Roberto Capucci Gala Opening

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Winter Gala to celebrate the opening of Roberto Capucci: Art Into Fasion was held on Saturday, March 12, 2011. The Gala included the Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and attracted world-renowned fashion designer Ralph Rucci and iconic San Francisco socialite Joy Venturini Bianchi.

The Art Into Fashion exhibit is not to be missed. If you do have the chance to attend the exhibit, make a note to find a guide. The guides’ enthusiasm and excitement express a genuine pleasure in describing the stories behind the dresses — or rather works of art.

PMA guide Linda Koppelman passionately describes the delicate pleats in the gown of golden silk, skillfully folded like origami and designed to take to form of angel wings, and how Capucci’s creations had transformed from fashion to sculptures. You will be in awe of being so physically close to such craftsmanship!

Another guide, Judy Ramirez, had shared Capucci’s creative process from the beginning of the creations with colorful sketches. Capucci’s vision was not limited on paper; he has employed unusual materials in his design, such as pebbles, raffia, and even glow-in-the-dark beads.

Walking through the exhibit, you can see how Cappuci’s designs evolved from fashion to sculpture, the more fantastic each section. Some designs transcend time; you could easily imagine these works on the latest fashion runway, only to find out they were designed years ago.

For information and tickets, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art.