Fresh from a celebrity-packed New York Fashion Week, some of the world’s famous faces, from Gwyneth to Naomi, have headed to Milan for the Italian city’s version of the style extravaganza. But not all the action is on the catwalks, as demonstrated by the star-studded opening of Mario Testino’s photo exhibit on Tuesday at the Palazzo Reale’s 19th-century museum.
The event, which was followed by an Italian Vogue charity black-tie dinner to benefit Child Priority, brought out the crème de la crème of the fashion world, including designers Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace. Dolce & Gabbana escorted model/businesswoman Naomi Campbell, while Gucci designer Tom Ford came with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who was sporting a “preview” Gucci gown from the collection to be shown on Saturday.
At the event, Hollywood stars and supermodels were matched in glamour by Jordan’s Queen Rania, who was in the city to receive the l’Ambrogino d’Oro prize in recognition of her work to promote dialogue among diverse cultures. The 30-year-old wife of King Abdullah II, wearing a Swarovski crystal-bedecked Armani gown, strolled up the steps of the Palazzo with guest of honour Mario Testino.
Before the exhibit, Mario, who recently snapped Prince Harry for his 18th birthday, revealed that of his subjects – who include Rania, Madonna and Prince Charles – Kate Moss is “definitely my favourite”. “She may not be the prettiest, but she has always been the most interesting,” he says of the eight-months-pregnant model, who is on the cover of his recently released book, Portraits.
The exhibition, which spent the last six months at London’s National Portrait Gallery, runs through November 24, 2002.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
