ROME (Reuters) - When native designer Valentino packed his bags for the catwalks of Paris 17 years ago, Rome's fall from the pinnacle of fashion glory appeared complete. Just a handful of old Roman fashion houses were left in the city that was once the undisputed capital of glamour and "La Dolce Vita", and critics panned the lifeless creations shown on its catwalks as the death knell of Roman fashion. Overshadowed by Milan and Paris and struggling with a dearth of big names at its fashion parades, Rome is now looking to get back on the fashion map by reinventing itself as a hub for emerging designers from regions like the Middle East and Asia.
"We don't want any competition with Milan or Paris, Rome is for young people and young stylists -- it's all for the future," says Stefano Dominella, the president of AltaRoma which manages the city's twice-a-year fashion weeks. Sure enough, this week's "High Fashion" calendar features three Lebanese designers, including up-and-coming stylist Ella Zahlan, and India's Pria Kataria Puri and Neeta Lulla, known for dressing Bollywood stars like Aishwarya Rai. Also parading their creations were young Dutch designers like Addy Van Den Krommenacker, and Swedish stylist Sandra Backlund.
The fashion week hosted its third season of a contest to identify new talent, and has begun other initiatives like an exchange programme with its Indian counterpart. "Milan is crowded with ready-to-wear and can't give any visibility to new talent, so Rome needs to take over this role," said Mario Boselli, head of Italy's National Chamber of Fashion. "We think it would be great if Rome can maintain its roots of high fashion and develop creative talent at the same time.
" The new thrust is not without some skepticism. Established designers like Renato Balestra say they are all for fresh talent, but Rome must apply rigorous screening for stylists to avoid turning itself into a free for all. "We cannot pretend to discover talent every season," said Balestra, who has unveiled his collections in Rome for years.
View article on single page Chinese roll up for condom fashion show Young teen models may face British catwalk ban Indian hotel voted world's best for first time: survey Chef cuts carbon footprint with "Close to Home" menu Hotels cater to couples celebrating milestones ROME (Reuters) - When native designer Valentino packed his bags for the catwalks of Paris 17 years ago, Rome's fall from the pinnacle of fashion glory appeared complete.
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