May 18, 2009

Milan fashion week: 50 years young

The Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (National Chamber for Italian Fashion) is an Association of top Italian fashion types which disciplines, co-ordinates and promotes the development of Italian Fashion (note the capitals there). Essentially it conceived of, and now runs, Milan fashion week. This year it sees its 50th anniversary with, strangely, very little trumpet-blowing. So we decided to buck the trend and celebrate in our own inimitable style. Yes that's right, we've put together a gallery. Another one. Here are some pictures summing up 50 years of true Milan style.
A red panelled cocktail dress from Italian designer Fabiani in 1961. The model is pictured posing precariously in front of the Pirelli building, which was designed by Gio Ponti
Photograph: Mark Kauffman/Getty
Twiggy and Patti Boyd pose wearing ankle-length coats for Italian Vogue circa 1972
Photograph: Justin de Villeneuve/Hulton Archive/Getty
Renaissance man Giorgio Armani poses with a model in 1979
Photograph: David Lees/Time and Life/Getty
Masculine models enjoying the sunshine in Armani from 1982
Photograph: Vittoriano Rastelli/Corbis
Gianni Versace makes sure his model can't escape in this backstage picture from 1986. Note the scary eighties shoulder padding
Photograph: David Lees/Time and Life/Getty
Bedazzled: supermodel Helena Christensen wears what appears to be a jewelled chastity vest from Versace (1991)
Photograph: Julio Donoso/Corbis
Giorgio Armani selects his models backstage at Milan fashion week in September 1991
Photograph: George Steinmetz/Corbis
How many supermodels can you spot? Gianni Versace feels the love of the world's most beautiful women (from 1991)
Photograph: Vittoriano Rastelli/Corbis
Kate Moss rocks the androgenous look in Gucci from 2000
Photograph: Reuters
Rock chick chic and twin bobs: Moschino models from 2003
Photograph: Patrick Hertzog/AFP
We know what you're thinking - they can't be real books can they? But then look at her face ... Strange headgear from Antonio Berardi in 2004
Photograph: Pierre Verdy/AFP
"We like big butts and we cannot lie!" A shapely dress from Dolce and Gabanna in 2006
Photograph: Max Rossi/Reuters
One big dress from D&G 2007
Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/Reuters
courtesy of guardian.co.uk
September 24, 2008

18 comments:

Frock Around the Clock said...

Amazing pictures - the book hat is crazy! :) x

Black Patent Stilettos said...

those are some awesome picutres. I love the new banner btw, that dress is killer.

noone said...

wow nice vest!! I'd never have the guts to wear that out lol! And the book hat! holy crap, I'm surprised her neck hasn't been snapped in half yet!

PHOTOS DE MODE said...

Wow, awesome post!! thanks for your sweet comment :) xx.

www.janetteria.com said...

Ooooh, what a beautiful selection. Gianni? YAY!

XoXo

Anonymous said...

Sooo original!!Xo

Couture Carrie said...

Love this anniversary post! The pic of Versace with all his models is fantastic!

xoxox,
CC

Elizabeth Victoria Clark said...

gorgeous, that Gianni Versace is a very cool contraption! xx

Eri said...

Fantastic post and choice of pictures. Great photo of Versace.

Angela said...

drooling. i love the book hat too.

This chick's got style said...

Got to love the dark brows and lip liner on Helena Christensen, so retro :P

x!

Unknown said...

I love kate moss with short hair!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Fabulous post darling! Armani was so young & Versace...may he rest in peace! ~XO*

Elizabeth Marie said...

That D&G dress is REALLY BIG haha!

Congrats to the both of us! XOXO

Unknown said...

Those photos are gorgeous. Love it.

Anonymous said...

that really is a weird headpiece! made of of books!

Keith said...

These are fantastic pictures. I love them all.

Baybay Mama said...

ohhh look at versace....he is amazing. i love that photo...it embodies everything this post is about.