An exhibition titled 'Moda in Luce 1925-1955. Alle origini del Made in Italy' is set to open at the Galleria della Moda e del Costume in Palazzo Pitti, Florence. The exhibition, running from June 18th to September 28th, is promoted by the Ministry of Culture and organized by Archivio Luce Cinecittà in collaboration with the Uffizi Gallery.
The exhibition, curated by journalist Fabiana Giacomotti, showcases thirty pivotal years in Italian fashion history. It features 50 garments, accessories, and audiovisual and photographic contributions, highlighting textile innovations, research, and craftsmanship that predated the renowned Sala Bianca fashion show at Palazzo Pitti in 1952.
Lucia Borgonzoni, Undersecretary of Culture, noted that while haute couture is typically considered to have begun in 1951, an Italian haute couture scene already existed. This early form of haute couture, though different from the classic concept, included iconic pieces.
The exhibition includes photographs and films from the Luce archive, many previously unseen. Garments and accessories are sourced from museums like Boncompagni Ludovisi and Palazzo Madama, as well as private and corporate archives. Featured designers include Ventura, Radice, Villa, Fontana, Palmer, Biki, and Carosa, alongside names like Maria Monaci Gallenga, Fortuny, and Simonetta Visconti.
Also included are pieces from brands still relevant today, such as Gucci, which presents its 'numero uno' evening bag from the late 1920s, and Salvatore Ferragamo, with the 'invisible' sandal from 1947. Emilio Pucci is represented by his early garments labeled 'Emilio'. The restored version of the documentary 'Sette canne per un vestito', made in 1948 by Michelangelo Antonioni, is also part of the exhibition.