“ Milan is a true metropolis, strong and fearless but welcoming, too.” GIORGIO ARMANI Explore Milan – one of fashion’s supercities. From catwalks to boutiques, mountainous cathedrals to famous frescoes, this ancient commercial hub is as sun-drenched and stylish as a city can be. Stroll through the piazza, witness the trendsetting fairs and fashion weeks and walk the same vias as Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, the Versaces and more. All without leaving your home.
ISBN: 978-1-78884-386-7
9 781788 843867 www.accartbooks.com
56500 £50.00/$65.00
IN FASHION
Introduction 17
Fashion in Milan: Past and Present 19
Catwalk Glamour 48
Milanese Street Style 130
Shopping 202
Only in Milan 248
Photo Credits 302
Acknowledgements 303
Introduction 17
Fashion in Milan: Past and Present 19
Catwalk Glamour 48
Milanese Street Style 130
Shopping 202
Only in Milan 248
Photo Credits 302
Acknowledgements 303
Milan’s historical significance as a trade powerhouse for luxury goods is evident in the word ‘milliner’, originally referring to a merchant from Milan and later signifying women’s hatmakers. The term was first recorded in 1449 in a text from the English Parliament regarding taxes payable by foreign merchants. It acquired its current meaning in the late 18th century, when Milanese milliners captivated European high society with their cheerful and elegant designs. While sophisticated headwear is no longer in vogue, this segment of the fashion accessories industry was a significant economic driver until the 1950s. In past centuries, it would have been unthinkable for a woman to go out without a hat, as hats were symbols of social status and good taste in public, akin to coats and furs. Additionally, Milanese artisans were renowned for producing high-quality textiles and materials, including straw and ribbon for bonnets. 24
25
Milan’s historical significance as a trade powerhouse for luxury goods is evident in the word ‘milliner’, originally referring to a merchant from Milan and later signifying women’s hatmakers. The term was first recorded in 1449 in a text from the English Parliament regarding taxes payable by foreign merchants. It acquired its current meaning in the late 18th century, when Milanese milliners captivated European high society with their cheerful and elegant designs. While sophisticated headwear is no longer in vogue, this segment of the fashion accessories industry was a significant economic driver until the 1950s. In past centuries, it would have been unthinkable for a woman to go out without a hat, as hats were symbols of social status and good taste in public, akin to coats and furs. Additionally, Milanese artisans were renowned for producing high-quality textiles and materials, including straw and ribbon for bonnets. 24
25
40
41
40
41
CATWALK GLAMOUR
CATWALK GLAMOUR
86
87
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87
“Fashion can be a cultural translator, re-establishing one’s perception of symbols, stories and worlds through style.” STELLA JEAN
“Fashion can be a cultural translator, re-establishing one’s perception of symbols, stories and worlds through style.” STELLA JEAN
In Milanese street style, luxury is omnipresent. However, it is never flaunted ostentatiously; it is not about showcasing a collection of prestigious labels, but instead about thoughtfully choosing one or two items to enhance one’s look with a touch of glamour. One of the locals’ main achievements in fashion is masterfully balancing refinement with casual ease, so that it is never ‘too much’. When it comes to casual comfort, friulane – velvet slippers once worn by Venetian gondoliers and now popular with Milanese fashionistas – are the epitome of understated elegance and show how tradition blends with modern trends. Even though Italian society still perceives itself as mostly ethnically homogeneous, the major cities, especially Milan, as the country’s economic capital, have evolved into hubs of diversity. Everyday fashion has been enriched by influences from countries with which Italy has historical ties, such as Ethiopia, Tunisia and the Americas. The latter were popular destinations for impoverished Italian migrants during the 19th century. Italians who settled in Argentina, Brazil and the United States have maintained strong connections with their homeland, facilitating cultural exchanges in both directions and impacting stylistic trends. Less conservative than Paris and more selective than New York and London, Milan is a city where the sense of beauty and refinement inherent to Italians acts as a filter for the best fashion influences from around the world. As such, Milan has earned a particular place in the street style scene, as the city for tasteful innovation and cool luxury.
137
In Milanese street style, luxury is omnipresent. However, it is never flaunted ostentatiously; it is not about showcasing a collection of prestigious labels, but instead about thoughtfully choosing one or two items to enhance one’s look with a touch of glamour. One of the locals’ main achievements in fashion is masterfully balancing refinement with casual ease, so that it is never ‘too much’. When it comes to casual comfort, friulane – velvet slippers once worn by Venetian gondoliers and now popular with Milanese fashionistas – are the epitome of understated elegance and show how tradition blends with modern trends. Even though Italian society still perceives itself as mostly ethnically homogeneous, the major cities, especially Milan, as the country’s economic capital, have evolved into hubs of diversity. Everyday fashion has been enriched by influences from countries with which Italy has historical ties, such as Ethiopia, Tunisia and the Americas. The latter were popular destinations for impoverished Italian migrants during the 19th century. Italians who settled in Argentina, Brazil and the United States have maintained strong connections with their homeland, facilitating cultural exchanges in both directions and impacting stylistic trends. Less conservative than Paris and more selective than New York and London, Milan is a city where the sense of beauty and refinement inherent to Italians acts as a filter for the best fashion influences from around the world. As such, Milan has earned a particular place in the street style scene, as the city for tasteful innovation and cool luxury.
137
218
219
218
219
“ Milan is a true metropolis, strong and fearless but welcoming, too.” GIORGIO ARMANI Explore Milan – one of fashion’s supercities. From catwalks to boutiques, mountainous cathedrals to famous frescoes, this ancient commercial hub is as sun-drenched and stylish as a city can be. Stroll through the piazza, witness the trendsetting fairs and fashion weeks and walk the same vias as Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, the Versaces and more. All without leaving your home.
ISBN: 978-1-78884-386-7
9 781788 843867 www.accartbooks.com
56500 £50.00/$65.00
IN FASHION