Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
On Friday night the Blink team hit the V&A for their really very civilized late opening (DJ’s, lights and projections, booze). We were there with tickets to see ‘The Glamour of Italian Fashion’ exhibition clutched in our sweaty little hands. No-one puts on an a fashion exhibition quite as well as the V&A so we had high hopes and oh those high hopes were not only met but exceeded.
I have a general sense of the founding and evolution of the Italian fashion industry, but this exhibition delivers on an insightful and educational level as well as being utterly stunning in both subject and setting, revealing the origins of Italy’s fashion week which was actually staged in Florence in the early 50’s and then taking through the key stages in Italian fashion right up to today.
Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Fashion show in Sala Bianca,1955 Photo by G.M. Fadigati, © Giorgini Archive, Florence
Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Pucci beach styles from the 60’s
In the first rooms of the exhibition, which focus on the earliest years, there are names that we had never come across before, but the skill, detailing, design and construction leaves you wondering why these are not names that we know as well as Gucci, Prada and Dolce. As the exhibition progresses into the 60’s you can see how Italian fashion really crystallized it’s reputation as a fashion world leader through film with original costumes given context by footage from the movies that they featured in.
Elizabeth Taylor wears Bulgari jewellery at the masked ball, Hotel Ca’Rezzonico, Venice 1967
The names featured become more recognizable as we hit the 80’s and see designs featured from Pucci, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, and even Benetton (remember when they were cool, and their amazing campaigns?).
Krizia, 1981
In the final room we get right up to date with pieces from the last decade, featuring names that show how Italian fashion has stood the test of time by embracing what makes it unique- the creativity, the craftsmanship and the passion.
Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 – 2014 Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Before you leave the exhibition there is a great video with interviews with some of the key contributors to Italian Fashion today (how lovely does Angela Missoni seem!) discussing the future of Italian fashion which is not to be missed. Oh, and then there’s the gift shop…
V&A bookshop
If you’re looking to invest in some books about Italian fashion, then this is a one stop shop. As a fashion book collector, I was in seventh heaven. We thoroughly recommend you hit this exhibition (and gift shop) before it closes on 27th July. Book ahead here or risk disappointment as this is proving a popular one.
For more on inspirational events that the Blink team have attended, just take a look here.
