Model wearing a Maria Antonelli trouser ensemble
Maria Antonelli · 1960–1969
Italy
Maria Antonelli
- Roman couture
- Evening dressmaking
- Tailored daywear
Maria Antonelli trained in a Roman tailoring workshop before establishing herself in Italian couture. By the early 1940s, her clothes were worn by film actresses including Clara Calamai and Alida Valli.
Five looks to know
Collection selection
Model wearing a Maria Antonelli trouser ensemble
1960–1969
An archival fashion photograph securely documents Antonelli’s original dress design.
Palmas / Civico Archivio Fotografico, Milan
Collection selection
Red afternoon dress, at left
1953–1955 · Season not stated
The red dress at left has a low, shaped waist and a full skirt. The museum records an Antonelli sport label; the adjacent blue dress is not the selected work.
Musée Mode & Dentelle, Brussels, C1985.15.12; © Musées de la Ville de Bruxelles
Collection selection
Tangerine silk evening dress, at right
1950s · Season not stated
The dress at right layers tangerine silk over a rose-coloured satin underlayer, with a fitted bodice and uneven hem. Augusta attributes the gown to Antonelli; the accompanying hooded cloak is described as unlabelled.
Augusta Auctions, September 9, 2020, lot 117; individual photographer not stated
Collection selection
Black harlequin-pattern ballgown
1950s · Season not stated
Silk faille and velvet create a curved black-on-black harlequin pattern across the separate bodice and full skirt; the auction records a Maria Antonelli Roma label.
Augusta Auctions, November 13, 2019, lot 47; individual photographer not stated
Collection selection
Beaded cream ballgown with pleated side panels
1950s · Season not stated
Beads, sequins and ribbon embroidery run down the fitted bodice and skirt, while pleated side panels add volume. The auction catalog attributes this gown to Antonelli.
Augusta Auctions, November 12, 2014, lot 323; individual photographer not statedCollections & archive pieces
1 collections represented · 1 pieceSelected work
1 piece
About Maria Antonelli
Her atelier brought together designers and artists, while participation in Florence's pioneering fashion presentations helped connect its tailored and evening clothes with the emergence of an international Italian fashion identity.
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MAM-e — Maria Antonelli