An Afropolitan in Minnie: Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945

Last Sunday, I headed to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) to see the travelling exhibition, Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945. This exhibition is organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum(V&A) London based on the summer exhibiton at the V&A, The Glamour of Italian Style: 1945 to 2014

Although I was disappointed that pictures were not allowed, I enjoyed myself at the exhibition.

The exhibition traces Italian fashion starting with the return to luxury after World War II, popularity by hollywood's gliteratti of the 50s, the tailoring and expertise that italian couture is known for, leather goods, textiles and then ends with a video installation of the future of Italian fashion. Italian designers from the past and present were represented in this exhibition. The line up reads like a who is who of Italian Fashion and feautres both haute couture and ready to wear fashion. There was clothing by Simonetta, Brioni, Pucci, Gucci, Max Mara, Missoni, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, Giambattista Valli, and even Stella Jean.

My favorite dress from the exhibit would have to be the Dolce & Gabbana Mosaic dress from the Fall/Winter 2013 collection. It was so stunning in person that I ran back a couple more times to where it was located to get more glimpses. It was truly a work of art. Another memorable piece was a 2001 black Valentino couture dress with bauble trim. The dress had oversized black beads all over it. What a showstopper! It was Oscar worthy, I could see an actress walking down the Oscar Red Carpet in that showstopper.

Mens Fashions are also displayed in this exhibit. There was this amazing unsturctured mens suit in varying shades of brown by Giorgio Armani. I was able to see the soft color palette and understated style that made Armani king in the 1980s.

A fun fact I learned from the exhibition is that the Vespa, an italian scooter is synoymous with Italian syle and in its day it appeared in movies and fashion shoots. At the end of the exhibition, I was able to understand why the label "Made in Italy" is always associated with superior quality. Outside the exhibit, there is a cool pad where you get to purchase momentos such as coffee table books as well as accessories and other baubles from italian fashion designers. There was this cool Prada chandelier statement necklace that was just gorgeous.

If you are a fashion lover or love fashion history in particular, I recommend going to see the exhibit if you are in Minneapolis or when it comes to a city near you.