The Art of Made in Italy
“SOS Sense of Style” will assist you in discovering fashion: this month we are presenting style inspirations made with lace and the typical artisan style of Made in Italy. The details of the cover-dress highlight the creative and manual abilities of our master artisans, as well as an absolutely contemporary ambience, somewhere between tradition and innovation.
Since the 1950s, Italy has been the center of artisan and tailor-made work, from the lace from the school of Burano embroidery, to Neapolitan tailors, to the studios in Rome and Florence. Made in Italy is synonymous with culture, not only meaning “workmanship techniques” (knowing how to create and execute something), but also, more generally, the living relationship with its own history and roots. Just think about formal clothes in the South, the importance of the bridal veil and lace, which is not only a tradition in “formal” clothing, but also a true and real social mandate.
Only in the 1990s was there a complete turnaround in the approach to fashion; once again artisanal value was recognized in both clothing and accessories with a new innovation: industrial production characterized by the precision and attention to detail typical of artisanal work, and in limited runs. Today, designers such as Valentino and Fendi are rediscovering traditions from long ago, the old tailors, schools of embroidery and sewing and historical brands associated with a concept of handmade luxury, such as with René Caovilla and its polished and highly valued footwear and Valextra and its master leather artisans. Moreover, Bottega Veneta has undertaken a concrete project. In fact, in 2006, they opened a leatherwork school in Vicenza to encourage and train a new generation of Italian leather artisans, and to bring back clothes and accessories that concretely express the concept of luxury: artisan craftsmanship.
Similarly, there is a rediscovery of traditional values from the past, such as “getting married” and the importance of one of the most significant rituals in everyone’s life, which has to be experienced with the right feeling, as well as with the right dress and accessories. Several fashion houses, companies and brands are trying to support such values, which make Made in Italy and artisanal craftsmanship unique in the world.
Yoox.com is working on a project promoting tailored wedding dresses, for a 100% Italian Wedding. Therefore, September YOOXCOVER features an animated portrait of a modern young wife. Stay tuned on The New Yooxer: the details of this special initiative are coming soon.
