How To Be An Italian Glamour Puss

Looking for something to do this bank holiday weekend? Why not check out the V&A’s major summer exhibition. In honour of said exhibition, we thought we’d prepare a sexy little guide to the most dolce vitas of all vitas: fashion, by Italians.

Footwork

Trainers might be having some sort of fashion moment, but you know, sometimes a gal has to look DONE. Two words: Salvatore Ferragamo. Marilyn Monroe had his courts in every colour, and any aspiring Hollywood temptress could do a lot worse than follow in her dainty little wiggle steps. Just make sure to remove them before leaping into the Trevi Fountain (FYI you’re not really allowed to jump in the Trevi Fountain. It’s guarded. A bore.)

Va Va VOOM

There is no other land that so brilliantly conveys the art of over the top, full on cocktail wear for breakfast than Italy. Italians' fashion predilection for a curve-hugging number know no bounds. Dolce & Gabbana have made the image of a Sicilian temptress a business model for the last thirty years, Mr Cavalli never designed anything that wouldn’t float on his yacht while Donatella Versace has cannily continued Gianni’s vision of the most high level of all muses, erm, DV herself. Think lashings of silk, leather and lace, clinging organza and bead work to make you dizzy. If the words high and maintenance don’t apply to you… continue reading below...

Dolce Gabbana Show, Autumn Winter 2013, Milan Fashion Week, Italy

The kink in the curve

We bow down to two queens of avant garde yet entirely wearable clothes: Consuelo Castiglioni of Marni and Miuccia Prada, or Mrs Prada as she is known. For when your hair isn’t perfect, for when you crave a chunky brogue, for an odd pattern and some kooky layered knits. Your boyfriend might not understand it, but it’s not for him.

Workwear

The office. We know, two words that strike fear and loathing straight to our very hearts too. But for those days when you have to kick some serious boardroom butt, hello Mr Armani and your still-on-point perfect tailoring. Think grey. Think lashings of Max Mara cashmere wool draped over your arm.

A small dog

If Valentino Garavani has taught us anything, and actually he’s really taught us quite a lot – red, always a winner on a night out - it’s that the very best accompaniment to a stroll in Roma’s rolling hills, is a fleet of matching pugs. So chic, so beige, so… fashion.

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014 at the V&A Museum from 5th April – 27th July 2014.

Victoria Moss is a freelance fashion and lifestyle writer. Previously fashion director at the Evening Standard, she’s held positions at the Telegraph, InStyle and Marie Claire. She’s written for The Times, The Sunday Times, Vogue, ELLE, Stylist & Grazia among others. She lives in London with her husband, daughter and French Bulldog, Betty. Victoria also writes the weekly Substack newsletter, Everything is Content.