Polimoda is the educational partner of the exhibition “Maria La Callas: The Art of Italian Costume Design in the Film,” presented at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture from Wednesday, May 27 through September 13, 2026.
This summer, the exhibition — an ambitious joint initiative by the Embassy of Italy in Athens and the Benaki Museum, under the patronage of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana — presents for the first time, as a separate project, a selection of 18 costumes from the film Maria (2024). The exhibition is curated by the film’s costume designer, the internationally renowned and award-winning Italian costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini, in collaboration with students from the Undergraduate in Fashion Art Direction program of Polimoda, of which he is both an alumnus and a mentor.
Polimoda students contributed to the visual identity of the show: exhibition layout, invitation, banner, poster, and digital catalogue. Polimoda was represented in Athens by its Director, Massimiliano Giornetti, who attended the inauguration and the press conference.
The exhibition celebrates in Greece the “Italian Fashion Days in the World.”
A costume from Maria La Callas exhibition, Photo by Andreas Schinas
A costume from Maria La Callas exhibition, Photo by Andreas Schinas
The Film
The film Maria, production year, 2024 by Chilean director Pablo Larraín, starring Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, follows the Greek diva during her retirement in Paris after a glamorous and turbulent life, revisiting the legendary soprano in her final days as she reflects on her identity while coming to terms with the weight of her immense legacy, revealing previously unknown facets of her personality. ‘I imagined how she would have dressed in her last days of life. We knew she was ill and showing signs of depression, but she didn’t expect to die. It was an exercise in sensitivity and precision, taking care of the smallest detail’ says Massimo Cantini Parrini in an interview..
Τhe Costumes
Massimo Cantini Parrini’s approach explores the powerful and multifaceted personality of Maria Callas, focusing on snapshots of pivotal moments in her life and artistic career. Legendary opera costumes coexist with pieces redolent of the glamour of her social life. A vibrant tribute to the captivating identity of “La Divina,” one of the most refined and recognizable divas of the twentieth century, an icon of style and timeless elegance.
The creative process behind the costumes fabricated for Angelina Jolie is a tribute to meticulous historical research. Massimo Cantini Parrini and his team thoroughly studied photographs, stage performances, and recordings of Callas from the 1940s to the 1970s. One of the most exciting challenges was recreating the diva’s iconic looks in her performances, on her album covers, and in her photo shoots, such as the one for Life magazine.
One of the elements that distinguishes him is his obsession with historical authenticity and his vast personal collection of vintage clothing and accessories, consisting of authentic pieces dating from the 17th century to the present day. He is often called a “fashion archaeologist” because he treats costumes as historical artifacts rather than merely styling objects. Consequently, through the collection’s iconic “Made in Italy” pieces, the exhibition reflects on the sociological and cultural evolution of three critical decades of the 20th century (the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s), highlighting Italian ascendancy to the top of the fashion industry.
Drawing by Massimo Cantini Parrini for the film Maria by Pablo Larraín (2024), mixed technique on paper © Archivio Massimo Cantini Parrini
Drawing by Massimo Cantini Parrini for the film Maria by Pablo Larraín (2024), mixed technique on paper © Archivio Massimo Cantini Parrini
Drawing by Massimo Cantini Parrini for the film Maria by Pablo Larraín (2024), mixed technique on paper © Archivio Massimo Cantini Parrini
Drawing by Massimo Cantini Parrini for the film Maria by Pablo Larraín (2024), mixed technique on paper © Archivio Massimo Cantini Parrini
Drawing by Massimo Cantini Parrini for the film Maria by Pablo Larraín (2024), mixed technique on paper © Archivio Massimo Cantini Parrini
Massimo Cantini Parrini
Born in Florence, Massimo Cantini Parrini developed a deep passion for clothing from an early age. His education took place entirely in his hometown: he attended the State Institute of Art of Porta Romana and later studied at Polimoda, a school affiliated with the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) of New York. He later graduated in Fashion Culture and Styling from the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy.
During his academic years, he won the competition for admission to the Experimental Center of Cinematography in Rome, where he joined the costume design course led by Oscar-winning designer Piero Tosi, his mentor and a pivotal figure in his training.
After several years collaborating with Oscar-winning costume designer Gabriella Pescucci, he launched a brilliant independent career. Alongside his professional work, he has taught costume design for performance in Florence, first at the University of Florence and later at the Academy of Fine Arts.
Since 2020, he has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In 2021, he received his first Academy Award nomination for costume design for Pinocchio by Matteo Garrone, followed by a second nomination in 2022 for Cyrano by Joe Wright.
Since 2016, he has won six David di Donatello Awards out of nine nominations, a European Film Award, six Nastri d’Argento, the Flaiano Prize, and five Ciak d’Oro Awards, in addition to numerous other national and international honors.
His major nominations also include the Critics Choice Award, three nominations for the Costume Designers Guild Awards, and one BAFTA nomination.
In 2019, he was awarded the title of Honorary Academician by the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence, and in 2025 he received the same recognition from the Academy of Fine Arts of Parma.
He collaborates with major directors and contributes to films, theatrical productions, exhibitions and major international events, including the costume design for the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
BENAKI MUSEUM OF GREEK CULTURE
The Benaki Museum was founded by Antonis Benakis in 1930 and subsequently donated to the Greek state. It is the oldest museum in Greece operating as a Foundation under Private Law. Between 1973 and 2014, under the directorship of Professor Angelos Delivorrias and with the support of dedicated Board of Trustees members, the Benaki Museum emerged as the most active museum institution in Greece.
Arranged across nine buildings open to the public, the Museum’s collections are extremely diverse, featuring four archives, an extensive library and over 500,000 works of art, books, photographs, and rare documents. The Museum welcomes over 450,000 visitors per year and offers a range of activities serving various educational and social needs. It holds a unique place as a truly multifaceted institution within the broader network of museums in Greece.
Every year, the Benaki Museum presents dozens of temporary exhibitions and organises conferences, lectures and special events on subjects connected to its collections and expansive range of activities.
MARIA LA CALLAS
The Art of Italian Costume design in the film
- Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
1, Koumbari st. Athens - Duration of the exhibition: 27.05.2026 – 13.09.2026
