by InTrieste
From November 29 to February 16, 2025, Trieste’s Magazzino 26 in the historic Porto Vecchio-Porto Vivo district hosts a dazzling exhibition that brings the fashion and flair of Italy’s beloved TV icon, Raffaella Carrà, to life. The exhibition, “Com’è bello da Trieste in giù” (How Beautiful it is from Trieste Down), is a tribute to Carrà’s legendary career, celebrating her unmatched impact on Italian pop culture and television.
Curated by Giovanni Gioia and Vincenzo Mola, along with the artistic contributions of Rai’s Massimiliano Canè, the exhibition showcases 35 stunning outfits from the private archives of the designers, plus two additional pieces from Canè. These garments—many of which were worn by Carrà during her renowned television appearances—are displayed against the backdrop of Trieste’s own storied legacy in the arts. The carefully selected pieces offer a kaleidoscopic journey through more than three decades of television history, showcasing the evolution of both Carrà’s iconic style and the broader landscape of Italian entertainment.
Giorgio Rossi, the City of Trieste’s Councillor for Culture and Tourism, shared his excitement about the exhibition: “The garments on display were created with incredible craftsmanship. Every piece is a work of art, and they embody the timeless quality and creativity that Italy is famous for worldwide.” Rossi continued, noting that the exhibition is taking place in the historically significant Magazzino 26, which lies at the heart of Porto Vecchio-Porto Vivo, a revived area that now forms an integral part of Trieste’s tourism scene. “It’s fantastic to see Porto Vecchio transform into Porto Vivo. Hosting exhibitions like this only helps to increase the flow of tourists to our city,” he added.
Carrà, often hailed as a national treasure, became a household name not only for her vocal talents but also for her trailblazing contributions to the Italian television industry. Her charisma, coupled with unforgettable performances, made her an icon of both the small screen and Italian pop culture at large. Among the most iconic moments of her career was the 1978 TV special “Ma che sera,” the opening theme of which, “Com’è bello far l’amore da Trieste in giù” (“How Beautiful it is to Make Love from Trieste Down”), became a symbol of both Carrà’s career and the city of Trieste. The catchy refrain, still resonating decades later, is often considered an early example of “sound branding” for Trieste.
The exhibit takes visitors on an immersive journey through Carrà’s most memorable shows, including “Forte, Forte, Forte” (1976), “Carràmba! Che Fortuna” (2008), and “Fantastico” (1982). Her enduring appeal is evident through an array of costumes, from dazzling gowns covered in Swarovski crystals to chic, sophisticated evening wear, all meticulously designed by some of Italy’s most famous costumers, including Gabriele Mayer, Luca Sabatelli, and Corrado Colabucci. These costumes, many of which weigh up to 10 kilograms and were designed with intricate details in mind, highlight Carrà’s impeccable taste and her unique ability to bring boldness, elegance, and fun to the stage.
One of the exhibition’s standout pieces is a gown from the 1981 production “Millemilioni,” a lavish bolero-style dress in orange chiffon, studded with sequins, paired with a dramatic, hand-embroidered skirt. Another striking highlight is a shimmering number from “Buonasera Raffaella” (1985), a signature red dress with pleated taffeta frills—a nod to Carrà’s early work and the heightened glamour of Italian prime-time television.
The exhibition also explores the significance of Carrà’s international influence, particularly in Latin America and Spain, where her performances resonated deeply with audiences. Her musical and visual influence made her a star far beyond Italy’s borders, and her costumes reflect the global nature of her appeal, blending Italian elegance with international flair.
For those familiar with Carrà’s illustrious career, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the painstaking craftsmanship behind the costumes that accompanied her performances on such legendary programs. For newcomers, it’s a chance to discover the spectacle that is Raffaella Carrà—an artist whose work transcended entertainment, becoming a symbol of freedom, empowerment, and the celebration of life.
With a stunning collection of Carrà’s outfits on display, visitors can experience not only the unforgettable fashion of the diva but also the history of Italian television and its cultural evolution over more than three decades. Whether it’s the glitzy ensembles worn in her golden years or the stylish showstoppers of her later career, “Com’è bello da Trieste in giù”is a visual tribute to an icon whose influence continues to resonate today.
The exhibition, open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, is free to the public and will run through February 16, 2025.
