Italy has the unique success and approach of using its ancient background, architecture, fashion, etc. to create contemporary business opportunities, party/ gathering locations, and fashions. When walking through all of the big cities of Italy; Florence, Milan, Rome etc, the most populated and exciting places to go are surrounding the intricate, ancient churches and monuments. These “piazzas,” or traditional squares for gathering from ancient times are still used for entertainment, thrilling shopping, and contemporary restaurants. Everyday I am attracted to another unique piazza due to varieties of markets, concerts, festivals, and even protests!
Piazzas are not the only way Italians utilize their history and tradition to create hip, new hangouts. Italians are epically famous for prestigious restoration of ancient monuments, frescoes , and architecture. This restoration even turns tables into something far more contemporary, such as 14th century churches being turned into nightclubs. Several of the most modern hangouts still maintain frescoes on their ceilings and marble carvings on the building supporting columns and doorways.
Italian fashion, from the designer shops to the local leathery all share in keeping the Italian tradition and pride by turning it into an exciting, new product. Famous high-end designer Antonio Marras’s collections are nearly always inspired Italian culture and art. This continues with many designers such as Emilio Pucci who designed prints inspired by many Italian churches and other architecture. This is repeated in even less high end brands and throughout the city. Walking along the shop windows I am caught by Michelangelo’s David wearing a spandex, cutout bodysuit. This tactic of using Italian art to sell fashion products is so popular that as there is a Bronzino exhibit recently placed in Florence; there are now handbags designed with inspiration from the current exhibition. These new styles are proudly placed next to the inspirational Bronzino painting, promoting the exhibition and what a fashionista you would be carrying this pride-filled Italian clutch. Italy has found great success in celebrating and making stylish its ancient past.
Beyond the modern approach, the Italian tradition is what truly keeps its stability. One tradition that has kept Italian culture and fashion lastingly successful is the exceptional amount appreciation of quality and detail. This is well-known by all, but the reality of the history of “made-in-Italy” became extremely relevant during my stay here. Not only have I have grown a much greater respect for the quality of Italian fashion, but I have been able to realize the cultural elements that have made this prestigious label.
The ancient Italian appreciation of intricate, hand-made, high-quality goods is the tradition that makes Italy have such an immaculate, recognized, successful culture. From the start of Italian artwork, overwhelming intricacy and quality has been the bare minimum requirement. This became extremely apparent to me through my travels and museum visits throughout Italy. The Duomo is the perfect representation of the intricacy, time, and efforts that embody Italian art and culture.
The weight of the tradition of high-quality and intricacy is to an unbelievable amount. Walking through Florence you are surrounded by endless pieces of immaculate artworks. Massive, perfectly detailed, emotion-grabbing statues fill the piazzas, churches, and official buildings. Beyond the statues are many churches every several blocks which are carved of marble and metals from the base to far above the door frame, also encompassing these intricate statues. Despite the overwhelming beauty and detail and the outside of these churches; inside are equally outstanding frescoes to fill their high ceilings. From the endless amount of immaculate sculptures and churches to the hundreds of paintings throughout the Uffizi; the Italian tradition of art and quality has engulfed my understanding of the importance of Italian history and appreciating it.
This same quality and prestige has created the importance of Italian fashion. It is what still continues the styles of Italian fashion and keeps it successful. I have a new appreciation for Italian fashion and the quality of the goods and fashions I purchase. Italian fashion, I thought before coming here to be too uniform and conservative. I have now realized the hidden details, craftsmanship, and reasoning behind Italian dress.
A large majority of Italians hold great importance into brand name, expensive apparel items. Many Italians wear very similar clothing to each other. They prefer famous brands that can have a very uniform look. It is also common for them to only have a few outfits which they may wear several times a week. I found this to parallel with their appreciation for Italian culture.
Italians through art have traditionally created only the most superior works, no matter the effort, time and money put towards the beauty of the creation. Italians have an extremely genuine appreciation for craftsmanship. This explains their fashion purchases. They spend their money on key, classic pieces of excellence rather than cheap, quick changing fashion. The extreme pride of Italians also plays a role in keeping a uniform style; advertising the Italian way, strength, and look. Also, because these garments are to be long, lasting they must look classic to fit in style for many years. Because everyone cannot afford a new leather coat each season, the classic look is essential but with many contemporary varieties and embroidery. Without the majority following this uniformity of expensive, quality classic garments combined with the pride they wear them with, what would create the lifestyle behind the "made-in-Italy" label?
Though Italian style is generally classic and plays a huge role in their culture; they can be incomparably creative. They especially become more creative in times of crisis. Repeatedly throughout Italian history the nation uses their craftsmanship, creativity, and/or a very sly plan to prove their abilities and power. This is seen many times through Italian fashion; such as the works of shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo. During WWII Italy was unable to reach nearly any resources and its fashion business was dwindling. Ferragamo was one of many Italians using their creativity to fight this business and resource problem. He created the first cork healed shoes from recycled wine corks due to no other supplies. He designed to solve a problem but also invented a creative success for footwear that is still selling.
Many other Italian designers have shocked the world with their extreme originality, colorfulness, and innovation also. These looks may have fought the classical look, but they in no way sufffered from craftsmanship and quality of Italian garments. Italian designers like Capucci, Pucci, and Moshino all somewhat mock the typical classical Italian look but reflect the limit-pushing, fun personality that is also within Italian fashion. This picture from the Capucci Museum in Florence represents the versatility of Italian design without sacrificing intricacy.
Italian fashion and culture walk hand in hand. They both support each other and assist in conserving the prestige, history, quality, and Italian pride which hold the nation together. The strong, historic culture has created a very successful fashion industry, just as the fashion industry has helped bring the emotions and finances of the Italian people out of crisis. As long as these traditions are kept, Italian fashion will everlastingly be successful alongside with the conserving of Italian culture.
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