“A man’s life is full of dreams, and, in these hours, I am sure we will be living a unique experience together.” The words were posted by Stefano Ricci, founder of the Italian luxury fashion house Stefano Ricci, on his Facebook page; he was alluding to the jubilee celebration of his brand.
“I chose to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of my brand in a magnificent city full of charm, art and traditions: Luxor, the Ancient Thebes, Land of the Pharaohs.
“For the first time in history, the Hatshepsut Temple will be the exquisite stage on which my fashion show will be performed.
“Having received this privileged authorisation from the Egyptian Institutions is a source of pride for me. It also brings forth a sense of responsibility, respect and attention towards these sacred places.”
Stefano Ricci had 20 years ago visited Luxor, and dreamt of creating something in that fascinating place. “Twenty years ago I visited Ancient Thebes for the first time and I was so fascinated that I decided to dedicate a book to it: Luxor. One night, I daydreamed about creating something important in the presence of the architectural and artistic wonders. Today that dream is taking shape.
“I like to imagine a path linked to beauty, culture and dialogue that overcomes the distance between my Florence and Luxor. Anything more I could say would be superfluous.”
The dream has come true. On 8 October, the celebration started with a dinner party in the open courtyard of Luxor Temple, attended by 500 guests: international figures, artists, politicians and public figures.
On 9 October, a fashion show of Stefano Ricci’s latest collection was held at the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor. The show was inspired by ancient Egypt’s culture of gold and blue gilded Pharaonic pieces, inscriptions in temples, and the eternal Nile.
Models emerged from the sides of the temple among the statues of Queen Hatshepsut in the Osirian body to the catwalk.
The ceremony concluded with operatic melodies by Italian tenor and multi-instrumentalist Andrea Bocelli together with his son Matteo.
To a standing ovation, Stefano Ricci then greeted the audience and thanked the Egyptian government for their warm reception and for facilitating the holding of the show.
On Monday 10 October, the guests were treated to a visit of the Temple of Habu and another to the tombs in the Valley of the Kings; these included the tombs of Queen Nefertari and the golden pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Watani International
10 October 2022