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Columns : Style Drama - Edward Quan Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


The glamour of Italian fashion
By Edward Quan
Apr 12, 2014 - 10:36:04 AM

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Gianfranco Ferre advert, Fall Winter 1991 copyright Gianpaolobarbieri

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014
exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London that opened last weekend and traces the history of Italian fashion from the post-war period to current day, a time during which ‘Made in Italy’ became the gold standard of style.

Italy’s rich and influential contribution to fashion stems from many unique and defining factors such as the use of luxurious materials, expert textile production and designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, and Versace who’s influence drove dramatic menswear and glamours women’s fashions.

The exhibition takes you back to the 1950’s with images of the first ‘Sala Bianca’ catwalk shows held in Florence where they priced their designs 30% less than their Parisian counterparts to gain access to U.S. department stores.

Ultimately, it was Hollywood that brought Italian fashion onto the world stage. Glamorous stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor arrived in Rome for the filming of Cleopatra in 1962, where he indulged Elizabeth in the most sought after, stylist and precious Bulgari jewels.

A small selection of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels, now part of the Bulgari Heritage collection, are featured in this exhibition and are rarely available for public viewing.

Off set, Audrey Hepburn went shopping for shoes at Ferregamo in Florence and became a style ambassador for Italian fashion, fueling a keen international appetite for luxurious clothing and accessories from Italy.

As the paparazzi snapped images of Hollywood stars wearing beautiful Italian clothing and holidaying on the coast, their photos portrayed an effortless stylish way of life to American audiences via the pages of Life magazine.

The exhibition also addresses the challenges that Italian designers and manufacturers face today with lower cost overseas production, fast fashion and internet sales with interviews from key players in the industry.

Sponsored by Bulgari and supported by Nespresso, The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 runs until July 27, 2014 at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

The exhibition is scheduled to tour in three U.S. venues: Minneapolis Institute of Art October 26, 2014 – January 4, 2015; Portland Art Museum February 7 – May 3, 2015; and The First Centre for Visual Arts, Nashville June 5 – September 7, 2015.

About the Author: Experienced luxury fashion buyer Edward Quan has worked with the most prestigious designer brands across Europe and America and shares his inspiration for effortless style on his website, StyleDrama.com. He has a passionate, yet intelligent way of describing his subject and has a keen eye for detail. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Sala_Bianca_1955_Giorgini_Archive-1024x696.jpg
Fashion Show in Sala Bianca Pitti Palace florence, 1955. Photo: G.M. Fadigati, copyright Giorgini Archive, Florence.


Valentino_with_models_1967-824x1024.jpg
Valentino posing with models nearby Trevi fountain, Rome, July 1967 Photo courtesy of the Art Archive / Mondadori Portfolio / Marisa Rastellini



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Style Drama - Edward Quan
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