Centro Internazionale delle Arti e del Costume
Centro Internazionale delle Arti e del Costume (International Center of the Arts and Costume). Conceived by Franco Marinotti, the founder of the Snia Viscosa, it was created in Venice, at Palazzo Grassi. From August 21st to August 23rd 1956, the Center organized its first event, entitled Fashion in Contemporary Costume, which took place over three days and had the participation of couturiers from Germany, Japan, India, England, Ireland, Spain, and the U.S. The executive committee was composed of Paolo Marinotti (Franco’s son), Romeo Toninelli, Bettina Ballard, Brunetta Mateldi, Giulio Rodinò, Francesco Chiarini, and Ferdinando Feliciani. Italy (whose delegates were Brunetta and Irene Brin) was present with 21 fashion houses which created 66 production models, for both boutiques and haute couture. The group was lead by Antonelli, Fabiani, Marucelli, Garnett, Capucci, Carosa, Curiel, Simonetta, Schuberth, and the Pellegrini fur factory. The organization of the Collection had been entrusted to Marida Tecchio and, on the whole, more than 100 brands presented 300 styles in “Man Made” fibers produced by Snia Viscosa. Success was immediate, and there was big international publicity. From year to year, the event became more and more interesting, presenting for the first time great spectacle-presentations (or fashion-spectacles) which saw the participation of directors such as — among others — Filippo Crivelli and of wonderful models, actors, and singers such as Milly, and of very promising young figures such as Mariangela Melato, Giancarlo Giannini, Sandro Massimini, Enzo Tarascio, and Luigi Pistilli. After the death of Franco Marinotti, the Center’s activity was continued for some years by his son Paolo until, for several reasons, Palazzo Grassi closed its doors to fashion and, thanks to Gianni Agnelli, opened them to art.