LA MODA ITALIANA: BREVE STORIA CULTURALE DALL'OTTOCENTO A OGGI

Abstract

It is always interesting to study the origin of certain cultural stereotypes, be they negative or positive. Italy is a country that is known internationally for the ability of its people to dress beautifully, a taste that grows from a historically successful fashion business. In order to understand how this business gained strength and importance in the Italian culture, I utilize novels and periodicals from the late 19th century post-unification period to the present. Through my literary analysis I argue show how that fashion has historically been effective as a communication system that has represented the development of an Italian national identity and in turn had considerable impact on Italian culture and politics. As I progress towards the present, I also raise ethical issues by exploring the possibility of a fashion business that is both humanitarian and thus responsible, which can only be achieved if said responsibility becomes fashionable and thus desirable by the masses.