ANNA PIAGGI was remembered by some of the fashion world's leading names on Friday evening at a memorial service in Milan. Speakers included Manolo Blahnik, Carla Fendi, Franca Sozzani, Rosita Missoni and Stephen Jones - who recalled the last time he had been in her company, only a few weeks before her death on August 7.
"She was wearing Manolo patent boots, white frilled lace pantalets, a John Galliano camellia-printed chiffon dress with giant red and blue peonies all over it and a Dolce & Gabbana denim jacket with little gold fringes," he recalled. "She had Chanel jewellery on, little gloves and a big lavender hat with yellow pansies. And on top of that, she had a fairly large red parasol with frills all around it. She was a complete vision, and of course it was 40 degrees. We came out of the restaurant, and she said: 'Stephen - it's a little hot, isn't it?'"
The milliner also recalled a somewhat unexpected commission he received from his friend, in preparation for a trip to a health resort.
"She said: 'I need to have some hats which are waterproof,'" he recalled. "And I said: 'Why, Anna?' And she said: 'Well, I can't be naked in the spa.'"
Over 200 guests attended the event held at the Palazzo Reale in Milan to pay their respects, WWD reports. A slideshow showcased images of the legendary Vogue Italia fashion contributor alongside fashion luminaries such as Karl Lagerfeld and Richard Avedon.
"Anna was unique, one-off and unforgettable," said Rosita Missoni.. "I am sure she can see us and hear us, and is giving a wry smile. We don't know how she appeared to the angels, but no doubt she is giving them advice, perhaps on getting a coloured streak in their hair."
"I miss Anna's voice," added Blahnik. "Milan is no longer Milan for me without Anna. I miss her, et voilà."
Read more: Style File: Anna Piaggi
