The art of tailoring has its heart in the Eternal City and is conquering the world – Il Messaggero

The newspaper Il Messaggero, in its April 11, 2026 edition, published an in-depth feature on the Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori and the Manichino d’Oro 2026 Competition, recognizing the institution’s central role in training and promoting new generations of tailoring talent.

Alongside a review of the Academy’s history, highlighting its deep and enduring connection with the city of Rome, particular emphasis is placed on the Manichino d’Oro 2026 Competition, sponsored by Carnet – Gruppo Ratti and dedicated to the best under-40 talents in women’s tailoring. This year’s edition recorded a total of 102 applications, double the number of the previous edition, marking a significant milestone in the growing interest in the competition.

The 2026 edition of the contest, directed by Master Academician Lucia Lacognata, will bring finalists to Rome from June 1st to June 6th for a “campus-style” final phase: the same fabric, the same theme, and no external contact. A demanding format designed to test technical skill, creativity, and design vision under equal conditions.

The program will conclude with a runway show featuring the garments created by the finalists and the award ceremony, during which the main title will be presented alongside the special awards Ditale d’Oro and Gesso d’Oro, dedicated respectively to executional precision and artisanal excellence.

The President of the Academy, Daniele Piscioneri, emphasized that this exceptionally high number of applications represents a strong and tangible signal: Rome continues to stand as a vibrant hub for emerging talent and an international benchmark for contemporary tailoring.

Finally, Il Messaggero highlights the growing enthusiasm of younger generations for a craft that blends creativity, technique, and manual skill, reaffirming the Academy’s role in preserving and enhancing a unique and timeless artisanal heritage.