May 20th, 2025 – At the intersection of haute couture and humanitarian purpose, the Save the Rainforest 2025 Charity Gala unfolded at Monaco’s iconic Salle d’Or Ballroom at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on May 17. This year, the spotlight belonged not just to conservation, but to the grand revival of a fashion name that has long been synonymous with elegance: Sergio Soldano.
As Title Sponsor of the evening, Sergio Soldano brought more than fashion to the table—it brought legacy, symbolism, and vision. Under the leadership of newly appointed Creative Directors Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella, the Maison made its first major public appearance in years, renewing its historical bond with Monaco and aligning the brand’s next chapter with a cause rooted in global responsibility.
This gala wasn’t simply a debut—it was a homecoming. “Maestro Soldano had a special connection with Monaco and the Royal Family,” shared Giovanni Premoli, noting the archival photographs of Sergio Soldano’s meeting with Princess Grace of Monaco. The evening was more than a nod to nostalgia—it was a conscious act of rekindling a meaningful bond with a place long central to the brand’s identity.
The sponsorship served as a high-profile platform to reveal the Koral silk foulard, gifted to every guest in attendance. The foulard’s design—a striking motif of coral branches framed by black chains—was more than decorative. It conveyed a message: a visual protest against the environmental pressures suffocating nature. Rendered in fine Italian silk, the accessory was available in three hues—turquoise, pink, and golden yellow—each color representing the Maison’s commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling through textile.
“These foulards tell a vital story of interconnection. We hope that every time they are worn, the bearer is reminded to do all in their power to help preserve the beauty of the world that surrounds us.”Dario Di Bella, Sergio Soldano Creative Director
The gala also marked the global unveiling of Sergio Soldano’s new packaging—a structured and sculptural design crowned with the brand’s logo and co-signed by its Creative Directors. Inside each box, guests discovered the mantra “Fashion is Joy!” woven into a Mediterranean yellow-gold pattern, echoing the house’s belief that beauty resides as much within as it does on the surface.
Every detail—from the striped ribbon on the rigid shopper bag to the poetry printed within—was meant to transform the simple act of unboxing into a multi-sensory encounter. “Our work as designers is not merely transactional, but rather immersive,” Di Bella said, emphasizing their commitment to turning each acquisition into an emotional ritual.
For those unfamiliar with the brand’s profound cultural imprint, Sergio Soldano’s legacy is etched into the history of 20th-century fashion. Since his debut in 1968, Soldano dressed icons like Liz Taylor, Raquel Welch, Ursula Andress, and Grace Jones. His creations graced international runways and cinema screens alike, from the cloak worn by Laura Antonelli in La Divina Ninfa to the elegant wardrobe designed for Virna Lisi in Bluebeard alongside Richard Burton.
Known for his geometric precision, theatrical palettes, and daring silhouettes, Soldano was an early champion of Milan’s rise in global fashion and a pioneering figure in pop-art-infused haute couture. His aesthetic, at once refined and radical, helped define an era—and now, under new creative leadership, that spirit is poised for a contemporary renaissance.
Antonio Lemma, President and CEO of Desire Holding Group (which acquired Sergio Soldano through Italian subsidiary Desire Fragrances S.r.l.), praised the creative relaunch:
“The creative work led by Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella is exceptional. They are shaping a refined and elevated project that goes far beyond fashion and style, transforming the brand into a deeply emotional and sensory experience.”Antonio Lemma, President and CEO of Desire Holding Group
Backed by the global infrastructure of Desire Holding Group, which oversees exclusive licenses for other luxury brands such as Tonino Lamborghini, Liu-Jo, and Alfa Romeo, the Sergio Soldano revival isn’t simply a creative endeavor—it’s a calculated expansion. The Group has its eyes set on the U.S. market, a region where Soldano once held court among Hollywood’s elite.
The Save the Rainforest 2025 gala, organized by Borneo Wildlife Preservation, served as the perfect canvas for this next act. Bringing together international guests, philanthropists, and environmental leaders, the evening underscored a growing understanding that fashion must do more than dress—it must act.
Sergio Soldano’s return to Monaco wasn’t just a reunion with its glamorous past; it was a signal that high fashion can and should play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future. Through symbolism, storytelling, and sponsorship, the Maison reminded the luxury world of what it has always known: true style carries meaning.