Andrea Bocelli and an aquatic show are spectacles amongst the celebrations.

‘Firenze Hometown of Fashion’  impressive opening ceremony

With gondolas carrying devils and angels, a crinoline lady a-top a long boat and water cyclists skimming the rippling waters of the River Arno, Florence kicked off four days of fashion celebration.

Somewhere between a water pageant and an Italian Lent ‘Carnivale’, the opening ceremony launched ‘Firenze Hometown of Fashion’ – a tribute to 60 years of style seeded in Florence. This was viewed from the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge.

The water pageant on the River Arno

The event  also celebrates Pitti Uomo, the twice-a- year men ‘s fashion showcase with 1089 brands in a fair that also includes 75 women’s collections at Pitti W.

Stefano Ricci and Suzy enjoy the celebrations

Gaetano Marzotto, President of Pitti Immagini  and Stefano Ricci, President of Centro Firenze per la Moda Italiana, heading one of the iconic Florentine brands, hosted a concert in the hyper- modern new opera house, designed by Italian architects ABDR.

Andrea Bocelli’s  live performance is projected on to a wall

There, Andrea Bocelli’s soaring voice brought tears to the eyes of an audience that included fashion figures from Laudomia Pucci to the Ferragamo family.

‘Florence is so beautiful – and we owe Florence a lot, ‘ said Ferruccio Ferragamo after the concert, as dinner was served under lowering clouds on a bridge which gave a dramatic view of events. They included not only the pageant’s fireworks, but also the new illumination of the Ponte Vecchio, sponsored by Stefano Ricci.

Ponte-Vecchio’s new eco-friendly  lights

The bridge was also a parade ground for Sbandieratori’, or flag-wavers in historic uniforms.

Sbandieratorii enjoy the festivities

Laudomia Pucci, remembering her father Emilio Pucci on parade in his costume as he road on horseback through his city, summed up her own feeling of pride in Florence’s past history and dynamic present. ‘I feel proud to be European, Italian and Florentine, she said.  ‘And it is nice to celebrate 60 years of fashion.’

Capturing ‘Firenze Hometown of Fashion’ celebrations from above

Andrea Bocelli performing  famous Italian opera arias.