Bonaveri Magazine

In 2001 Bonaveri acquired the Schläppi Brand, the
archives, intellectual properties and all of the existing
collections.
They then started the enormous exercise of
interpretation and editing of what turned out to be an
extraordinary treasure of imagination. This exploration
resulted in the creation of the first contemporary
Schläppi ensemble with a presentation of the 2200
Collection.
Through re-editing the existing collection and by adding
new poses, the new figures revealed a remarkable
ability to bridge historic and contemporary forms.
Working on the foundation of Piemonti’s original
creative insight, Bonaveri has brought the Schläppi
form into the present, making it a point of reference in
the narrative of global contemporary fashion.
Schläppi 2200 has partnered with some of the
world’s most important couturiers, offering designers
a unique vehicle for the interpretation of the multitude
of styles and range of fashion.
Yves Saint Laurent has a passion for the Schläppi 2200
collection: in the 1980s he staged a photographic
shoot of a number of naked 2200 mannequins,
positioning himself at the centre of the image. Since
then, the 2200 collection has always been included
for all of retrospective exhibitions dedicated to this
great French designer.
Given its popularity, Bonaveri chose the Schläppi 2200
Collection as its first candidate for their biodegradable
innovation. The new collection was launched as part
of the Green Carpet Challenge during London Design
Week at the BAFTA headquarters in London.
Two years later, in 2018, “The Commonwealth Fashion
Exchange”, an exhibition dedicated to sustainable
design from the Commonwealth’s 53 countries,
showcased Bonaveri’s biodegradable Schläppi 2200.
The inauguration reception was hosted by the Royal
Family at Buckingham Palace, by the Duchess of
Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and the Countess of
Wessex, Sophie Rhys-Jones. They were joined by
designers, artisans and leading figures of the fashion
world, including Anna Wintour, Edward Enniful,
Livia Firth, Nadja Swarovski, Neelam Gill, Nigel
Gosse, Ulric Jerome, Naomi Campbell, Stella
McCartney, Adwoa Aboah and Caroline Rush.
Bonaveri was the only Italian contribution to
the initiative with its signature biodegradable
mannequins exhibiting over 30 fashion creations
from the most talented Commonwealth
designers. After the exclusive private viewing
at Buckingham Palace, the exhibition moved to
Australia House in London.
“The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange” is
a project organized by the Commonwealth
in collaboration with Eco-Age, the ethical
fashion company founded by Livia Firth. The
organization aims to promote the relationships
between stylists and artisans, encouraging the
exchange of ideas, the development of skills
and favouring new global opportunities.
In additional to its appearance at Buckingham Palace
and Australia House, the Schläppi 2200 Collection
has been widely used for significant exhibitions around
the world. Recent exhibitions include “BVLGARI, the
history, the dream”, in Rome; “Pierre Cardin. Fashion
Futurist” in Düsseldorf and “Guo Pei: Chinese Art and
Couture” in Singapore.
The exhibition “BVLGARI, the history, the dream”,
curated by Chiara Ottaviano, historian and mass
communication sociologist, was dedicated to the
successful history of the Italian luxury icon BVLGARI.
Family episodes, commercial strategies and creative
intuitions outlined the narrative of the company’s
history, from its foundation up to the early 1990s.
Included in the exhibition are early pieces of jewellery
and creations from private collections. Bvlgari is an
emblem of a traditional Italian school, and yet has
been able to constantly renew and reinvent over time.
Its success is in no part due to its ability to remain
faithful to its unique and original style.
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