On January 26, 2025, in Rome, Antonio Grimaldi unveiled his Spring-Summer 2025 Couture collection, Metamorfosi. Rooted in mythology and artistry, the collection reinterprets the tale of Apollo and Daphne, as immortalized in Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s iconic sculpture housed in the Galleria Borghese. In Grimaldi’s vision, Daphne is no longer a passive figure trapped in transformation but a symbol of independence and agency, rewriting her destiny.
The story of Daphne, a metaphor for power dynamics and resistance, finds a fresh perspective in this collection. Instead of turning into a tree, Grimaldi’s Daphne draws strength from nature to assert her autonomy. Rejecting Apollo’s advances, she carves her own path, embodying self-determination and liberation. Through Metamorfosi, Grimaldi celebrates the resilience and empowerment of women, offering a narrative where they define their outcomes.
The collection presents 18 looks that explore themes of transformation and freedom. Each garment alternates between veiling and revealing, symbolizing an evolution that frees rather than confines. The designs highlight a progression in identity, showcasing the strength and independence of women. Nature plays a vital role in the embroidery, which features intricate references to tree bark and organic forms. The bodices, with 3D embroidered basques, leave parts of the body uncovered, creating a dialogue between concealment and exposure. Laser-cut organza adds volume to skirts, forming root-like structures, while glass beads mimic bark textures. Crystal fringes create willow-inspired effects, and pearl embroidery evokes the delicate clusters of mimosa trees.
A standout feature is the use of studs on jackets, underscoring feminine strength, contrasted by the flowing fluidity of chiffon skirts. This balance of structure and movement reflects the dynamic nature of metamorphosis, allowing each design to tell its own story of change and freedom. Much like Bernini’s sculpture, Grimaldi’s garments reveal their complexity when viewed from different angles. Voluminous skirts in the front transition into sleek, curve-defining silhouettes at the back, adding a sense of motion and evolution to the designs.
Guêpières and culottes crafted from faille and taffeta introduce structure, while organza with crystal torsades softens the upper sections of the dresses. The collection’s color palette enhances the theme of strength and transformation. Shades like black, silk white, ivory, and pastel tones such as peach and wisteria express a range of emotions, from subtlety to bold confidence. These absolute colors become the canvas for Grimaldi’s reinterpretation of feminine energy. To complete the looks, Grimaldi collaborates with renowned Italian footwear brand René Caovilla. Iconic serpent sandals, originally designed in the 1970s, and grand evening shoes bring an elegant finishing touch, reinforcing the collection’s narrative of strength and grace.
