A magical evening on February 3! Guest of the Concert season of the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, the Italian soprano Mariella Devia offered a recital dedicated to the three queens of Gaetano Donizetti: Anna Bolena (1830), Maria Stuarda (1835) and Roberto Devereux (1837). The collage of musical elements revolves around the central figure of Elizabeth I: from his parents, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn to Maria Stuarda, until the decline and final renunciation of the throne.
On the bare stage, stands out the figure of Queen Devia: she wore for each character a precious cape designed especially for her by Emanuel Ungaro.
Emanuel Ungaro has been one of the most innovative and colourful of today’s couturiers. He worked for Balenciaga and Courreges; in 1965, he opened his own couture business. Ungaro was the son of a singing tailor, and music has been his inspiration. So his designs are created to an accompaniment of classical music in his salon. This has led to his genius for draping and flowing gowns. He uses a wide range of fabrics, prints and textures with an impeccable cutting technique. As far as embellishments are concerned, he has in recent years, used more lace and intricate embroidery on his garments.
Over a black tight-fitting dress, the couturier has created three different capes.
For Anna Bolena, a long cape in midnight blue velvet with yellow gold silk fabric inside, double color ruffles on the neckline and black silk batwing sleeves . Long necklace with pendant in the shape of B and semi-precious blue stones; a second transparent necklace with blue studs.
Simpler the cape for Maria Stuarda: in purple velvet with a lilac silk fabric inside. Beautiful long necklace with large cross pendant and colorful semi-precious stones.
Sumptuous latest creation for Elisabeth I: a black velvet cape – with a shawl collar – hemmed with a precious golden lace with floral motifs. Inevitable the long strings of pearls so beloved by the Queen.
Bel canto and high fashion joined together thanks to two excellent artists!
OPERAFASHION 
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