Milan’s fashion community got it together last week and pulled off a successful (no collapsing tents this time) second edition of Convivio. The week-long series of events — which is expected to raise more than $1 million for the Anlaids research foundation — started with a gala evening that included a concert at La Scala conducted by Riccardo Muti and featuring violinist Gidon Kremer, followed by a dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel hosted by Paolo Bulgari.
The concert and dinner — the first big affair held in the city in months — raised more than $185,000 alone. The huge market, to which more than 100 fashion houses donated items for sale at discounts of 30-40 percent, opened two days later. It was such a success, most of the houses were asked to restock their stands, which were picked nearly bare by midweek.
All of Milan’s leading designers turned out, and most did a little shopping. Giorgio Armani bought up some Convivio T-shirts, Gianfranco Ferre stocked up on presents for his little niece, and Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana snapped up a Moschino umbrella and some Calvin Klein underwear. Gabriella Forte also put in a surprise appearance. She isn’t supposed to start her new job as president of Calvin Klein until September. “I’m not really working,” said Forte. “I’m about to go on vacation.”