The Farnese Birdhouses are transformed, thanks to the Rara Avis exhibition, becoming true wunderkammer filled with precious pieces that blur the line between the worlds of birds and humans
Words DILETTA MARSILI
In the spring of 2024, the the Colosseum Archaeological Park becomes the epicenter of an unprecedented event: RARA AVIS. An extraordinary fashion exhibition came to life from April 24th to July 21st at the Farnese Aviaries on the Palatine Hill, expertly curated by Sofia Gnoli and enthusiastically promoted by the Park. The archives of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses will open their doors to unique pieces of haute couture, which will find their home in the enchanting Farnese Aviaries, nestled within the magnificent Farnese Gardens of the Palatine Hill. The exhibition path, articulated into three sections – The Myth, Kaleidoscopic Visions, and Le ALI, surreALI and irreALI – will transport visitors on a journey through real and unreal worlds, inspired by the genius of Anna Piaggi. Special attention will be given to Anna Piaggi’s “aviary” accessories, among which will stand out a cage bag adorned with graceful birds and eccentric hats by Schiaparelli and Philip Treacy.
Among the masterpieces that will capture the gaze, the majestic white swan-shaped dress by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Christian Dior (Cruise, 2022); the enigmatic black swan-themed dress by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy (haute couture autumn-winter 1997); the long black dress adorned with a cascade of kaleidoscopic feathers by Thierry Mugler (haute couture autumn-winter 1997); the golden micro-dress with ostrich feathers by Donatella Versace, specially created for Katy Perry and worn at the MET Gala in 2018; the exclusive look by Alessandro Michele for Gucci worn by Florence Welch at the MET Gala in 2019, along with the colorful bolero by Jean-Paul Gaultier (autumn-winter 1997). A place of honor will be reserved for the “Hummingbird Victory” dress by Tiziano Guardini, made of ecological silk and dedicated to the cause of sustainability. The exhibited dresses and accessories will open the doors to an intriguing dialogue between humans and the animal kingdom, promising a unique and fascinating spectacle. To make this experience even more precious, a catalog curated by Marsilio Arte, enriched with essays by Emanuele Coccia, Karen Van Godtsenhoven, Peter McNeil, Natsumi Nonaka, and Simona Segre Reinach, will accompany visitors on this extraordinary adventure.
