Looking good or La Bella Figura is a way of life in Italy. Milan is often at the top of the list when considering which city is the Fashion capital of the world. Interesting to note that the fashion boom got started here in Florence. In 1952 in the White Room of the Pitti Palace was organized to hold it’s first International Fashion Show, with International press and buyers present. Italian fashion was born. To the present, Pitti Uomo, Donna and Bambini are fashion events held throughout the year, and now at many other venues in Florence. A time where International buyers and the press fill the city.
The Sala Bianca/White Room of the Pitti Palace/Palazzo Pitti
However one does not need to attend one of the Pitti shows on the fashion circuit to see Italian fashion. Just strolling on the streets of Florence one can easily see what is La Moda.
In years past I would often have fun trying to guess the color of the season just minutes after I arrived in the city. Seasons of black, white, red, orange… Fashionistas wore the new colors and style like classy uniforms.
Today things have loosened up in the sense that I see more of a freedom of choices. It is difficult today to pick out the color of the moment, yet anything that is worn is worn with a flair, with a nod to what is in Vogue. There for sure is an emphasis of colors that are “in”, especially by looking at merchandise hanging in the markets or in the beautifully designed shop windows or in the fashion magazines. Last Fall, I saw lots of gold being displayed, and this Spring more of a yellow.
Fall 2018, market stand in Florence
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Same Stand, Spring 2019
Material shop, Florence
Saturday insert “IO Donna” of Corriere Della Sera, April 6, 2019
Fashion and design are everywhere, yet I’m witnessing a new freedom of choices. Folks do not seem to be slaves of the latest trend and color. It’s their choice. There is a new confidence in the air.
Statements continue to be made and La Bella Figura is alive and well. It’s an attitude; a way of moving , a way of being. Italians just seem to wear it better. Whether, the tying or wrapping of a scarf or the number of bracelets you wear, it’s done with, well a panache.
Young or folks of a certain age, it does not matter, there is style.
I’m convinced that if an Italian wore potato sacks they would do it with flair and look great. Go ahead have fun and see if you can pick out the tourists form the natives. Here’s a hint, if you see a woman on a bike, wearing stiletto heels, talking on her cell phone in a great outfit, without a helmet, that’s a Florentine. La Bella Figura reigns.
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