Dressing Cinema: Italian craftsmanship for Film and Theatre

Dressing Cinema is a collection of three physical and digital exhibitions produced in Rome, Italy, in 2009, documenting the work of the legendary Roman artisans who create costumes, wigs, hats, shoes, armor, and special effects for film and theater. The project was conceived to preserve, celebrate, and share the extraordinary heritage of Italian artistic craftsmanship, making it accessible to audiences around the world through digital platforms.

By partnering with three world-renowned Italian ateliers—Farani (costume makers), Pieroni (handcrafted armor, millinery, and accessories), and Rocchetti & Rocchetti(wig-making and special effects)—Fortunato Productions transformed their private artisan warehouses into temporary showrooms. A photographic archive documenting hundreds of pieces from their extraordinary collections was created, showcasing works ranging from the futuristic silhouettes of Barbarella to the period realism of Gangs of New York. In addition, three documentary DVDs were produced, exploring the history, technical expertise, and cultural impact of each participating atelier. Together, these initiatives documented the meticulous craftsmanship that has earned these artisans dozens of Academy Awards and helped define the internationally celebrated Made in Italy aesthetic.