NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE EXTENDS BELLISSIMA: ITALY AND HIGH FASHION EXHIBITION THROUGH JUNE 19

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) – April 12, 2016 – In response to the popularity of Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945 – 1968, NSU Art Museum announces that it is extending the exhibition through June 19, 2016. The exhibition explores the remarkable period of post-World War II creativity in Italy that gave rise to Italian high fashion. Bellissima opened at NSU Art Museum on February 7 and is presented by Bulgari.

The exhibition recreates the alluring atmosphere of Italian high fashion during a time when designers such as Emiio Schuberth, Sorelle Fontana, Germana Marucelli, Mila Schön, Valentino, Simonetta, Fendi, Emilio Pucci and others made important contributions to the image of Italy around the world. The exhibition also highlights the fluid relationship of fashion design with art, architecture, filmmaking and theater and explores the roles Rome, Milan and Venice played in the production and staging of fashion.

On view are more than 90 designer garments, from spectacular ball gowns to elegant cocktail dresses and daywear, along with accessories representing the craftsmanship and innovation for which the “Made in Italy” brand became known. The exhibition also features one-of-a-kind jewels from the Bulgari Heritage Collection, part of the exhibition since its inception at the MAXXI in Rome, that showcase the brand’s innovation and experimentation during this key period and role in establishing Italy as a fashion capital.

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is the sole U.S. venue for the exhibition, which is a project by the MAXXI: National Museum of the XXI Century Arts in Rome. Bellissima is curated by Maria Luisa Frisa, Anna Mattirolo and Stefano Tonchi.

Tea and Opera on April 19: Florida Grand Opera performance
In conjunction with the exhibition, on Tuesday, April 19, NSU Art Museum will present Bellissima: Italy’s Beautiful Music, an afternoon of tea and opera. This event will feature a concert by Florida Grand Opera Young Artists who will perform music by Bellini, Mozart, Puccini and others. The performance begins at 3:30 pm and is free with museum admission. There is an additional charge for the tea (advance payment required), which begins at 2:30 pm. For tickets and information, please call 954-262-0258.

Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion: 1945 – 1968 is presented by Bulgari. Additional exhibition support is provided by Consulate General of Italy in Miami, Italian Trade Commission, Vontobel Swiss Wealth Advisors AG, PNC Bank, Funding Arts Broward, Condé Nast, David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation, La Rosa mannequins and Pelican Grand Beach Resort and media partner CBS 4. Billboards generously provided by Miles and Tara Forman and Austin and Christine Forman.