Made in Italy

Few of us could afford sumptuous creations from the Italian fashion powerhouses, but supplementing our vicarious living ways of browsing Net a Porter of a lunchtime, or peering Dickensian-urchin like into shop windows we can barely afford to stand next to, is the upcoming Maters of Style exhibition.

The show opening next week at London’s Somerset House goes some way to making up for the fact it’s only in our little materialistic daydreams that we’ll ever be able to wear one of these pieces, bringing to life the stories behind Italian fashion.

The Masters of Style show marks the 150th anniversary of Italy becoming a unified nation this year, presenting a photographic exhibition celebrating the stories of Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragam, Gucci, Missoni and Prada.

Fiery, passionate and baurtiful, these six Italian fashion houses are behind some of the most iconic styles of the 20th Century. The exhibition will feature photographs of the creations, as well as personal stories, reflections and anecdotes from the designers themselves.

This rare insight into the influences behind the images make for fascinating viewing, and celebrate the impact of the designers on the fashion industry.

Exhibition curator Colin McDowell, says, ‘The expression ‘Made in Italy’ has become a global codeword for an embodiment of style, conveying Italy’s position at the forefront of international trends, inspiring and influencing the designers of tomorrow as it has done for over half a century.

‘When it comes to self expression, effortless style and flair, nobody does it better or more naturally than the Italians.’

Masters Of Style: Celebrating The Stories Behind Italian Fashion runs from  1 July – 14 August at Embankment Galleries, Somerset House, Strand , London WC2R