On the 13th of July, fashion designer Sylvio Giardina presented SI/LENZIO, a thought-provoking performance, in collaboration with art curator Alessio De Navasques, at the Baths of Diocletian in Rome

Words MARCO NICOSIA 

Sylvio Giardina, SI/LENZIO. Photography Cristina Crippa.
Sylvio Giardina, SI/LENZIO. Photography Cristina Crippa.

The performance aimed to immerse spectators in a world where rhythm and silence intertwined, echoing the passage of time through centuries of history. Upon entering the venue, attendees encountered a sonic installation in the entrance gardens, setting the stage for a transformative experience of introspection and revelation. Before the main performance, guests passed through an intermediary space adorned with the mosaic of the Delphic Oracle, urging them to contemplate self-awareness and renewal.
“The myth of Persephone inspired a performance that becomes a rite of rebirth,” De Navasques explained. “The divine maiden, evoked by Spanish performer Mina Serrano, represents the most sacred and elusive feminine spirit, cyclically returning from the underworld to bring forth spring and summer.”
The focal point of SI/LENZIO was Aula X, where the Platorini family rested, and a maiden gracefully adorned herself in a cosmic gown, symbolizing perpetual rebirth. This portrayal represented the elusive essence of life, beyond the limitations of age, gender, and societal norms.
Giardina’s creative genius shone through the design of the gown, crafted from remnants of fabrics salvaged from his previous collections. “In each piece, I discovered a memory, a different story,” he shared. “A unique dialogue with the women who wore them and the shapes of the body.”
SI/LENZIO challenged traditional fashion creation by liberating it from the confines of time and industry standards. It blurred the lines between haute couture and artistic expression, using garments as a canvas for personal exploration. “It is an artistic endeavor that defines the signs, traces, and colors of future garments,” De Navasques added. “Haute couture becomes a space for uninhibited contemplation, where sartorial design serves as a starting point for personal artistic exploration.”

Sylvio Giardina, SI/LENZIO. Photography Cristina Crippa.
Sylvio Giardina, SI/LENZIO. Photography Cristina Crippa.

Through SI/LENZIO, Giardina delved into new paradigms of creativity, exploring the impact of journeys, global movements, and consumerism on the fashion industry. The performance provided an immersive experience that encouraged contemplation and offered a captivating glimpse into the convergence of fashion and art, a testament to the boundless possibilities of creative expression. Giardina and De Navasques invited audiences to explore the deeper meanings woven into the fabric of their work, transcending the superficiality often associated with the world of fashion. The performance opened doors to contemplation and introspection, urging us to redefine our relationship with clothing, creativity, and the profound narratives they can convey.
SI/LENZIO underscored the transformative power of artistic expression, reminding us that fashion, at its core, is a conduit for timeless stories and reflections on the human experience. Throughout its mesmerizing run, the performance resonated with spectators, emphasizing how creativity could transcend mere aesthetics and delve into the depths of our shared humanity.