I was young, or rather, very young, perhaps 16 or just a little older. It was the first time my father had sent me to Rome in his place for the Alta Moda events. Working with the big names in fashion was truly a pioneering endeavor in the 80s.
For me, it was like stepping into a magical bubble: models undressing and getting dressed, makeup, hairdressers, clothes being tossed about and final details being reviewed—a whirlwind of emotions that made my head spin.
Renato looked at me and told me to take a stool: he placed it delicately right against the curtain that separated that chaotic world from the runway and the audience crowding the room.
He spoke to me calmly, in great contrast to the hubbub and movement surrounding us: “Stand here, and when the models arrive, dress them with the right jewelry!!!
The right jewelry?? Panic… But Renato’s reassuring eyes spoke for themselves.
There I was, standing on the stool (given my height, it was the only option for putting the jewelry around their necks, ed.) dressing these splendid figures, matching an accessory to a dress for the first time…
Dear Renato, for me, for us, it was truly an honor to be able to collaborate with you and see your skill and immense taste shine through in every one of your creations. We will miss you, but above all, the entire fashion world will miss your exquisite taste.
Proud to have known you.
