Fashion/art review: The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014
5 April – 27 July 2014
Victoria and Albert Museum – map
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Viewing date: Friday 6 June 2014
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)
For those who would like to learn about how Italian fashion evolved after World War II, then this is a great exhibition and you will learn a lot. Italy was destroyed and poor after the ravages of World War II, one of their attempts to restore their country and their economy was through glamorising, marketing and exporting their ingenious designs and high quality goods (including clothing of fine cloth, innovative styles and also various leather pieces) to the world – imparticular, the American high society, celebrities and Hollywood. Italy was a little successful with this economically but even more successful at deriving a strong reputation for fine outfits and accessories.
This exhibition looks at a range of designers, trends and the history of Italy’s fashion industry after World War II. It also explains the “Made in Italy” national campaign to promote their fashions. Italy had very little money but a lot of clothes and accessory-making skills. They had to do “a lot with a little”. This exhibition does a good job of conveying how Italy struggled and had some economic success, but also how some designers are now world famous celebrities in their own right – Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace are all on display.
I am glad that I came to the exhibition as I have learned I prefer mainly French, UK and American designers. However I do like some of the modern Italian fashion designers/houses. My favourite highlights were (in this order):
- everything by famous 1950s-60s designer Emilio Pucci (1914-92), who is known for his abstract geometric patterns on clothes (Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Sophia Lauren were fans)
- a pair of red, yellow, black flame detail stiletto high heels by Prada (2012)
- a silver, metal handbag by Versace (2207)
- a stunning pair of diamante-studded stiletto boots by Dolce & Gabbana (2001)
- a beautiful hand-painted 1950s-looking flowered dress by Dolce & Gabbana
- a pair of silver, glitter, lace-up boots by Miu Miu (2005)
Worth going if you like learning about fashion or are a big fan of Italian fashion. I could have lived without going but that is just because I am not a huge fan of Italian fashion from the 1940s until when Pucci starts designing. I loved the Pucci pieces and the last room with 21st century pieces, but these were only two parts of the exhibition – not the majority of it.
This exhibition is still excellent and gets 5 stars because it is has good, representative pieces on display, is a good size and has excellent information about its subject.
Further information:
Victoria and Albert Museum (official site)
Wedding Dresses 1775-2014 (2014) review (The London Reviewer)
The London Reviewer 