Sofia Gnoli – författare

For decades, Luisa Spagnoli has represented a confident, feminine woman, whose elegance is both modern and sophisticated a style that is beloved by women of all ages, based on quality tailoring and must-have pieces. This book presents the development of the Luisa Spagnoli style through her signature accessories and iconic garments, with vintage and contemporary illustrations, sketches, drawings, and never-before-seen material from the extensive company archives. It pays tribute to the enterprising spirit of Luisa, who after founding the chocolatier Perugina and its hallmark Baci transformed her hobby of knitting with angora wool into a women s clothing and accessories brand, which now boasts 170 outlets around the world. Luisa Spagnoli s brand was popular with Hollywood stars working in Rome, such as Esther Williams and Lana Turner, and Italian actresses, such as Sophia Loren and Anna Magnani. The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton is also often photographed wearing Luisa Spagnoli creations. Based on an ethical work plan, business acumen, the ability to evolve over time, and a pioneering approach to marketing, Luisa Spagnoli is a unique figure on the Italian fashion scene that is celebrating 90 years of success.

The Origins of Italian Fashion examines the history of Italian fashion from the beginning of the twentieth century, when the Lombard tailor Rosa Genoni created the first Italian fashion house independent from the prevailing French style, to World War II, when the Fascist regime co-opted fashion as a propaganda tool.