Italy as a nation is almost synonymous with style and elegance. It is home to many of the most famous names in the world of fashion and design. Some of the major cities such as Milan and Florence are considered fashion capitals – but these major centres are more international when it comes to style. If you are looking for a more authentic Italian perspective on the subject, it’s worth leaving the big cities and travelling to the countryside.
Italy guided tours offer a unique way to venture beyond the famous fashion cities and discover new sources of style inspiration. After all, it is in rural communities that Italian style has remained most distinctive. But what are the key components of style in the Italian countryside?
Rustic Elegance in the Heart of Italy
Some of Italy’s rural provinces, such as Tuscany and Umbria, are world-famous thanks to their long-standing heritage and commitment to tradition. Design in these parts of the country emphasises the traditions that work rather than flashy innovation for its own sake. Visit these regions of the country and you will find a culture and sense of style that is subtle and understated – yet unmistakably Italian.
The Power of Italian Craftsmanship
Of course, Italy is a country that is not only famous for its sense of aesthetics. For hundreds or even thousands of years, artisans have refined their respective traditions and created unique goods whose quality is hard to ignore. Away from the major fashion metropolises, these traditions can still be found among smaller manufacturers.
For example, leatherworkers still make incredible belts, shoes and wallets, while jewellers adapt existing pieces and create new ones to meet the specific needs of individual customers.
Style Inspiration from the Village Streets
If you’re looking for inspiration, the streets of an average mediaeval Italian village could provide it. These places tend to have their own character and are more rooted in their past and the traditions that have grown out of it. They are also less susceptible to the trends that disrupt fashion in the big cities: Here, it’s all about what works in everyday life.
The Influence of Nature on Italian Fashion
We should also recognise the influence that the land itself exerts on Italian fashion. The climate, the trees and the soil have helped to create a range of textiles and colours that we can recognise as Italian. By looking at how the locals have incorporated nature into their wardrobe, you can learn how to do the same at home by choosing eco-conscious fashion.
Combining Heritage with Modernity
Of course, Italy’s considerable wealth of tradition and history need not be at odds with its more modern styles. In some cases, one can inspire the other. If you visit a fashion show in Milan, you may notice the influence of the textile history of Venice or the mediaeval style of Sardinia.
Activewear with Italian Flair
When you exercise, the right clothing can be crucial. Stylish activewear is part of the thriving Italian fashion industry, and if you’re on an active holiday in Italy, be it mountain climbing in the Dolomites or a boat trip on Lake Como, there’s a good chance Italian fashion will be on show.
To truly understand the forces that have shaped Italian fashion over the years, you have to go to the land where the stylistic roots of the country’s distinctive fashion identity are clearly recognisable. Whether on a hike through Tuscany or a beach holiday in Sardinia, it’s easier to find true Italian fashion away from the big settlements.
