Naples, Maurizio Marinella wins the 2023 Italian Controvento Award

The renowned “Italiani ControVento 2023 Award” was awarded to Maurizio Marinella, the famous “King of Ties,” on the occasion of its third edition.

The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in the Salone degli Affreschi “E. Marinella,” on the second floor of Palazzo Satriano di Ravaschieri in Naples (Riviera di Chiaia, 287 A).

The Regional Union of Campania 50&Più and the Commission of Italiani ControVento have chosen to honor Maurizio Marinella as a great ambassador of the art of tailoring and Italian fashion. Maurizio Merolla, president of the Association of National Relief 50&Più – Naples, emphasizes that heads of state, rulers, entrepreneurs and celebrities have had the privilege of wearing his creations, an authentic symbol of elegance.

Produced with the authorization of the Ministry of the Treasury of the Italian Republic by Institutional Collections – CLZI, the Prize consists of a splendid example of the commemorative re-minting of the 500 Lire coin “Caravelle Bandiere Controvento – 1957 proof version”. The coin, minted in only 999 examples, is made of silver with a mirror background and depicts the legendary 500 Lire Italiane Bandiere Controvento with the three Caravels of Christopher Columbus.

The event will be attended by Maurizio Merolla, the commercial director of Collezioni Istituzionali – CLZI, Alessandro Martillotti, and the journalist and writer Michelangelo Iossa.

Maurizio Merolla comments on the symbolic importance of the coin, recalling the evocative image of the sails against the wind, symbol of the beginning of Columbus's voyage and metaphor of the audacity of those who, despite adversity, undertake a long journey with determination. The award recognizes those who, like Maurizio Marinella, represent the authentic Italian spirit and Made in Italy.

The “Premio Italiani ControVento” rewards “countercurrent travellers”, individuals who perpetuate centuries-old traditions, contributing to the prestige of Italian culture in the world. The previous edition saw Marco Bucci, mayor of Genoa, and Franco Pepe, ambassador of Italian food and wine, receive this recognition. Maurizio Merolla concludes by underlining how being artists, master craftsmen and entrepreneurs represents a continuous challenge in the name of talent and genius that characterize Italian sartorial craftsmanship.