Italian Fashion History

            “Bella figura”. A good image is important to Italians. Because of its high regard in sophistication and elegance, the world has focused on the fashion that knows how to conquer the catwalk, Italian Fashion.

Italian fashion history started after the 11th century when artisans were influential enough in dominating Italian culture. The growth of arts influenced how garments were made creating great attention for extravagant dresses. It was then that clothes became the key in knowing a person’s status in the society. The rich spends much money on lavish clothing that soon there were demands on fabrics with stronger quality and rich intricate details. Although fashion trends of the time continued to rise and gain momentum, decline in Italian Fashion came with the introduction of the gothic trend, a much simpler style, influencing how Italian clothes were done.

The grandiose Italian fashion surged back into a limelight through Count Giorgini who held a fashion show at his villa, inviting journalist and potential buyers to witness his exhibit. Styles were created to cater to the noble men and women of Italy, showcasing the elegant style of Italian wear modeled by upper class Italians. The show was turned into a success overnight that a second was soon well under way, this time presenting designs by Capucci, Valentino and Armani.

In the 1960s, Italian fashion has stopped focusing its attention to the high class of society. It is this period that marked Italian fashion history as it was brought to a bigger market as fine clothing opens its doors to common people as well. “Made in Italy” labels became widely acclaimed with its “Prêt-à-porter” during the seventies and eighties. Italian fashion was followed by its tremendous influence on jazzing up the well known jeans and mini-skirts. Milan became a fashion hotspot.

In men’s clothing in Italy has made its mark with the flourish of various quality and rich textiles used for creating men’s suits wherein the classic Italian suit cut, with no lapels and fit to the shoulders jacket began.

At present Italian clothing is still known for its sophistication and elegance. One can hardly identify clothing brands and labels from endless sea of phonetically similar Italian names that swamp the fashion world today. No matter what the brand may be as long as it is Italian, one is always guaranteed quality clothing. From the clothes to the accessories, appearanceis the primary definition of a person’s identity. Truly, the Italian flow has shown that feeling good is all about looking good. In turn, looking good is defined by the right clothing that presents personal confirmation. Thus, “Que bella figura!”