L'Italo-Americano

of the show lies in balancing t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l a r t i s t i c landscape with the "vecchia maniera" of Florence, but also in the human connec- tion behind every stitch and the cultural values repre- s e n t e d b y t h e " M a d e i n Italy" distinction: "Made in Italy goes beyond a label or a price point, it is a cultural v a l u e , a n d a v a l u e o f p r o c e s s , " s h e f u r t h e r explains. This emphasis on p r o c e s s e x t e n d s t o t h e brand's use of technology. While the atelier remains focused on the human hand, Rorandelli utilizes digital tools to increase precision and reduce waste during the e a r l y d e s i g n s t a g e s . S h e views technology as a tool for storytelling, allowing her to connect directly with her clients and share the jour- ney of each garment. "Tech- nology should be in service of craftsmanship. It should n o t r e p l a c e i t , i t s h o u l d make the work of the artisan stronger". The Fairmont presenta- tion was also a multi-senso- ry experience, featuring a live musical performance and the debut of Toscanella d'Oro, a new signature fra- grance created in Florence. This holistic approach to luxury reflects Rorandelli's c a d e G o w n : t h i s v e l v e t piece, complete with remov- able brocade sleeves and a cape, highlighted the metic- ulous attention to detail that R o r a n d e l l i c o n s i d e r s t h e hallmark of high fashion. T h e G i o v a n n a B r o c a d e Gown, with its rich gold fab- r i c a n d a r c h i v a l l a c e , d e m o n s t r a t e d o n c e m o r e the house's commitment to preserving traditional tech- niques while appealing to a global audience. Rorandel- li's work in the preservation of cultural heritage gives her a unique sensitivity to how materials age, a perspective that informs every custom couture piece she leads. She remains loyal in her belief that the quality and longevi- ty of these garments are the real forms of environmental c o n s c i o u s n e s s , a s s h e explains clearly: "Sustain- ability is not a trend or a claim, it is a responsibility. F o r m e , i t b e g i n s w i t h longevity. A garment should be made to last over time." The event concluded with a champagne reception and private fittings, where atten- dees could check the crafts- m a n s h i p o f t h e i t e m s u p close. For Rorandelli, who lived in New York before return- ing to her roots, the success upbringing in the "vecchia maniera," where time, care, and attention to quality are paramount. By bringing this perspective to San Francis- co, Evaro Italia continues to cultivate a following among those seeking highly person- al, made-to-measure gar- ments that honor the legacy of Italian artisanship. The event at the Fairmont was a celebration of cultural exchange and the enduring power of handmade luxury. A s E v a r o I t a l i a g r o w s , i t remains rooted in the belief that true beauty comes from the intersection of history, craftsmanship, and a mod- ern sense of responsibility. B e y o n d t h e a e s t h e t i c s , the afternoon also support- ed a meaningful cause pre- sented by Miss San Francis- c o 2 0 2 5 , I n i k a M e h r a ; a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ehlers-Danlos S o c i e t y , a n i n t e r n a t i o n a l nonprofit organization dedi- cated to patient support, sci- entific research, advocacy, and increasing awareness f o r E h l e r s - D a n l o s s y n - dromes. The show in San Francisco proved that the traditions of the "vecchia maniera" are not only rele- vant today but are essential for a future where fashion is valued for its meaning and its ability to last a lifetime. By maintaining all produc- tion within Italy and center- ing her operations in Flo- rence, Rorandelli ensures that the material integrity and precision of construc- t i o n r e m a i n u n c o m p r o - m i s e d . H e r j o u r n e y f r o m Italy to the grand halls of the Fairmont reflects her dedication to an art form that is both personal and universal. "Alta Moda, to me, is an exercise in atten- tion: attention to detail, to process, and to the materi- a l s " , s h e c o n c l u d e s . A s Evaro Italia continues its dialogue between the past and present, it remains a beacon for a contemporary expression of Italian fashion that honors its roots while engaging a broad, interna- tional audience. This is a brand that truly invites its a u d i e n c e i n t o a w o r l d o f refined Italian excellence. in landscape painting, con- tinues to manifest in her work through a focus on tex- ture and light. A deliberate choice for the designer, who views her materials as a link to the past. Her background in restoration has given her a unique perspective on how textiles age, not just physi- cally, but culturally: "For me, working with materials like brocade is a way to draw from history and bring that heritage into contemporary design," she told us. T h e c o l l e c t i o n f u r t h e r e x p l o r e d t h i s d i a l o g u e between history and moder- nity with pieces like the Ida Sequin Set and the Portofi- no Midi Dress, the latter featuring sapphire lace and sheer detailing. These gar- ments are designed to be v e r s a t i l e a n d e n d u r i n g , moving beyond the concept of seasonal trends. Roran- delli's philosophy focuses o n c r e a t i n g p i e c e s t h a t become an integral part of a w o m a n ' s l i f e . S h e s h a r e s with us that she loves "to d e s i g n g a r m e n t s t h a t women love to wear, pieces that last physically, but also culturally and emotionally." The top of the afternoon was the Evaro Alta Moda s e g m e n t , f e a t u r i n g t h e breathtaking Caterina Bro- O n May 2nd, the F a i r m o n t San Francis- co served as a beautiful scene for a private, salon-style run- way show by Evaro Italia. The event aimed at bridging the gap between European heritage and the Bay Area's cultural community, show- c a s i n g t h e h o u s e ' s l a t e s t work in an intimate format recalling the traditions of Italian couture. This milestone marks a significant chapter in Evaro Italia's expanding presence in California, following a successful program at the C o n s u l a t e G e n e r a l o f Italy for Italy's Fashion Day. The presentation opened with the Spring/Summer 2026 Portofino Collec- tion, which drew inspiration from the vibrant colors and effortless elegance of the Mediterranean. A standout piece was the Sofia Leather Jacket in a radiant summer blue, styled with gold zippers and paired with the Verona Bag. Designer Eva Roran- delli believes this deep con- nection to her roots and the physical location of produc- tion is the foundation of the brand's identity: "Everything we do is made in our atelier in Florence, in collabora- tion with a close network of local artisans. That connec- tion to place and people is essential to our work," she explains. As the show progressed, guests were treated to a pre- view of the Fall/Winter 2026 Astra Collection, w h i c h i n t r o d u c e d m o r e structured and luminous sil- houettes. The Astra Jacket, a bold gold leather piece with a mirror-like finish, exempli- fied the modern edge Roran- delli brings to classic Italian leatherwork. This fusion of old and new is a deliberate c h o i c e f o r t h e d e s i g n e r , whose artistic discipline was forged while studying paint- i n g a t t h e A c c a d e m i a d i Belle Arti in Florence. Her training in the traditions of the Renaissance, particularly Eva Rondanelli, center, with models at the end of the Evaro fashion show (Photo: Drew Altizer) Florentine elegance meets San Francisco style: Evaro Italia presents its new collection at the Fairmont SERENA PERFETTO THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 www.italoamericano.org 26 L'Italo-Americano SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COMMUNITY

• Cover