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Becoming couture

The Italian fashion industry after the Second World War
Brief Description
Becoming couture is the first book to examine the history of the Italian fashion industry during the global transition brought about by the Second World War. It draws on a wide range of primary sources, some of them newly unearthed, to demonstrate that the Italian fashion... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$12600

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Becoming couture explains how post-war Italian fashion reinvented itself through the persuasive strategies of intermediaries in Italy and the United States, beyond the myth of Giovanni Battista Giorgini and the Sala Bianca.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Becoming couture is the first book to examine the history of the Italian fashion industry during the global transition brought about by the Second World War.

It draws on a wide range of primary sources, some of them newly unearthed, to demonstrate that the Italian fashion industry in the Republican era continued to rely on business practices and professionals established during Fascism.

Analysing changes in promotional discourses and press coverage, the book traces the shift that occurred when manufacturers were encouraged to expand their exports of accessories to include sportswear, knitwear and moda boutique. This ultimately led to the legitimisation of Italian dressmaking as creatively independent of French influences and therefore worthy of the label 'couture'.

Series: Studies in Design and Material Culture

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  • Becoming couture
    Becoming couture is the first book to examine the history of the Italian fashion industry during the global transition brought about by the Second World War. It draws on a wide range of primary sources, some of them newly unearthed, to demonstrate that the Italian fashion industry in the Republican era continued to rely on business practices and professionals established...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526198143

Publisher: Manchester University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 June 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Manchester University Press

Illustration: 44 illustrations

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 170.0mm

Height: 240.0mm

Weight: 402g

Pages: 248

About the Author

Chiara Faggella is a fashion historian and a lecturer at Syracuse University, Florence.

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