Italian Fashion At The V&A: Now THIS, You Have To See...

Stars of Italian fashion will be the focus of a very glamorous new exhibition

The V&A has chosen to focus its major spring 2014 show on the fabulous world of Italian fashion.

Opening in April next year, the exhibition, entitled The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945 - 2014, will chart the shifting changes the Italian fashion industry has undergone since the end of the Second World War up until now, and look at how Italian designers have influenced the world at large.

Featuring 100 creations from stalwarts of the Italian catwalk, including Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Valentino, the exhibition will chart the changes in design as well as the shifts in perception of Italian style.

As well as displaying pieces from renowned Italian designers, the show will also exhibit work from leading contemporary talent: couture pieces from Giambattista Valli will be presented, as will bold ready-to-wear designs from Fausto Puglisi.

Martin Roth, Director of the V&A said: 'I am thrilled to be celebrating Italy’s immense contribution to the international fashion world in this first major exhibition on the subject. The V&A has a long tradition of working with Italian designers and this comprehensive exhibition will chronicle the development of the legendary Italian style, not only focusing on the familiar but, importantly casting light on the less well known designers and stories as well as considering the significant contribution made to the economy by its fashion and textile industries.'

The impact that Hollywood movies of the 1950s and 1960s had on bringing Italian fashion to the world stage will also be examined; especially the part that movie stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, who became unofficial ambassadors for Italian fashion, played in giving certain designers notoriety.

This is definitely an unmissable chance to get up close to some iconic creations from Italy's best-loved designers, and to see just how Italian fashion became synonymous with the image of glamour and sophistication.

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, sponsored by Bulgari, runs from 5 April - 27 July 2014 at the V&A. Tickets now available at www.vam.ac.uk/italianfashion

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