Well, as you can see, I took a short hiatus from blogging, since I had several amiche americane visiting me, and I assumed you would rather I actually live my life than blog about it. Well, wouldn't you?
Yesterday, I went with my friends Anita and Elaine to the Ara Pacis for a special exhibition. The Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) was originally built in honor of the peace that came to the Mediterranean after Emporer Augustus conquered Gaul and Spain. Most of the the original altar was lost to floods centuries ago, and a new one was reconstructed last century. In 1999, Richard Meier was commissioned to design an appropriate building to house the Ara Pacis to preserve its magnificent friezes and reliefs carved in Carrara marble, and to create museum space.
The current exhibition in the museum is called Valentino to Rome and is a retrospective of Valentino dresses to commemorate the designer's 45 year career. The staging of the dresses is eye-popping. The designs are grouped by color, not age, and this works brilliantly since all the pieces are timeless and classic, and of course, very beautiful. We swooned over 2 groupings, all the same shade of red, and many of the styles evoked memories of Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O and Elizabeth Taylor.
There were several dozen dresses on the ground floor, as well. Each dress was presented along with a video of the star who wore it, including the vintage Valentino worn by Julia Roberts when she won the Oscar. We were overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the elegance and majesty of the gowns. There's something about being surrounded by such beauty that makes one very, very happy.
Of course, there are many aspects of Italian beauty and I am savoring each one. From magnificent ancient buildings to modern design to splendid fountains to the clever display of products in stores, I am experiencing and appreciating beauty at all times. And last, but not least, let's not forget the Roman people. Both the men and the women are stunning, but, I must stay, the men even more so. To paraphrase author Elizabeth Gilbert, sometimes the men are so good-looking, I want to applaud! Whatever possessed the powers-that-be to smile so brightly on this peninsula, all I can say is grazie!
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3 comments:
Ciao, Bella!
I just finished watching Lydia's Italy, which featured fettucine alla Romana. Naturally, I thought of you and was prompted to check your blog. The Valentino exhibit sounds just spectular. So does the native scenary. Perhaps, someday, the "powers that be" will afford me the chance to see them for myself!
Looking forward to hearing and seeing more about it when you come home.
Thanks for sharing everything so vividly!
R
I was wondering what you thought about the architecture of the Ara Pacis. It is a very controversial building causing many architects and regular Romans alike to react in the extreme. Admittedly, it is difficult for contemporary architecture to fit in in Rome. It took many years for it to actually get built because of all the political and bureaucratic arguing. Personally, I think the interior is beautiful and light-filled. I agree that the exterior really doesn't
fit in or do justice to the amazing altar.
Ciao e una buona, ultima settimana (per adesso),
R.
Ciao Janet,
I can't tell you how much I enjoy your wonderfully prosed blogs. Would I prefer you live Rome or blog about it? Well ... of course the former, but not by much! I can't believe a month is nearly up: do have a blast your last week there. Corrado told me you've resolved to permanently retire to Italy at some point, so perhaps we won't have to wait long for the next blog installments. Here's an idea: how about continuing your semi-retirement as a writer of specialized guide books on Italy?
xoxo
Michael (& Corrado)
P.S. You probably know that 'The Boss' is in town this week for a concert. I wonder whether that makes you feel homesick in the least ...
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