By Jennifer Cortez

Photography courtesy of Città dei Sassi

The fifth edition of the fashion award Città dei Sassi was celebrated in Matera, Italy earlier this summer. The aim of Città is to identify, promote and reward fashion creators. It is, primarily, a competition that discovers emerging designers, while focusing on women’s fashion.

A video dedicated to actress Audrey Hepburn opened the evening, followed by a showcase of designer Roberto Guarducci, who portrayed the image of the actress in his designs. Historic garments by Maison Sarli and a tribute in memory of master figure, Fausto Sarli, followed.

Multiple performances during the evening included Dance School Diana Viti of Matera, tenor Roberto Lenoci, singer Federica Bruselles and Romanian singer Mariana Mihalache aka Ariana, who is known for her participation in television programs such as the X-Factor and Eurovision. Previous winners and their creations were also celebrated.

The winner of the fifth edition of Città dei Sassi was awarded to Italian designer Giuseppe D’urso. Some of D’urso’s fashion models appear in the catalog of “Motexha 2009” Fair and “Made in Liguria” in Dubai. The seven other designer finalists were Anna Pulpito, Brigida Lorusso, Filippo Grandulli, Leon Klaassen Bos, Luca Tomassoli, Marco Calandra and Valentina Caramia.

Guest appearances included several government representatives and international supermodel Claire Atkinson.