Every fashion capital has its origins and evolution. For Italy, it all began with the visionary efforts of Giovanni Battista Giorgini, often hailed as the “father of Italian fashion.” Giorgini, who owned a buying office in Florence, foresaw the future of Italian fashion in the aftermath of World War II, at the same time the couture business in Paris was regaining its splendor.
In 1951, he held one of Italy’s first post-war fashion shows exclusively for foreign buyers at his home in Florence. Paving the way for a renaissance of Italian fashion with seasonal couture presentations in Rome and boutique showings in Florence. Giorgini’s efforts introduced prominent Italian names such as Pucci, Simonetta and Irene Galitzine to European and American markets, securing Italy’s presence on the international fashion stage.
By 1976, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) made note of the state of Italian, with the article “Italian ready-to-wear; 25 Years Old, How It All Began,” which highlighted Giorgini and the growing impact of Italian design. Around the same time, Milan emerged as the epicenter of Italian fashion, with Armani, Fendi, Gucci, Valentino and Ferre, Versace among the growing list of iconic names and brands solidifying Italy’s global reputation.
As Milan Fashion Week unfolds, we’re revisiting that 1976 article and two designer labels that played a vital role in framing Italy’s rise as a global fashion capital.
