Maison Celestino: Calabrian fashion house inspired by art

Maison Celestino, a historic fashion house founded in early 20th-century Calabria by Maestro Eugenio Celestino, continues its legacy of artisanal weaving under fifth-generation Caterina Celestino and her husband Francesco Mercogliano. The brand, known for hand-loomed textiles using natural fibers like cotton, linen, broom, hemp, and silk, has dressed celebrities such as Ava Gardner (via Sorelle Fontana) and served clients including Alcide De Gasperi and Maria José of Savoy. In 2021, the company received the Social Ecology Award for green economy innovation. For its SS23 couture collection, inspired by American painter Edward Hopper, the brand presented 31 outfits at the Baroness Toscano Mandatoriccio estate in Sibari, attended by actors Pino Quartullo and Ornella Muti. The collection featured one-shoulder tunics, ivory jacquard silks, pure linen andrienne, and pastel dresses, including a velvet silk gown embroidered with gold thread spikes. The house plans to show in Paris in December with a collection inspired by a 20th-century literary female icon.