By Nila Soleimani
Manhattan’s fashion icon and author Candace Bushnell is the new muse of the fashion house Sergio Soldano. The socialite and famed writer chose to go in head-to-toe Italian luxury fashions from Serigo Soldano for Whitney Biennial’s 2026 Opening Preview Event. Sergio Soldano is the newly revived Italian luxury fashion brand that is creative directed by Giovanni Premoli and Dario Di Bella (Premoli + Di Bella).
Bushnell was scheduled to appear wearing a pink Sergio Soldano designer cape, a pink-accented, jewel-studded, metallic mini dress, designer Sergio Soldano mini handbag, and custom Sergio Soldano heels in coordinating hot pink.
The custom Italian leather heels were commissioned solely for Candace Bushnell, an exclusive variation of the Italian house’s Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection that recently debuted at Printemps New York during New York Fashion Week.
Founded in 1968, Sergio Soldano emerged as one of Italy’s most distinctive fashion brands. Soldano was celebrated for a bold, geometric aesthetic, and vibrant color. Soldano is a favorite for international high society and cultural icons such as Liz Taylor, Gina Lollobrigida, Monica Vitti, and Virna Lisi.
Some locations the designer presented collections are in Rome, Florence, Milan, New York, and Paris. Soldano helped change the “visual language of mid-century modern fashion.” He was known as “the man of fashion,” and transcended the runway, appeared in film, and editorial. His legacy is one of a creative force whose influence still resonates today.
The fashion house was acquired by Desire Holding Group in 2024, and now helmed by Co-Creative Directors Giovanni Premoli, and Dario Di Bella. Building on Soldano’s legacy “with an emphasis on Italian heritage, luxury craftsmanship, premium materials, and a bold, contemporary design vision for the 21st century.” Desire Holding has built its presence in the international beauty scene, backed by years of experience in production and distribution of well-known brands in the U.S. market. These include Ferrari, Jacques Bogart, and having signed exclusive licenses with Bill Blass, Katy Perry, and Jesse McCartney, among others.
Find Sergio Soldano’s instagram here: sergiosoldano.official, and for more information about Desire Holding Group, visit desirefragrances.net.
