7+ Interesting Facts About 5 Italian Fashion Brands You Probably Didn’t Know

There are few countries renown for their fashion brands, like Italy is. With numerous popular brands and some of the most avant-garde styles and designs in the world, there is something for everyone.

Whether you prefer a delicate and feminine style or would rather go with a daring and more rebellious look, you are certain to find what you are looking for in these brands.

Well, there is no point in continuing any further without letting you know which brands we will be looking at. They are the pillars of modern fashion that have revolutionized the fashion industry and have managed to become some of the most popular brands, even decades later.

We will be taking a stroll in the history of Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Trussardi and Prada.

But not just that! In this article you will also find products and collections of theirs that are worth a look. This way, each of you can find a product that best represents the style and look you go for.

We will be starting with Versace and closing with Prada. Enjoy!

1. Gianni Versace

It’s only fitting to start with probably the world’s most famous brand. Versace is a true celebrity brand and even today, many famous singers and actors choose Versace clothing and accessories.

The brand was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, whose name is the brand’s name, Santo Versace and Claudio Luti.

Gianni had already began designing before the brand was established and as their popularity grew, the more daring his designs became. This culminated in the late 1980’s, when the collection (source in italian) that had sadomasochism features and looks, shocked the media. He then went on to create punk collections and more rocker-style clothing, apart from the elegant and chic designs.

One of the most popular creations is the “Black dress” (source in italian), worn by Elizabeth Hurley in 1994.

Elizabeth Hurley Wears the “Pin Dress” By Versace

This dress, inspired by the punk style received considerable media attention at the time and deservingly so. It is a sexy dress, celebrating the beauty and femininity of a woman’s body.

Today, the brand does not create just clothing, but also fragrances and many different accessories.

And lastly, a bit of trivia on the brand’s icon. The Medusa head has become the symbol of Versace and it is impossible to mistake that icon.

Symbol Of Versace: The Medusa

For those who are unfamiliar with this symbol, it comes from Greek mythology and she was said to be a creature with snakes for hair, that turned anyone who looked at her, to stone.

While to some this might sound somber and a bit strange, Gianni Versace chose it for a very good reason. He said that to him, it represents fatal passion. It is an image that you cannot look away from and in a sense, it “curses” you to want it.

A fantastic metaphor, if you ask us!

2. Valentino

If there is one word to describe Valentino, it would be “class”. They create some of the most elegant clothing and were adorned the name “king of Italian fashion” by Women’s Wear Daily in the US.

The brand was founded in 1957 by Valentino Garavani, who was one of several members.

Despite what it has become today, back then things weren’t looking as great. They went through a difficult period that almost lead to bankruptcy (source in italian).

This was due to the high expenses that were necessary to run the fashion house, while the designer’s love for luxurious products did not make it any easier.

Now, they are an elite brand, with high-end products and mind you, prices too. Their elegant dresses are a head-turner and it is hard not to fall in love with them.

Anne Hathaway Wears a Red Gown by Valentino

However, do not be put off by the prices as there are options, one of them being the brand’s Valentino Roma line, which sells more affordable products.

3. Dolce & Gabbana

There is hardly anyone in the western world that hasn’t owned a product of this brand, or at the very least heard of them. Dolce & Gabbana are renowned for their stylish designs, but what few people know is that they also have a very interesting history.

The brand was founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

When they launched the first collection for Milan Fashion Week, things were tougher than expected. They lacked the funds to hire models, so instead their friends, with no modeling experience, were part of the runway. This is why they named the collection “Real Women”.

Although they went on creating new collections, it was the fourth one that made it big. Within this collection, there was “The Sicilian dress”, which at the time, was named one of the 100 most important dresses ever designed.

Sophia Loren In Dolce & Gabbana’s Perfume Campaign

Apart from fashion clothing, the brand designed AC Milan’s on-field attire, as well as their off-field attires for official functions. They also create different fragrances and the “DG” logo is immediately recognizable.

4. Trussardi

The eldest of the brands featured in this article, Trussardi was founded in 1911.

They started off as a leather glove manufacturer and went on to produce different leather goods, after Nicola Trussardi took over in 1970. Today they manufacture clothes, perfumes, accessories and jeans.

Gloves By Trussardi

In 1980 the brand launched “Trussardi”, their first perfume and then, 3 years later, released “Trussardi Uomo” for men. Then they added sport, home and perfume lines, in 1985 having over 120 stores all over the world.

Their modern collections are several and they include their ready-to-wear clothing, couture products, fragrances and different accessories. One of the most interesting collections in the home decor one, “Trussardi Casa”, with beautiful and elegant furniture for the most classy of homes.

5. Prada

We are certain that there is no need to introduce this brand. You’ve heard of the bags and of course, the movie “The Devil wears Prada”.

Prada was founded in 1913 by Mario and Martino Prada, as a leather goods shop.

Despite Mario’s opinions, that women did not belong in business, his daughter went on to run the company for 20 years, transforming it into a fashion house and one of the most renown brands for women’s bags.

However, what some might not be familiar with, is the LG Prada.

This mobile phone is the first capacitive touchscreen phone, which started selling in May 2007. It became so popular, that within the first 18 months, it sold over 1 million units.

The Prada Phone

Later on, there was a second version of the phone released in December 2008.

This mobile phone received many awards, such as “Best fashion phone”, “Red dot design” award, “Product design for 2007” and several others.