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Italian ClothesWhy are italian clothes so popular? Italians take pride in their appearance, from their clothes and shoes to accessories as well. One reason taking a stroll along the piazza is a national pastime is Italians love getting all dressed up in their signature elegance. If you had clothes like they did, you'd want to dress up all the time as well - which is why Italian clothes make perfect gifts.
Historical NotesAt the turn of the 20th century, Italian manufacturers were adapting their specific trades to fashion - Cerruti started out by supplying wool to European designers, Adele Fendi experimented with different cuts for fur, Salvatore Ferragamo opened a shoe store in Hollywood before building his empire back in Italy. Among Ferragamo's valuable contributions to fashion is creating the platform sole and wedge heels made out of "poor materials" such as cork and straw.Fashion is NaturalConsidered the pioneer of modern Italian fashion, Elsa Schiaparelli started to design after noticing compliments on her innovative personal style. Her clothes were inspired by surrealist art works, and made statements that were bold and irrepressible. The treatment of clothes as art is perhaps a national sentiment in Italy.In 1952, Gian Battista Giorgini showed his collection in Florence, which sparked a mania for Italian clothes all over the world, and officially started contemporary Italian fashion as we know it today. ValentinoWhen it's a very special occassion, put on a Valentino. This is actually common knowledge to all Italians, and to non-Italians as well - Jackie Kennedy wore a Valentino when she married Aristotle Onassis and made couture history when 38 other women immediately ordered the same dress:- Valentino Watches - Valentino Fragrances Giorgio ArmaniFamous for his men's wear, armani suits and outfits by its clean lines. Even his women's wear have that trademark tailored masculinity. His clothing lines range from the affordable Armani Exchange and Armani Jeans to the expensive Emporio Armani, Armani Collezioni and the exclusive Armani Prive:
- Giorgio Armani Handbags Gianfranco FerreStyle director for Christian Dior in Paris for ten years, Gianfranco Ferre ran his own design company in Italy, independent of Dior. His personal collections are actually more practical and laidback than the French design house, with the classy white shirt as his signature seal.- Gianfranco Ferre Handbags Gianni VersaceVersace made knits and designed leather and suede collections for various fashion houses before mounting his successful first women's collection in the late 70s. Among his innovations are a revolutionary collection of soft metallic dresses and exquisite leather wear:- Versace Suits - Versace Fragrance Dolce and GabbanaDomenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana teamed up to become the biggest names in Italian fashion, with their style blend of classic and edgy. Their main line is high end, and services the A-list of Hollywood, while their slightly more affordable D&G is a trendier, urban-inspired collection.- Dolce and Gabbana Bags - Dolce and Gabbana Shoes - Dolce and Gabbana Suits PradaOriginally a leather goods business, Miuccia Prada turned her mother's company into one of the most influential fashion houses in the industry. With the main line evoking a bohemian style, its second line, Miu Miu, moves into vintage couture:- Prada Suits - Prada Sunglasses - Prada Leather Purses ZegnaErmenegildo Zegna produces the most stylish ready-to-wear and made-to-measure men's suits. Zegna also produces neckties and sportswear.
DieselMainly a denim jeans-based brand, Diesel licenses its name to other companies, for shoes, intimate apparel, jewelry, eyewear, leather goods, and other accessories.
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