Made In Italy: The Glamour of Italian Fashion at the V&A

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” - Miuccia Prada. Perhaps one of the most influential fashion designers in the world, Miuccia Prada certainly isn’t the only Italian with such an outstanding and momentous place in fashion history. Beginning in the Spring, the Victoria and Albert Museum will become home to a four month long exhibition, “The Glamour of Italian Fashion.”

Opening on Saturday 5th April, the exhibition explores the global rise of Italian style, beginning in 1945 during the recovery of the war-torn economy, and then travelling through the 1950’s and 60’s, when the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor were at the height of their fame, making Italian fashion synonymous with glamour and sophistication.

Italian fashion has a reputation for it’s exceptional quality and style. The exhibition features only the finest ensembles and accessories from some of Italy’s most reputable and desirable fashion houses. On display this year are pieces from Gucci, Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace, Mila Schön and Valentino. Both womenswear and menswear are displayed in order to showcase the variety of techniques, mediums and expertise for which Italian fashion has become renowned.

In the exhibition, the dramatic transition from World War II to the extravagant Sala Bianca catwalk shows of the 1950s is examined - those of which propelled Italy onto the world fashion stage. Hollywood stars such as Hepburn and Taylor soon became style ambassadors for the glamorous high-end fashion houses, and drove Italy even further into becoming a legendary fashion hub. With the help of such captivating film stars, the country soon became known as the fashion capital, with scores of people from around the world craving the finest threads and jewels.

With an enthusiasm for immaculate tailoring, the exhibition explores only the finest tailored garments. Italy’s reputation for exceptional suits developed internationally with thanks to the fashion choices of Hollywood’s finest actors. The film “La Dolce Vita,” popularised the much sought after Italian garments across the globe. Ready made ensembles became increasingly prominent whilst the more wealthy fashionistas opted for the supreme bespoke tailoring.

For decades, fashion has been at the forefront of many people’s minds - and most of our imaginations. Fashion has become international, and Italian fashion in particular has given the country the glamorous edge, and many Italian designers have become celebrities in their own right. The Glamour of Italian Fashion features designers who have generations of experience behind them, alongside others who are still blossoming in the world of fashion.

Since the year 2000, Italy has faced political issues and economic problems - but the fashion industry has never taken a hit, it’s native designers are still consistently exponential, and with many emerging talents, the future of Italy’s fashion industry looks as promising as ever. Since 1945, Italian fashion has left a legacy - will this continue?

See the exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum from 5th April until 27th July 2014.

For more information and how to get tickets click here.