Antonio Berardi

Berardi was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire.^[2] His parents were Sicilians who emigrated to Britain in the 1950s.^[3] He developed an interest in fashion at a young age. As a nine-year-old, he saved his money for Armani shirts with leather gusset shoulders. After secondary school, he decided on a career in design and, after attending Lincoln College of Art and Design,^[2] began working as an assistant to John Galliano. In 1990, he applied to Central Saint Martins (for a third time) and was accepted to the programme led by Wendy Dagworthy.^[3][5]

Berardi is known for his "sensual, figure-hugging dresses" and a "striking, classical, dressed-up" style featuring "advanced fabrics and manufacturing techniques."^[1] He has named music, independent film, post-modern art, Catholic symbolism, Italian art and culture, urban street style, lingerie, and the female form as his design influences.^[1][3][6]

In Milan in 2003, he showed a coat illuminated with light bulbs that lit up to form a crucifix.^[3] He designed the trompe-l'œil corset black-and white dress with lace detailing worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in November 2008 at the premiere of the film Two Lovers,^[7] named "Dress of the Year" for 2009 by Harper's Bazaar magazine.^[1]