When I caught sight of this exhibition on the Victoria & Albert Museum's Instagram account last weekend, I couldn't help but be mesmerised to the point where I developed a newfound obsession. Though I'm not able to stop by in the first half of it's run, if any of you happen to do so, please be sure to share your experience (and some delicious pics) with Yours Truly!
The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014
Sponsored by Bulgari
5 April – 27 July 2014
www.vam.ac.uk/italianfashion | #ItalianFashion
The V&A's spring exhibition, The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, will be the first major show to examine Italy’s rich and influential contribution to fashion from the end of the Second World War to the present. It will draw out the defining factors unique to the Italian fashion industry – the use of luxurious materials; expert textile production; specialist, regional manufacturing; and its strength as a source of both dynamic menswear and glamorous womenswear.
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| London Press Release, Walter Albini SS1973 |
The exhibition draws upon original research undertaken within Italian archives. The story of Italian fashion will be explored through the pivotal individuals and organisations that have contributed to its reputation for quality and style, within the prevailing social and political context. On display will be around 100 ensembles and accessories by leading Italian fashion houses including Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Gianfranco Ferré, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, Pucci and Versace, through to the next generation of talent including couture by Giambattista Valli, bold ready-to-wear from Fausto Puglisi and work from Valentino’s new designers duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. It will also highlight the creativity of influential but less remembered figures such as post-war couturiers Sorelle Fontana (Fontana sisters) and Mila Schön and design innovators such as Walter Albini.
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| Elizabeth Taylor wears Bulgari Jewellery, Venice 1967 |
The exhibition will chart the shifting international perception of Italian style from the landmark 'Sala Bianca' catwalk shows held in Florence from the early 1950s, which propelled Italian fashion onto the world stage. Organised by Giovanni Battista Giorgini, these events presented the country’s finest designs, which offered a viable alternative to Paris. It will also examine the impact of the many Hollywood films that were shot on location in Italy during the 1950s and 1960s. During this period, stars like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor became style ambassadors for Italian fashion, fuelling a keen international appetite for luxurious clothing made in Italy.
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| Salvatore Ferragamo with Audrey Hepburn at Palazzo Spini Feroni in Florence, 1954 |
The Glamour of Italian Fashion will highlight the exceptional quality of techniques, materials and expertise for which Italy has become renowned. Its status as manufacturer and exporter of some of the world’s most stylish and well-made fashion and textiles is linked to the strength of its traditional industries including spinning, dyeing, weaving, cutting and stitching; some of these traditions have been practised in regions around Italy for hundreds of years. A digital map will visualise the networks of mills, workshops and the clusters of related industries seen across the Italian landscape.
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| Evening dress of embroidered net and matelasse coat, Mila Schön, 1966 |
The exhibition will consider how Italy’s fashion designers, manufacturers, press and related industries are navigating the current shift towards overseas production, fast-fashion, internet retail and digital communication. It will conclude with a series of filmed interviews with key protagonists across the design, manufacturing and media sectors discussing the challenges and trends that will impact on and shape the future of Italian fashion.
Martin Roth, Director of the V&A said: "I am thrilled to be celebrating Italy’s immense contribution to the international fashion world in this first major exhibition on the subject. The V&A has a long tradition of working with Italian designers and this comprehensive exhibition will chronicle the development of the legendary Italian style, not only focusing on the familiar but, importantly casting light on the less well known designers and stories as well as considering the significant contribution made to the economy by its fashion and textile industries."
The objects will be drawn from the V&A’s leading Italian fashion collections and from international lenders. These include private foundations, fashion houses and archives such as the Fondazione Emilio Pucci, Foto Locchi, Missoni Archive and Museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and Galleria del Costume (Florence).
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| Evening dress, Maria Grimaldi, 1950s |
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Evening gown of embroidered silk
Simonetta, 1952
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The V&A is open daily from 10:00-17:45, and until 22:00 every Friday. Tickets are £12 (concessions available). For advance bookings visit the V&A website (booking fees apply) or call 020 7420 9736.
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| Women's knitted ensemble, Missoni, 1972 |
Exhibition Sponsors:
About Bulgari
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| Elizabeth Taylor wears Bulgari Jewellery, 1967 |
About Nespresso
Nespresso is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality premium portioned coffee and operates in almost 60 countries with a global network of over 300 exclusive boutiques. Nespresso is dedicated to offering its Club Members the ultimate coffee experience as well as exclusive luxury and design-led cultural experiences through individually handpicked events. Nespresso is proud to be a supporter of the exhibition, to celebrate and share excellence in design and art with their Club Member community.
About the Blavatnik Family Foundation
The Blavatnik Family Foundation is an active supporter of leading educational, scientific, cultural and charitable institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom and throughout the world. It is headed by Len Blavatnik, the founder and Chairman of Access Industries, a privately-held U.S. industrial group.
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| Installation of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 |
Exhibition Publication and Merchandise
To accompany the exhibition the V&A will publish The Glamour of Italian Fashion: Since 1945 (edited by Sonnet Stanfill), which will be published in March 2014 at £35 in hardback.
A range of exclusive product inspired by the exhibition will be available to purchase from the V&A Shop in store and online from March 2014.
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| Dolce & Gabbana Ankle Boots, black leather stiletto heels with gold, white and pink embroidery |
Photo Credits (courtesy of the V&A Museum Press Archives)
- Installation of The Glamour of Italian Fashion, 1945-2014. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- London Press Release, Walter Albini SS1973. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Elizabeth Taylor wears Bulgari Jewellery to the masked ball at Hotel Ca'Rezzonico, Venice, 1967. Courtesy of Robert Capucci Foundation 1987-1988. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Salvatore Ferragamo with Audrey Hepburn in Florence, 1954. Banca Dati dell'Archivio Storico Foto Locchi Firenze. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Evening dress of net and embroidered coat, Mila Schön, 1966. Maison Mila Schön, Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Evening gown of embroidered silk, Simonetta, 1952. Published in Harpers Bazaar, October 1952. Photograph by Genevieve Naylor. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Evening dress, Maria Grimaldi, 1950s. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Women's knitted ensemble, Missoni, 1972. Fashion in Motion at the V&A. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- As listed in Point 3.
- Installation image of The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
- Ankle boots, black leather stiletto heels with gold, white and pink embroidery, Dolce & Gabbana, 2000. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
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