GIANNI TOLENTINO
Via Manzoni 39 - 20121 - MILANO
T 00 39 (02) 6554465
giannitolentino@interfree.ithttp://www.giannitolentino.it
The personage
Gianni Tolentino, one of the most well-known interpreters of the “Made
in Italy”:
stylist and costume designer, painter from the Brera academy. His evening gowns
dress VIP events, his wedding dresses exalt fabulous weddings, his costumes
created for the Venice Carnival and awarded the Golden Lion prize are
exhibited during public and private events of great prestige, both in Italy and
throughout the world.
THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
First experiences
Gianni Tolentino takes his first successful steps in the 1970s, in
ateliers of great importance in the history
of style: Shön, Dior, Pucci … ideal places for training and addressing
his natural talent and artistic leanings.
His debut
In the early 1980s, Gianni Tolentino inaugurates his first atelier in
the fashion quarters of Milan, in Via Bigli –
one of the streets preferred and inhabited by Milan’s high society. It soon becomes the
destination and reference point for an Italian and foreign clientele, attracted
by its elegance and original style.
His first show
In the surroundings of the Grand Hotel et de Milan, his exclusive creations
parade along a glistening catwalk adorned with gold brocade and fl owers, in
front of an audience of fascinating ladies from the jet set, stars of the
cinema, theatre, TV, opera, ballet, endorsements of his refi ned and unique
collection.
New headquarters
at Palazzo Borromeo
At the start of the 1990s, Gianni Tolentino opens a new elegant atelier
in the very central Via Manzoni,
at number 39, in
one of the most important palaces in Milan’s
history. In spectacular surroundings which the stylist personalises with his
splendid frescos and celebrates every season with exclusive parties and VIP
appointments.
Gianni Tolentino becomes Prèt a Porter
During the 1990s, he starts to design some Prèt a Porter collections,
specialising particularly in evening
dress. Haute Couture remains his fi rst love but new social changes
suggest production for a wider and more diversify ed public. His Prèt a Porter
though is distinguished by the influence of haute couture and his creative
originality.The many facets of an author destined to the most elegant boutiques
in Italy
and abroad.
His passion for
costumes
Gianni Tolentino has a true and proper passion for costumes inspired by
the Carnival.
Love at first sight, fatally struck in the ideal surroundings of
magical Venice
during one of the many
parties held in the evocative patrician palaces around the lagoon where
the stylist has often been
a guest of honour. Gianni Tolentino possesses one of the most
beautiful, precious and original collections of Carnival costumes and, quite
often, he accepts invitations to present them on prestigious occasions and
in various scenarios, from castles in France
and Britain
to the most famous Italian villas, some of which
are historical and belong to FAI (Fondo Ambientale Italiano – Italian National
Trust Fund), as well as important museums. Worthy of mention is the Museo della
Permanente in Milan
which, in 2007, organised the exhibition “Gianni Tolentino – When Costume is
Art”. Various books, many articles and numerous television programs have been
dedicated to his artistic and stylistic creativity over the past years, both in
Italy
and abroad.
A great love – Teatro alla Scala
No “red carpet” of Oscar Awards, nor the walks of cinema festivals or
galas generate greater emotions
for Gianni Tolentino than Teatro della Scala which, with its
magnificent “first nights”, has for years been
the muse inspiring many of his evening creations, the most admired, the
most photographed, the most worn
by fascinating and cultured personalities, ladies that adore him
because he dresses them for their dream evenings.