London Exhibit on Italian Style

The prestigious London museum of art and design, Victoria and Albert Museum, showcased “The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945–2014,” earlier this year. Sponsored by renowned Italian fashion powerhouse Bulgari, the show presented the most comprehensive display on the history of Italian fashion to date.

The exhibit provides an in-depth look at the country’s post Second World War attempt to revive the mentally and financially drained nation through the textile industry—a conjunction between factory restoration in the mid 40’s and a growing artisanal presence helped fashion to become a mainstay of the recovery effort. After years of deprivation and wartime poverty, a thirst for luxury, for glamour existed. And Italy provided. From finely tailored suits to dazzling couture gowns, Italian high fashion won the world over. “This isn’t just a celebratory show,” says curator Sonnet Stanfill. “Of course there are beautiful cloths displayed throughout the exhibition, but we wanted to look at Italy and it’s own fashion future. It’s important to play their history forward.”