by Valirie Morgan
The Victoria & Albert Museum in London will showcase the glittering, glamourous world of Italian fashion both past and present in its spring exhibition, The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014. Sponsored by Bulgari, it will be the first major show to examine Italy’s extraordinary contributions to the world of fashion – so many of which we know and love!
Experts from the museum have spent the past three years working to create the collection using pieces from its own archive, designers’ collections and private archives, so it’s definitely going to be a groundbreaking and gorgeous experience for visitors! The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 closely examines the defining factors of Italian fashion, such as luxurious materials, expert textile production, specialist manufacturing, and its time-honored status as a source of innovative and exciting fashions for men and women alike.
Around 100 creations from masters of the Italian catwalk, including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada and Valentino, will be on display as part of the exhibition, as well as a few from the next generation of Italian fashion figures like Giambattista Valli and Fausto Puglisi. The exhibition also features heritage jewels from the Bulgari collection once owned by Elizabeth Taylor. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the evolution of changes in design, as well as how perceptions of Italian style have shifted throughout time.
We can’t wait to learn more about the storied past and future of Italian fashion, but we’re especially looking forward to seeing all the incredible outfits and designs! The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 opens at the Victoria & Albert Museum on 5th April and runs until 27th July. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the official V&A website.
In celebration of the upcoming exhibition, here are a few of our favorite Italian fashion icons, past and present: