The Tamesis
Then it’s time for the headliner, at least for those watching in the United States: Mariah Carey. Kelly, like me, is from Long Island, New York, and like me, she has no Italian roots, but no problem! She is the embodiment of pomp and circumstance, which is what really matters in moments like this. Plus, she has a strong connection to the colder months thanks to her holiday songs – I briefly thought she might throw in a verse or a sample of “All I Want for Christmas,” but no. Call it a missed opportunity. Carey performed the Italian song “Volare,” originally written in 1958 by Domenico Modugno. She mixed the song with one of her own songs, “Nothing Is Impossible.” Pre-recorded or not, she also performed her signature whistle trio that had the entire stadium screaming. Kelly wore a white Roberto Cavalli dress by Fausto Puglisi with a feather cape. And, importantly: $15 million worth of diamonds from Levuma. When she finished, the lights dimmed, but she stayed put. Six managers then rushed out to escort her away. I wonder if she has flown home.
Shortly thereafter, one of the most stylish moments of the ceremony occurred during the presentation of the flag to the honor guard. Sixty models wore Armani pantsuits in the segment, whose green, white and red colors reflected the Italian flag. Like Gisele Bundchen at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, another Italian superstar, Vittoria Ceretti, made her final appearance as flag bearer. She wore a white Armani Privé gown that was completely custom-made for the occasion. It’s a feeling that resonates, especially in light of Mr. Armani’s recent death. In fact, he was involved in designing part of the ceremony very early on.
Italian delegation.Photo: Courtesy of Armani
At this point, we needed to stretch our legs, so a few of us braved the line and bought some snacks and more beers. “I think we need 15,” Boscono said. While waiting, I asked her if she was good at winter sports. “No, obviously,” she said with a laugh, but then added that she enjoys figure skating and ski jumping. “The danger in it. It’s exciting.” After ordering 15 beers (and 15 hot dogs) and experiencing utter chaos in a crowd of about a hundred people trying to do the same thing, we returned to the parade of athletes while Canada was circling. I was vaguely hoping (desperately hoping) that Hudson Williams would strut like Shawn Holland, but alas, another missed opportunity.
