On July 19th, the ancient Teatro Antico of Taormina became the stage for an important milestone in Antonio Riva’s career. During the 2025 edition of Taomoda, the designer was presented with the Tao Award for Haute Couture Made in Italy, a recognition that celebrates not only his technical mastery and creative vision but also his contribution to defining contemporary Italian couture.

Antonio Riva has long been known for his ability to balance tradition and innovation. His work stands out for precise construction, architectural volumes, and an approach to fabric that combines rigor with lightness. Accepting the award, he reflected on this vision:

“To shape a dress is, for me, to shape an attitude. This recognition is important not only for my path but for the idea of Italian couture that I have always wanted to share with the world.”

The evening in Taormina also marked the first presentation of Mirage, Antonio Riva Milano’s new Fall/Winter 2025 collection. While the award was dedicated to the designer himself, the collection offered guests an early look at his latest creative direction.

Mirage draws inspiration from the complex femininity of classic cinema in the 1940s and 1950s. The gowns play with layers and contrasts: liquid organza and glossy satin, delicate tonal embroidery, and silhouettes that move between structure and fluidity. Black, rosé, and indigo tones suggest something hidden behind each gesture, a quality of presence that is never entirely revealed.

While the collection sets the atmosphere, the evening’s focus remained on the designer and the acknowledgment of a career dedicated to craftsmanship and continuous research. In the setting of the Teatro Antico, Antonio Riva’s personal achievement stood at the center, a moment that connected his story to the broader tradition of Italian haute couture.