In the world of Italian fashion, we owe a lot to a woman named Gina. Gina Lollobrigida that is. After the war, when America was still struggling and in state of economic and emotional crisis, a dark haired, voluptuous beauty from Subiaco, Italy came out of nowhere, and became one of the first Italian fashion icons here in the States.
After appearing in films such as Trapeze and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Miss Lollobrigida had women dashing out in droves to buy push-up bras, body hugging cashmere sweaters, and gold hoop earrings. Some girls even went as far as dying their blond locks dark brown “alla” Lollobrigida.
All the while, Americans were just beginning to take note that there was something special happening abroad. The Italians had style, and moreover, Americans wanted it. Since that day, when Miss Lollobrigida sauntered onto the silver screen and into our hearts with her sultry curves and pencil tight skirts, we have been spellbound and captivated by Italian fashion ever since.
Within the next few years, other Italian movie stars followed. Sophia Loren soon dazzled us with her beauty and talent. With her full lips, scooped tops and cinched waist dresses, she has been the muse and inspiration for many fashion designers, and at seventy-eight, is still one of the most beautiful women in the world. Finally, who could ever forget perhaps the most well-dressed uomo ever known to mankind, Marcello Mastroianni. The dashing Italian from Fontana Liri inspired generations of men to wear dark glasses, black suits and ties, and sharply ironed white shirts.
By the early 1950s, it soon became apparent that Italians knew not only how to wear clothes, but also how to design them. Within just a few decades, Italy became home to some of the greatest designers the world has ever known. With their immense creativity, ingenuity, and attention to craftsmanship and quality, Italian designers became legends in their own right. Gucci, Fendi, Armani, Pucci, Valentino, Missoni, Moschino, and Prada went from being names no one even knew how to pronounce to fashion empires who have inspired the world. There was so much talent coming from Italy that people were wondering if there was a special gene Italians were born with.
There is no denying it. Italians taught Americans how to dress. For years, we wore jeans, sneakers and prairie skirts, and sought comfort over style. We learned, however, that while comfort is fine, so are well-made clothes, beautiful leather shoes, and outfits that enhance one’s figure rather than hide it. Yes, the Italians have showed us how to dress, what looks good on us, and for this and much more, we are forever grateful.
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