He is only 28 years old but he has an incredible talent. Lorenzo Semeraro, a period costume fashion designer, has already made a name for himself in the world of period costumes. His passion for classical models has drawn inspiration from over 14 years of dancing, from which the path of theatre acting also unravelled. A constant fascination with masks and history meant Lorenzo spent hours in the theatre’s costume department after rehearsing on the stage. “Spettacoli e Opere liriche” (shows and opera): this is the study field which the young man from Ventimiglia attended at the Teatro dell’Opera in Rome. The step to then begin at the Accademia del Lusso “moda e design”, considering his passion for costumes and history, was a short one. Modelling courses then led to his specialisation in “Costumi teatrali e storici” (Theatre and historical costumes). Ready to face the work environment, Lorenzo returned to Ventimiglia in order to create period costumes, mainly medieval ones.
The demand increases every year and Semeraro has already been contacted by some Italian and foreign movie producers.
There are roughly 40 costumes safeguarded by the young stylist in his atelier in Ventimiglia Alta “Sartor Intemelius”, a cellar which dates back to the 15th century and whose characteristics he has tried to bring back to the ancient splendour.
Which are the models Lorenzo likes most? The ones of the 15th century Florentine nobles, in Romeo and Giulietta style. And it is precisely these characters which inspired him for his latest creations with exclusively Italian fabrics. His secret dream “for 2017? To organise a medieval setting in the evocative castle of Dolceacqua. And who knows, maybe he will find a role for his two winged friends: Gael, a rufous-legged owl and Kyria, an Italian eagle owl.
[Samirah Muran]
