“Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945” is the first major exhibition to examine Italy’s rich, arresting contribution to postwar fashion, showcasing the clothes that turned “Made in Italy” into the mark of style.

From Armani to Valentino, Prada to Pucci, Italy’s iconic fashion houses have defined modern style, encompassing an innovative ready-to-wear industry, luxurious couture design, artisanal leather goods, and the country’s celebrated tradition of fine tailoring. “Italian Style” explores the social and industrial factors that enabled this success, from Italy’s post-war recovery to its preoccupation with high design to the interplay of craft specialists and manufacturing that became a hallmark of Italian production.

The exhibition includes about 100 ensembles from the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum as well as other lenders, and is supplemented by film and fashion photography. Also featured are fashion accessories such as shoes, handbags, and jewelry, as well as examples of Italy’s tailoring and menswear designs.

Exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London: 

Major Sponsor:

Generous support provided by Topsy Simonson and    

Photograph by Gian Paolo Barbieri for Gianfranco Ferre advertisement, Fall/Winter 1991, Model: Aly Dunne ©GIANPAOLOBARBIERI