Piemonte Italia

Moda in Italia. 150 years of high fashion

The art directors for the exhibition are costume designer Gabriella Pescucci, Academy Award Winner in 1994, who will oversee the first section, and Franca Sozzani, editor in chief of Vogue Italia since 1988, who will supervise the second section. The event is organized under the historical and scientific coordination of the Research Department of the Reggia di Venaria - Andrea Merlotti and Clara Goria - together with Sergio Toffetti, conservator of Cineteca Nazionale.
When monarchy ruled over Italy (1861 - 1946) Italian fashion did not yet reflect a national character and the role of this industry in the national economy was rather limited. Nevertheless, many efforts were put in place to pave the way for a truly Italian fashion: first of all by Queen Margherita, then by the Futurists, and later by the Fascist government.
When Italy became a Republic (1946) Italian high fashion started to gain momentum and to acquire its own identity, in a deliberate attempt to breathe new life into a country that had suffered defeat in the Second World War. This fortunate decision, that reached its peak in the 80s, with the affirmation of Italian style and Made in Italy, radically changed the image of Italy abroad and turned the fashion industry into a leading sector for the national economy.
In order to present to the general public a clear overview of the history of Italian fashion and to provide an adequate social context, the display will also rely on several visual and sound effects designed to match each piece of this unique showcase.