.png)
SANREMO BEST LOOKS
(AND THE STYLISTS BEHIND THEM)
A roundup of the most 'fashion-forward' looks from the Sanremo Festival: a singing competition that has always been Italy's most important stage when it comes to style. From classic all-black ensembles to custom outfits with exposed navels for Fantasanremo, the stage becomes a competition not just for the musicians but also for their celebrity stylists.
This year also marks the conclusion of the Sanremo Festival, which, for those not native to Italy, can be likened to a holy week in the country. Millions of viewers glued to their television screens for hours, with months of preparation behind it, telling the story of Italian musical culture. Born in Sanremo as a small festival to boost tourism, it has evolved into the most significant stage in Italy for both established and emerging musical talents. These artists, in addition to their musical performances, narrate their stories through memorable makeup, wigs, and outfits.
The Fantasanremo also plays a role, for those unaware, as a points-based competition for ordinary folks: each team vying for points based on their singer's adherence to a few basic rules. The stylists and singers mock this competition, bringing joy to Fantasanremo players by modifying their garments.
But back to the looks – the real stars of the Festival, after the 30 big contenders, are the stylists who use the stage as a curtain, telling their stories through the looks of the artists who graced the Ariston Theater stage for the 74th edition of the event.
Here's a selection of the best looks of this edition, along with the associated artists and stylists.
ROSE VILLAIN in MARNI and GCDS, by Rujana Cantoni
Rose Villain, the pseudonym for Rosa Luini, a 1989-born Italian singer and songwriter from Milan, took the stage with her original 'Click Boom.' Her personal stylist, Rujana Cantoni, presented her in a custom Marni dress and a 'metallic' GCDS dress with the brand's iconic 'morso' shoes.
GHALI in LOEWE and CASABLANCA, by Ramona Tabita
Ghali, a 1993-born Italian rapper and record producer, brought the song 'Casa mia' to the Festival. His personal stylist, Ramona Tabita, presented him in two standout looks: the first, a total (sparkling) look by Loewe, and the second, a custom Casablanca outfit with a nod to Michael Jackson's ‘uniform.'
Santi Francesi in Dolce e Gabbana, by Mimina Cornacchia
Winners of the 2023 edition of X Factor Italy, Santi Francesi found themselves among the big names of the Festival after a brief stint at Sanremo Giovani, presenting the song 'L'amore in bocca.' Mimina Cornacchia, the personal stylist, showcased them every night in custom Dolce e Gabbana looks, captivating teenagers with deep necklines and leather gloves.
Mahmood in Rick Owens and Maison Margiela, by Lisa Jarvis
Mahmood, the winner of Sanremo in 2019 with 'Soldi' and in 2022 with 'Brividi' accompanied by Blanco, presented the song 'Tuta gold' this year. Credit for his looks goes to personal stylist Lisa Jarvis, who showcased the singer in a total Rick Owens look with Grill Kiss heels and Maison Margiela by John Galliano during the carpet, featuring a carmine red corset.
Clara in Armani Privè and Giuseppe di Morabito, by Francesco Vavallo
Winner of Sanremo Giovani 2024, Clara gained recognition after her first cameo in the series 'Mare Fuori.' She appeared on stage the first night in a sparkling Armani Privè dress, singing her original 'Diamanti Grezzi.' Stylist Francesco Vavallo proposed a custom-made Giuseppe di Morabito dress for the second night, inspired by Raffaella Carrà's Tuca Tuca in 1971.
Honorable mention to Loredana Bertè, who flaunted Valentino total looks by Pierpaolo Piccioli every night—short dresses (or, in the case of the second night, dressed only in a simple couture shirt), highlighting her beautiful legs, already famous from the covers of LPs in the '80s.
