DUBAI: Australian Lebanese model Jessica Kahawaty and Syrian Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini recently came together in Italy for a fashion event showcasing a collaboration between Italian luxury label Dolce & Gabbana and German e-commerce luxury fashion company Mytheresa.
The two brands unveiled a new collection in Portofino, paying tribute to the town’s vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes. Held under the patronage of the municipality, the event featured a YouTube video capturing the essence of the Italian atmosphere.
The collection, inspired by the Italian Riviera, was presented in Portofino’s Piazzetta, where guests, including Kahawaty and Mardini, were treated to a private dinner overlooking the picturesque harbor. The showcased designs include patterned dresses, colorful blouses, printed sets, and striped bandanas, among others.
Expressing her excitement, Kahawaty took to Instagram to share videos and pictures from the event, describing it as her “wildest Italian dream” and expressing gratitude to Dolce & Gabbana and Mytheresa.com for the experience.
Mardini also shared her delight, posting a series of pictures featuring her in a black sequined dress and printed scarf. She expressed her gratitude in Italian, captioning her post with “Thank you for a special night.”
Jessica Kahawaty’s Activities in Italy
Kahawaty has been making the most of her time in Italy. Prior to the fashion show, she attended French luxury label Louis Vuitton’s cruise show on the Italian island of Isola Bella, wearing a stunning green embroidered mini dress. She also mentioned that 2023 marks her 10th year working with the brand.
In April, Mardini’s remarkable journey from war refugee to Olympic athlete earned her a place on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. Her story, along with her sister Sarah’s, of swimming for three hours to reach the Greek island of Lesbos and subsequently becoming Olympic athletes, was documented in the BAFTA-nominated film “The Swimmers.”
