Italian Style – Who Creates It?

Meet the most important Italian fashion designers!

Italian style is a combination of nonchalance, comfort, femininity, high-quality materials, and perfect tailoring. No wonder most global stars (singers, models, actresses) choose creations by Italian fashion designers for "big events" and walking the red carpet. Some of them remain loyal to famous Italian designers for many years and do not wear creations by other fashion dictators at all.

What made Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci or Prada so popular? What characteristic features do their designs have and what makes them stand out from others? Why has Italian fashion gained such great popularity around the world? In today's post, I will try to answer these and other questions. Happy reading!

Italian style from Armani

Armani is the most famous Italian designer and one of the most renowned designers in the world. He wanted to become a doctor, but ultimately abandoned this career path. He took his first steps in the fashion industry at the La Rinascente department store, where as a young man he designed window displays. At the age of 27, he began working as a designer at the Nino Cerruti fashion house, and 13 years later, he started working with his partner – Sergio Galeotti – on his own brand – Giorgio Armani. The Italian fashion house quickly gained fame among men, as Armani initially designed exclusively for them.

Italian fashion was gaining popularity at that time, and Armani became truly famous when he designed suits for Richard Gere, who was then starring in the movie "American Gigolo." Later, he also began designing for women, and his creations became an icon of Italian style.

Giorgio Armani's creations for the Fall-Winter 2014/15 season – Milan Fashion Week (photo: press materials)

Armani's proposals for women can be divided into two groups: extremely feminine sets that captivate with their charm, and creations with elements of masculine style, resembling men's suits in cut. The second type of Armani's designs probably stems from his love for creating tailor-made men's clothing, but the designer always emphasizes the feminine silhouette in his visions: jackets are tailored, heels are high, and women's tights (as an accessory) are elegant and semi-sheer. One thing is certain: every design by the master is characterized by exemplary finishing and precision in accessory selection, which contributes to the highest quality and durability of the clothes. Italian style in his interpretation is primarily synonymous with excellent tailoring.

Dolce & Gabbana – Italian fashion designers the world fell in love with

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are a pair of designers who founded a truly Italian fashion house – Dolce & Gabbana – in 1985. Dolce comes from Sicily and was exposed to Italian fashion from childhood – his father was a tailor. Gabbana, on the other hand, studied graphic design, but did not want to use his acquired skills in creating designs – he preferred to work in advertising. However, when the two designers met in Milan, they decided to establish a joint company. As it later turned out, this decision was one of the best they ever made.

The Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana captivated fashion critics as early as their first collection show in 1986. Later, Italian designers began sewing creations for stars such as Madonna, Victoria Beckham, and Johnny Depp. They collaborated with Sony Ericsson and Motorola on designing new phone models.

Dolce & Gabbana silhouettes for the Autumn – Winter 2013/14 season – Milan Fashion Week (photo: press materials)

Italian inspirations in Dolce & Gabbana's fashion house are primarily a richness of patterns, textures, and colors. Italian fashion designers, regardless of the season, prominently feature sparkling sequins, colorful pompoms, jacquard patterns, and unusual materials such as tulle (in large quantities) or thick cotton canvas, but often accompanied by subdued opaque tights. However, the designs of this Italian fashion house always captivate with sensual femininity and girlish charm.

Italian fashion house: Prada

Prada is one of the oldest Italian fashion houses. It was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. Mario was a tailor who specialized in sewing luxurious leather bags. The brand experienced a second youth when Mario's granddaughter – Miuccia Prada – decided to expand the company's offering to include haute couture and prêt-à-porter clothing – and that was a bullseye!

Italian fashion by Prada is exceptionally feminine. Her designs emphasize the bust and waist, with attention also drawn to the legs – often through opaque tights or knee-highs. The designer's Italian style can be recognized by characteristic prints – floral or animal – appearing on flared skirts and dresses, as well as on handbags.

Prada designs for the Autumn-Winter 2016/17 season – Milan Fashion Week (photo: press materials)

Gianni and Donatella Versace – draw Italian inspiration from them!

The Italian fashion house Versace was founded in 1978 in Italy. It was established by Gianni Versace, who came from a family of tailors. Unfortunately, he died from a gunshot wound at the age of 50. The design department was taken over by Donatella Versace, Gianni's sister, after his death. Since then, the Italian fashion house has not shied away from creative solutions and presents truly bold collections.

Versace's Italian style is primarily about femininity. The fashion house's runways feature long, tulle gowns, dark-colored evening dresses (Donatella pairs them with black sheer tights) and animal print clothing, of which Versace's sister is a huge fan.

Versace ensembles for the Autumn-Winter 2015/16 season – Milan Fashion Week (photo: press materials)

It is worth knowing that Donatella Versace has many celebrity friends. These include Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Demi Moore, and Madonna. Lady Gaga is also friends with the heiress of Versace's legacy and even recorded a song dedicated to her titled "Donatella."

Gucci – Italian fashion house and iconic handbag

Guccio Gucci became a recognizable Italian designer when he opened his first boutique in Rome in 1938. Previously, he designed and sewed leather bags and saddles in his native Florence, and when he noticed that his work had an increasingly wide audience, he decided to move to the Eternal City. The brand's product expansion into foreign markets began only after the designer's death, initiated by his sons.

Gucci made its mark in fashion history with the bamboo handbag, a design from 1947. Since then, it has become an icon of the brand, and the Italian fashion house has become famous for its unique designs combined with high-quality craftsmanship and excellent materials.

The Italian style in Gucci's designs manifests itself in understated nonchalance, underpinned by femininity and lightness. It is Gucci who most often dresses his models in men's shirts, cinched at the waist with ornate belts emphasizing the figure. He draws from hippie and boho styles, designing floral skirts paired with opaque tights or fishnets. The designs of this Italian fashion house are bold and original, free and feminine, distinctive and... inimitable!

Gucci designs for the Autumn-Winter 2017/18 season – Milan Fashion Week (photo: press materials)

And you? Do you have a favorite designer? Or maybe it's someone from outside Italy? Share your opinions in the comments!

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