AltaRoma fashion week closes after 19 years, Silvia Fendi speaks out

Founded in 2004, AltaRoma, the Roman fashion week, has ceased operations after shareholders decided in January, at the request of the Lazio Region, to form a new foundation. Conflicts among shareholders resulted in liquidation, meaning the summer fashion week will not take place. Silvia Fendi, who served as president from 2010 until the end, pointed to diminished institutional support and significant funding reductions—from over €3 million in 2014 to just €900,000 recently—as major issues. Although the MISE provided €1.5 million annually for youth initiatives, the program lost its momentum. Fendi acknowledged AltaRoma's successes and expressed optimism that Rome would continue to play a vital role in the fashion industry, commending the forthcoming Vogue "Forces of Fashion" event in October.