MILAN — Alberta Ferretti is partnering with Sotheby’s to support the reconstruction within the Emilia Romagna region, which was severely affected by devastating floods last May.

A choice of the designer’s dresses, worn by quite a few A-list celebrities on the red carpet, will probably be offered in an internet auction held by Sotheby’s from Monday to July 13. The proceeds will probably be donated to assist the families and businesses impacted by the natural disaster.

“The thought of this charity auction stemmed from after I was preparing my fashion show in Rimini, and on the news, I saw the incredible damage attributable to the flood. I immediately thought it was necessary to actively take part in raising funds to support our region. So, along with actively engaging and with the support of our employees, donating and creating sweatshirts whose proceeds from sales will go to charity, I made a decision to prepare an auction of special dresses,” Ferretti said. “Turning to Sotheby’s was a spontaneous act since it is an absolute reference point on this industry, and I’m very grateful to their entire team for supporting me in such an expert manner for this activity, which I hope will contribute to helping the reconstruction within the severely affected areas.”

The web auction will comprise 18 evening gowns worn through the years by the likes of Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Amanda Seyfried and Eva Longoria, amongst others, at international events starting from the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and the BAFTA Film Awards.

“We feel truly delighted to be partnering with Alberta Ferretti on this very special auction. It will not be on daily basis we have now the pleasure to unite these two disciplines — fashion and art — together, and it feels all of the more poignant that we’re doing so to boost much needed funds for such a very important cause,” said Sara Miconi, Sotheby’s head of the jewellery department in Italy. 

A choice of the dresses will probably be exhibited to the general public in Sotheby’s galleries in Milan on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In May, Ferretti presented her resort 2024 collection with a show at Castel Sismondo in Rimini.

At the tip of the show, the designer and 32 volunteers who helped assist the Emilia Romagna region during and after the widespread floods wore a blue T-shirt that spelled out “Io Ci Sono,” or “I’m here” in English. The proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts were donated to charity. (Following consumer demand, the brand continued production of the T-shirts, which can be found online and in stores.)

Ferretti admitted on the time that she had been battling the choice to carry the show given the circumstances, but that she believed it could convey a message that the territory was recovering. She also was prompted by the regional and national authorities to still hold the show.

The brand’s parent Aeffe Group said then that it was making a donation benefiting associations lively in the realm. Aeffe, which also counts the Moschino, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini and Pollini brands in its portfolio, has reached an agreement with its employees to donate the equivalent of 1 hour’s work, with the corporate making an additional donation of equal value.