The caravanserai, resting place for travelers and merchant caravans, is the place of exchange par excellence.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, September 18 and 19, 2010, the Italian Embassy is hosting the Caravanserraglio (Caravanserai), a traveling exhibition-market showcasing the creations of over 200 Italian craftsmen, artists and designers. Clothing, jewelry, accessories, sculptures, glassware, interior decorations, paintings and carpets will be on display in the gardens of the illustrious Hôtel Particulier on rue de Varenne.
Part of the proceeds will go towards the restoration of a monument in the medieval city of L’Aquila, affected by the earthquake of April 2009, and more specifically to the restoration project financed by the French government, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Born in 2002 from the collaboration of Ciu Ciu Bosco and Flavia Donà delle Rose to discover, support and promote new talent in the fields of women’s ready-to-wear and Italian arts and crafts, Caravanserai is today Italy’s most prestigious itinerant market. Starting in Rome, this chic “caravan” has crossed Italy from south to north, passing through Milan, Florence and Naples. Paris is the new “piazza” where the caravan will exceptionally display its products for a weekend. Flavia Donà delle Rose began her business in the 70s, opening a fashion boutique. Moving to Argentina in the 80s, she exported her boutique concept to Buenos Aires, where she became the first importer of Italian fashion. She also produced the La Bag line of accessories, sold in New York and Paris. In the 90s, Ciu Ciu Bosco was responsible for the promotion and marketing of the magazines Donna – Mondo Uomo – Donna e Bambino, collaborated on the Milan Fair (Milano vende Moda e Contemporary) and the Italian label Cristina Bomba.
Boucles d'Oreilles Lucia Odescalchi
To admire all its products, all you have to do is go to the Italian Embassy in Paris, cross the various salons and enter the gardens, where you can step into the two large caravanserai tents. Observe the refined Murano glass pieces from B & B Oggetti d’Arte. Handmade vases, carafes and goblets sit alongside magnificent skulls, paying tribute to an extraordinary level of craftsmanship. Touch and try on the silk creations of Roman designer Anne Sammarone, whose coats are truly original. As for Lucia Odescalchi’s earrings, you won’t find anything like them, believe me.
Bracelet BERLIN de Lucia Odescalchi
And even if you don’t end up buying anything, you won’t have wasted your day. The Hôtel de Boisgelin, home to the Italian Embassy, is well worth a visit, with its French neoclassical architecture and various salons. I fell in love with the little Sicilian theater, where you can easily imagine scenes from the comedia dell’arte being played out, and the little library salon! The Chinese salon is truly unexpected. As for the grand staircase, I’m told it was directly inspired by the Queen’s staircase at Versailles!
Bague NATURAL-LUXURY de Alessandra Libonati
September 18 and 19, 2010 from 10 am to 6 pm
Embassy of Italy
47, rue de Varenne – 75007 Paris
Marie-Odile Radom
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
