series is a Valentino Alta Moda dress from the designer's 1989 Hoffman collection, owned by former top model Alda Balestra von Stauffenberg. It signifies Alda's farewell to the runway and was later worn at her wedding. What is your own most cherished garment? “The Many Lives of A Garment” curated by Olivier Saillard and Emanuele Coccia. ITS Arcademy - Museum of Art in Fashion, Trieste. Until January 6th, 2025.