At the end of the 19th century, the Onofrio brothers and Antonio Petruzzelli, shipowners of Trieste, financed in Bari the construction of the largest theater in the city at the time.
In 1901, thanks to the project of the engineer Angelo Messeni, the large halls of representation of the Union Club were first opened then, on February 14, 1903, the Politeama Petruzzelli was inaugurated, at the time the most advanced theater technologically from all over Italy.
After having survived two wars and the great fire of 1991, Petruzzelli is today the fourth largest theater in Italy, and its stage welcomes great tenors, stars and artists of international renown.
Above the Petruzzelli foyer, facing the front of the theater, are the Salone del Circolo Unione, a high-level historical, cultural and recreational association. The rooms are decorated in a neoclassical and liberty style, immersed in an elegant setting decorated with precious mirrors, golden stucco and large crystal chandeliers.
The “Galleria degli specchi” (Hall of Mirrors), also called Sala delle Muse, is decorated with magnificent frescoes by artist Raffaele Armenise, which represent the inspiring muses of beauty and art.
In this magnificent place, the prestigious haute couture event “La Magia delle Muse” (The Magic of the Muses) has been taking place for many years, conceived and artistically directed by the famous designer Roberto Guarducci, who has been working in the famous Fendi house in Rome for over twenty years. , alongside the famous fashion designer Karl LAGERFELD and who currently, in addition to exercising his professional activity in the fashion sector, is also a professor of fashion design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bari.
The event, requested by President Giacomo Tomasicchio and by members of the Union Club, is an intense and lively representation of the art, beauty, elegance and charm of Haute Couture from “Made in Italy “.
The refined and tailor-made creations of the same designer Roberto Guarducci paraded on the podium, which with a personal style knows how to express an aesthetic of social and psychological impact of great elegance and quality, proposing an absolutely feminine and sophisticated woman. His fashion follows the glories of a beauty that is inspired, in a modern touch, by the sensuality of the women portrayed in the paintings of the great artist Giovanni Boldini, using precious materials that maximize the lines, shapes and decorations of clothes, with an elaborate work and a particular coloration.
Among the stylists who were invited to parade at the “Magia delle Muse” (Magic of the Muses) in the different editions that followed, there is the famous designer Nino Lettieri who, with his refined creations, proposed evening dresses elegant and also wedding dresses, embellished with sequins, precious stones, feathers and elaborate embroidery, veil nets, muslin and macramé lace, fluid and airy dresses in noble fibers in organza and satin, but also in technological and modern fabrics.
Gianni Molaro proposed haute couture dresses, where fine embroidery of pearls and crystal created splendid exclusive lighting effects. The deep necklines, fitted cuts, slits, tulle and lace exalted the femininity and sensuality of the brides on the catwalk. The attention to detail made these garments truly unique and spectacular.
The poetic geometries characterize the art of couture by Carlo Alberto Terranova, which expresses itself through mature couture and a great aesthetic effect, in the most sophisticated expression of black and white. Its creative mission was oriented towards the use of flowing fabrics and intangible silks, played by small and precious embroideries, draperies and a thousand folds that speak of exclusivity and high fashion.
Franco Ciambella, Roman fashion designer who, with a unique and “timeless” style, presented dreamlike clothes that highlight the elegant, playful and sensual woman. In its collection, the light and silky fabrics contrast with the effects of material, the embroideries and the 3D floral patterns which express and enhance the idea of lightness and refined and elegant femininity.
To give space to young fashion talents, the SITAM Academy in Lecce of the entrepreneur Stefania Cardellicchio, always present at the event since the second edition, could not miss. The creations presented by the Academy offered high artistic quality clothing in a technological and innovative touch, using technological research materials generally not used in haute couture, such as neoprene and plastic, giving an experimental touch to young creativity at the event.
A precise blend between classicism and modern romanticism is the expression of the sophisticated, cosmopolitan and always sensual woman of Michele Miglionico, whose creativity is characterized by an elegant modeling, rich in refined details of pleating, lace and elaborate embroidery.
The event also saw the participation of fashion architect Michele Gaudiomonte who proposed an ironic and sensual collection called “Aglio Olio e Peperoncino”, made with fine fabrics painted by hand and finished with special processes and constructions tailored.
The jewelry designer Mimmo Burdi presented goldsmith creations characterized by important materials and precious stones, offering unique, original and very refined pieces.
Among the jewelry designers who presented their creations to “La Magia delle Muse” also Gerardo Sacco, one of the most accredited names in fine jewelry. Her handmade jewelry, eclectic and multifaceted, is entirely thought designed and manufactured in her laboratory. Jewels that tell of an enchanting Mediterranean, a magic that comes from beliefs, myths, ancient dreams, traditions and legends.
The jewelry designer Claudia Perdicchia offered refined jewelry, combining corals, pearls and starfish with an original touch, giving life to creations that speak of her, the sea and the beach of Castellaneta Marina. She also proposed the winning dress on the podium to represent the city of Matera, capital of culture 2019.
Marina Corazziari presented her elaborate jewelry, a real goldsmith sculpture, knowing how to mix the eclectic Mediterranean style with an ethnic atmosphere capable of mixing figuration with touches of freedom, baroque and oriental design.
To complement the splendid fashion shows, renowned singers, dancers and musicians also played, which further enriched the Haute Couture event with their performances.
In the various editions that followed, the “Muse of the Year” was awarded, a prize to reward excellence in fashion, journalism, cinema, culture, art and entertainment, which was recognized and distinguished in particular in these professions; The award is representative of the image of the inspiring muse of art and beauty.
Among the winners who received the award: journalist Telenorba Daniela Mazzacane, Princess Rosalba Messeni Nemagna, journalist Rai Mariella Milani and Mrs. Elsa Tomasicchio, wife of the president of the Union Club.
