By the time I was sixteen, I clearly understood that Italian fashion was something special and like no other, and this revelation came the day I got my first Gucci catalog in the mail.
Keep in mind, my wardrobe back then consisted of either hand me downs or Gloria Vanderbilt jeans my mother bought me at Sears; and besides, with an afternoon school job at Taco Bell, I highly doubt I could have even afforded the soles of a pair of their loafers. But that did not stop me from dreaming.
And while thumbing through those glossy pages of Gucci’s summer lineup, at those handsome male models and long legged women with buttery skin dressed in rich, mahogany leather sandals, pale beige khakis and flowered prints, I was suddenly transported out of my room at my uncle’s in Hilo, Hawaii to the shores and walkways of the Italian Riviera.
It was my fashion moment- that moment that I fell in love with la moda. Years later, I watched as Italian fashion become bigger than life, and grow into a multi-billion dollar industry. Being such an admirer for so many years, for me, creating a list of some of the greatest iconic highlights in Italian fashion was a challenge, but in a fun way. Without even tapping into jewelry, (the lovefest between Bulgari and Elizabeth Taylor) there still remains so many breathtaking moments.
With its vast creative pool, Italy’s immense talent and sense of style remains unparalleled even in today’s highly competitive market. But narrow it down, I did. From pop singer Ariana Grande’s (Disney’s sweetheart and breakout artist) recent singing appearance to some of the greatest Italian legends ever to appear on screen, here are some of the most memorable moments of Italian fashion.
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The Golden Boys
Gigi Rizzi and St. Tropez : Fame came to actor Gigi Rizzi when he dated one of the most beautiful actresses in the world, Bridget Bardot. Though their relationship would one day end, his sense of style made a lasting impression. With his brown hair that he kept an inch below the ears, his pressed polo shirts, his belted jeans and that wonderful smile sun kissed by Capri and St. Tropez, the dashing Italian seemed tailor made for the VIP lifestyle.
Born in Piacenza, Mr. Rizzi was the darling of the good life. Still today, his influence on fashion still resonates amongst the VIPs. Eventually, Rizzi left the glamorous life of Cannes, and returned to the coastal region of Ligurio to live in a simple rural village of Lago. Like Green Acres, Italian style. Last year on June 23rd, Gigi passed away at sixty-nine, the day after he attended one last party–his own birthday which I am certain was just as wonderful as how he lived, a true celebration of life.
At thirteen, Antonio Sabato moved from Italy to the states. Originally from Rome, Antonio, along with his handsome face and those amazing abs, soon gained recognition as a Calvin Klein model. But it was the moment he starred opposite Janet Jackson in the music video, “Love will never do” that his career took off. Now, mind you, in terms of fashion, he is not wearing much. A white t-shirt, a black pair of jeans, and a bright and happy smile made even more irresistible with those dimples. But that was one of the first times when a music video featured a male as “eye candy.” Yes indeed. Sometimes, in fashion, less is indeed more.
9. Ms. Loren and the Cannes Film Festival: When Italian goddess and superstar Sophia Loren appeared on the red carpet during this year’s Cannes Film Festival, she simply stole the show. Wearing a breathtaking creation from Armani Prive, Ms. Loren appeared before the world wearing a champagne colored gown that glittered in the golden rays of the French Riviera. This was stardom at its best. Yes, the dress was beautiful but it was also her glamour, her smile, and the way she carried herself that made this moment so iconic. At seventy-nine, she continues to outshine those a quarter of her age while reminding the world that she is and will forever be la regina of Italian cinema and fashion.
8. Gli Italo-Americani…Al Pacino in “A Scent of a Woman.” Intense and passionate, Pacino was a talent we had never seen before. After he beat out the likes of Robert Redford and Warren Beatty, Pacino won one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood history and achieved worldwide fame and acclaim as Michael Corleon in the “Godfather.” His most fashionable moment however came years later in “A Scent of a Woman.” Playing the role of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, for which he won an Academy award for best actor, Pacino appears elegant and sexy.
In one unforgettable scene, he is impeccably dressed in a polka dot tie, grey folded handkerchief, and a dapper three piece suit. But it was when Pacino asked a young lady, “Would you like to tango?” that he took our breaths away as I and perhaps almost every woman in the audience uttered Si.
Travolta’s strut. Yes, the movie “Saturday Night Fever” created a fashion frenzy where suddenly we were all wearing bell bottoms, platform shoes, and satin shirts, but it was John Travolta at the beginning of the movie when he had his best fashion moment. The moment when Tony Manero struts out with such confidence and all that pizzazz onto the screen, in his red shirt, leather jacket to the Bee Gees, we just knew that the world of fashion and Hollywood would never be the same as the Fever of Fashion ushered in the seventies.
7. The rock stars. With singer Gwen Stefani, who went from leading the band No Doubt, to fashion guru and creator of the cool and very hip fashion line, L.A.M.B. (a brand that has sold successfully at top retail stores) and with Italy’s Renato Zero who has sold more than forty million records and has single handedly inspired the androgynous look in Italy , (one of the first Italian artists who embraced the glam-rock movement despite receiving criticisms and insults), fashion and rock have always gone hand in hand. With rock stars having more clout than ever, the world is always on the look out for the newest star who can inspire teeny boppers to go stores and dress like them.
One such gal of tremendous promise is the pop princess, Ariana Grande. Half Sicilian, and half Abruzzese, the young star sang her song “Problem” at this years Disney awards and was fashion perfection.
With her Mickey Mouse ears, white go-go boots, a long pony tail, and a voice that is strong and feisty despite her petite stature, she has proved to other pop stars, that yes, you can keep your clothes on and still be flirty and fun.
6. Madonna singing “Holiday.” Of course, the biggest fashion moment in rock belongs to Madonna. A singer, entertainer and a brilliant business woman who revolutionized the music, video and pop industry in the 1980s, and who then went on to become a legend and cultural icon, Madonna Louise Ciccone started a fashion frenzy when she first sang the song, “Holiday.” Although she would later enjoy many other fashion moments, I think this was the moment that left an indelible mark in fashion history. It was when every girl at school, I mean the cool ones, came to school looking like her. Brash, bold, and filled with grit and gumption, Madonna created a look (fishnet stockings, laced gloves, stacked bracelet bangles) that was imitated by millions of girls throughout the eighties.
Find me at www.about.me/Gayalynn
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