RIYADH: The L’Art Pur Foundation in Riyadh hosted on Tuesday the opening of two Italian cultural exhibitions — “Fashion Frames” by Stefano Dominella and styled by designer Guillermo Mariotto — and “Passages of Light” by Italian photographer Mimmo Cattarinich.
The events were part of the “Italy is Fashion: The Italian Fashion Days in the World” series, highlighting Italy’s creative heritage through fashion and photography.
The opening attracted diplomats, artists and fashion enthusiasts, including several ambassadors and the Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Carlo Baldocci, who inaugurated the exhibition.
Speaking to Arab News, Baldocci reflected on the growing relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia. “We are celebrating the opening of this beautiful exhibition at the L’Art Pur Foundation, and I wish everybody to come and visit in the next 20 days,” he said.
He emphasized that the exhibition mirrors the strong ties between the two nations. “The relations between our countries are very strong and continue to grow because we have so much potential,” he said.
“Earlier this year, our prime minister visited AlUla and met his royal highness the crown prince, signing a strategic cooperation agreement between Italy and Saudi Arabia.”
The ambassador also highlighted the upcoming business forum, led by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, which will bring together 650 Italian and Saudi companies. “This demonstrates the success of our relations,” he said.
“The people-to-people dialogue is significant, and exhibitions like this one show how culture, fashion and photography can strengthen collaboration.”
Mariotto, who styled “Fashion Frames,” spoke about Italy’s legacy in fashion and its connection to cinema. “I consider Riyadh my second home — it’s a city that keeps growing and surprising me,” he said.
“This exhibition brings part of the history of Italian fashion and its relationship with international cinema.”
Mariotto explained how Hollywood’s fascination with Rome helped Italian couture to gain international recognition. “Actresses like Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner and Kim Novak visited Italian ateliers. The dresses they wore became iconic and shaped global perceptions of Italian fashion.”
“Passages of Light” by Cattarinich complements “Fashion Frames,” offering a photographic journey through Italy’s cinematic history.
Cattarinich, a still photographer on some of Italy’s most iconic films, captures the artistry, emotion and storytelling behind the camera, giving Saudi audiences insight into Italy’s visual and cultural heritage.
Together, the exhibitions celebrate Italy’s creativity, craftsmanship and cultural dialogue. They also underscore the diplomatic and cultural partnership between Italy and Saudi Arabia, reflecting shared values in art, innovation and heritage.
The exhibitions will remain open at the L’Art Pur Foundation until Nov. 30, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the fusion of fashion, photography and cinema that defines Italy’s global influence.
