The Origins of Italian Fashion: 1900-1945

Before Gucci, Prada, and Versace, a new wave of trailblazing Italian designers laid the groundwork for the global fashion empire we know today. In The Origins of Italian Fashion: 1900-1945, acclaimed fashion historian Sofia Gnoli masterfully traces this pivotal, often-overlooked era. This book is a fascinating journey that begins with the groundbreaking work of Lombard tailor Rosa Genoni, who defied French dominance to create Italy's first independent fashion house. Gnoli then guides you through a period of immense cultural change, revealing how Italian style evolved and emerged as a powerful national force. Through a wealth of rare archival material, including captivating illustrations from early Italian fashion magazines and stunning images from designer houses, this book sheds light on the creative minds who shaped a new aesthetic. You will meet: Gabriella di Robilant, the "inventor" of Italian sportswear, who revolutionized leisure dressing. Salvatore Ferragamo, and his innovative orthopedic shoes that blended craftsmanship with cutting-edge design. The legendary Elsa Schiaparelli, a key protagonist of Italian style whose influence continues to resonate today. Gnoli’s research also delves into the complex relationship between fashion and the Fascist regime, exploring how a national style was co-opted as a tool for propaganda. This is not just a history of clothing; it is a cultural narrative about how a nation used style to forge a new identity.The Origins of Italian Fashion: 1900-1945 offers a rich, visual, and scholarly account of how Italian fashion came into its own.