Place: Novara
Born: 1906
Death: 2002
Biography:
Fernanda Gattinoni was a renowned Italian fashion designer, born on December 2, 1906, in Cocquio Trevisago, Italy. She is best known for founding the Gattinoni atelier and designing costumes for notable figures such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Eva Perón, and Audrey Hepburn.
Gattinoni's interest in fashion began at a young age. At 17, she left Italy to work as an apprentice for the Molineaux fashion house in London. She later declined an offer to work for Chanel in Paris and returned to Italy in 1930 to become the head of the creative department for the Ventura atelier. In 1946, she established her own atelier, Gattinoni, which became a hub for Italian fashion.
Gattinoni's designs were characterized by their elegance and sobriety. She was a minimalist who worked embroidery into her designs, creating stunning pieces that were both stylish and understated. Some of her notable works include the costumes she designed for Audrey Hepburn in the 1956 film War and Peace, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design. Gattinoni's collaborations with notable figures are a testament to her skill and reputation in the fashion industry. She designed costumes for Ingrid Bergman, Lucia Bosè, Clara Calamai, and Elizabeth Taylor, among others.
Gattinoni's contributions to the fashion industry were recognized with several awards and honors. She was appointed Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in July 1998, and received "La Lupa" recognition from the City of Rome in December 2001. Gattinoni's legacy can be seen in her designs, which continue to inspire fashion designers today. Her approach to fashion was characterized by her attention to detail and commitment to elegance and sobriety. As she once said, "Nakedness is not stylish."
Gattinoni's designs continue to inspire and influence the fashion industry today. Her legacy is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to elegance and sobriety in fashion.