The 75th edition of Italy’s iconic Festival di Sanremo kicked off with its signature blend of musical drama and sartorial spectacle. Held at the Ariston Theater, the opening night saw co-hosts Chiara Ferragni and Alessandro Cattelan setting the tone for a week of high-octane performances and even higher fashion stakes.
Hosts Steal the Show
- Chiara Ferragni: The influencer-turned-mogul made her Sanremo hosting debut in a custom Armani Privé gown—a liquid silver column dress with a thigh-high slit and a 3D-printed crystal bodice inspired by Ligurian sea foam. Social media dubbed it “La Sirena del Ariston.”
- Alessandro Cattelan: The veteran host balanced irreverence and elegance in a Brioni tuxedo reimagined with a deconstructed lapel and metallic thread embroidery. Paired with Tod’s patent loafers, it was “James Bond meets Milanese disco.”
Star Performers’ Red Carpet Moments
- Laura Pausini: The global pop icon channeled “power goddess” in a Versace jumpsuit—onyx-black leather with a plunging neckline and Medusa-embellished belt.
- Mahmood: The two-time Sanremo winner opted for gender-fluid drama in Gucci’s tailored crimson suit with a cascading lace cape, accessorized with a single pearl earring.
- Angelina Mango: Rising indie star wore Marco Rambaldi’s upcycled denim corset dress, patchworked with vintage Sanremo posters, celebrating the festival’s history.
Trends Defining the Night
- Sustainable Sparkle: Sequins made from recycled PET bottles (Stella McCartney for Tod’s) and algae-dyed silks.
- Nostalgia Reigns: 1990s slip dresses (Blumarine) and Y2K micro sunglasses (Prada).
- Bold Shoulders: Sharp, architectural silhouettes at Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta.
- Men’s Jewelry Takeover: Chunky chains, pearl chokers, and ear cuffs on male performers.
The Viral Moment
Sicilian rock band Le Vibrazioni performed in Schiaparelli’s surrealist gold “muscle” suits—trompe l’oeil metallic bodysuits mimicking ripped anatomy—sparking memes and a 300% spike in Google searches for “Schiaparelli men’s couture.”
Behind the Scenes
- Beauty Notes:
- Glossy Skin: Dewy, “no-makeup” makeup dominated (thanks to Armani Luminous Silk foundation).
- Slicked-Back Hair: Gelled waves and tight buns echoed 1970s Italian cinema.
- Social Impact: Ferragni used her outfits to spotlight Italian artisans, tagging Calabrian lacemakers and Venetian glassblowers in her Instagram posts.
Critics’ Verdict
- “Sanremo’s first night was a masterclass in Italian excess—where fashion isn’t just worn, it’s performed.” — Vogue Italia
- “Ferragni’s Armani gown will go down in Sanremo history, but Mahmood’s lace cape stole the soul of the night.” — WWD
Final Takeaway:
Sanremo 2025’s opening night proved that fashion is as much a protagonist as the music. From Ferragni’s coastal goddess glam to Mahmood’s boundary-pushing elegance, the event celebrated Italy’s dual legacy of tradition and rebellion—one sequin, stitch, and surrealist suit at a time.
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