That’s Italian

Currently embracing La Dolce Vita in London, the Victoria & Albert Museum is displaying The Glamour of Italian Fashion: 1945-2014, which is a drool-worthy deep dive into seven decades of glamorous Italian fashion. Presented by Bulgari, the exhibition- which opened April 5- celebrates Italy’s longtime style influence and tradition since the end of World War II. The collection of mens and womenswear begins with pieces from the end of the war and ends at present day trends. Featuring over 100 ensembles and accessories by leading Italian fashion houses that include Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Pucci, Missoni, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Fendi, curator Sonnet Stanfill went beyond the clothing to explore how Italian fashion emerged and thrived.

Italian fashion houses have held and maintained a rich and influential contribution and strong presence in the global sphere, and this exhibit proves that Italy has been, and always will be, an international style force to be reckoned with. The retrospective also examines the relationship between Italian fashion and Hollywood, as iconic films such as Roman Holiday and Anthony and Cleopatra were shot on location in Italy, while movie stars such as Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn became ambassadors for the country’s luxurious wear. It also takes a personal, detailed look into Italy’s top design houses by studying integral facets of the fashion industry, including luxury high-end materials and craftsmanship. And to quote Franca Sozzani, the editor in chief of Vogue Italia, fashion in the end, isn’t about art but it’s a cultural way to see the moment in which you live. I’d say that pretty much sums it up. Through July 27, 2014