Black dress with white collar, worn by Ava Gardner
Micol Fontana · Date not documented
Italy
Micol Fontana
- Roman couture
- Cinema costume
- Bridal dressmaking
Micol Fontana built a Roman couture business with her sisters Zoe and Giovanna, drawing on a family tradition of dressmaking. Their 1949 wedding dress for Linda Christian brought international attention, followed by an extensive relationship with cinema and clients including Ava Gardner.
Five looks to know
Collection selection
Black dress with white collar, worn by Ava Gardner
Date not documented
The dramatic collar demonstrates the Fontana atelier’s cinematic elegance.
fondazionemicolfontana.it; photographer not stated
Collection selection
Gown worn by Audrey Hepburn
1952 · Sorelle Fontana; season not stated
The foundation dates this archival photograph to 1952; the full gown combines a fitted bodice with a broad skirt and large decorative motifs. Designed by Sorelle Fontana, the house co-founded by Micol Fontana.
Fondazione Micol Fontana, via Google Arts & Culture; individual photographer not stated
Collection selection
Aquamarine satin evening gown
1954 · Sorelle Fontana; season not stated
The preserved gown pairs a jewel-like bodice with floral embroidery and a gathered hem, documenting the house’s elaborate eveningwear. Designed by Sorelle Fontana, the house co-founded by Micol Fontana.
Fondazione Micol Fontana, via Google Arts & Culture; individual photographer not stated
Collection selection
Cocktail dress for Elizabeth Taylor
1954 · Sorelle Fontana; season not stated
A contrasting pale sash crosses the dark dress and falls into a long panel, showing the house’s restrained approach to a star’s cocktail wardrobe. Designed by Sorelle Fontana, the house co-founded by Micol Fontana.
Fondazione Micol Fontana, via Google Arts & Culture; individual photographer not stated
Collection selection
Nodo d’amore embroidered evening gown
1955 · Sorelle Fontana; season not stated
The large embroidered love-knot motif becomes the visual centre of this black and white evening gown. Designed by Sorelle Fontana, the house co-founded by Micol Fontana.
Fondazione Micol Fontana, via Google Arts & Culture; individual photographer not statedCollections & archive pieces
1 collections represented · 1 pieceSelected work
1 piece
About Micol Fontana
Micol also promoted the sisters' work abroad and established a foundation in 1994 to preserve Italian high-fashion heritage.
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Fondazione Micol Fontana — The Fontana Sisters