Living in the presence of world famous cathedrals, museums, galleries and the most succulent cuisine on the planet: most outsiders would likely think these are what Italian people pride themselves on. But ask any Italian man or woman and they will say quite the opposite, it is the fashion and style that was born in their ancient country that they feel most privileged to live amongst. With the current economic standings, Americans have cut back on spending their hard earned money and time on anything they don’t believe is worth the extra buck, including their wardrobes. Even in better times, fashion has never been a top priority to a majority of the population. This is where Italians and Americans differ. To an Italian, dressing and presenting his or herself in a certain manner is taken very seriously.

By Lauren Bayliss

Italy’s reputation as being the most stylish country in the world began with a rich history filled with hard work and dedication from icons in the fashion world. Many of today’s top labels began long before most of us knew how to dress ourselves, and on some occasions, long before we were born.

In 1906, Guccio, the son of a craftsman, founded the Gucci label as a saddlery shop in Florence. He possessed a passion for designing leather goods and it was not long after that he was selling his bags to horsemen throughout Italy. The horse bit became a signature accent on his designs, and more than 100 years later the same accent can be seen strutting down the runways in Milan.

Mario Prada began selling his handbags, suitcases and shoes in small boutiques in Milan in 1913. His signature styles made quite an impact on the Italian people and soon after the rest of Europe and the United States recognized his elegant creations. The Prada label remained primarily an accessory company until 1978, when his granddaughter Miuccia Prada took over. Miuccia had no education in design and, in fact, had a PhD in political science, but there was no denying that fashion was in her blood and it was the road she was destined to take.

Gianni Versace grew up watching his mother, who was a dressmaker, working long hours in her small boutique. At the age of 25, he too realized that a career in design was in his blood and with the help of his brother, Santo, he staged his first ready-to-wear show in 1978. After his untimely death in 1997, his sister Donatella took over as president of the label and maintains the Versace name as being one of the most renowned in the industry.

As you can see, there is an infamous trend in the history of Italian designers: the art of fashion is something that has found them, not something they went looking for. Unlike some of today’s up-and-coming American fashion designers, who went to school to learn how to become successful in this trade, Italians learnt from their families and their hearts rather than textbooks.

Devotion for style applies not only to designers in Italy, but to its people as a whole. They do not go to get their morning espresso in whatever it is that they slept in the night before as we do (assuming it is acceptable to wear in the public eye). Italians put thorough thought and time into what they look like each and every time they leave their homes. Some may say this is a bit over the top and unnecessary, but the next time you see a handsome, well-dressed man at 7:00 a.m. in line at Starbucks and you are standing there next to him in sweatpants, you will probably wish you had put a bit more thought into how you were representing yourself before you left the house. You see, the Italians take great pride in putting themselves together, and its shows. If they didn’t, Italy wouldn’t be known as the most stylish country in the world.

Italians believe in wearing quality fabrics and original products that set them apart from everyone else. Although it may seem as if looking polished 24/7 will surely break your bank account, there are ways to get around it while still looking like you just walked off a runway.

If you invest in anything, let it be shoes. They are the crucial make or break accessory to any outfit. In the 1920’s Salvatore Ferregamo made the high heel trend a sensation in Italy, and although they aren’t always the most comfortable, heels can go a long way in giving any woman a sense of power and importance (which at times is much more essential than comfort).

Black is a must. Colors go in and out of season and it can prove difficult to keep up with the current trends. Black is, and always will be, the staple color in fashion. It is timeless, classy and keeps that extra five pounds hidden. Italians wear black as if it were required, and by doing so they never look as if they’ve made a fashion faux pas. You can’t go wrong with it, and buying black clothing doesn’t entail shopping at a high-end designer boutique either.

A timeless handbag is also a must in Italian fashion. Just as shoes, the right handbag can make any outfit stand out in a sea of blandness. If Italian designers are known for one thing, it’s their bags. Designing leather goods are how many fashion designers became household names, and many still rely on handbags as their best sellers. It does not matter where they are from, all women essentially carry their lives in their handbag. That is why it is so important to own one that is capable of doing so while being stylish and well made at the same time. Italian designers know the importance of a handbag and make it a priority to design at least a few classic bags each season that will do the trick.

Incorporating the fashion ideals of Italians is not something that everyone wakes up and achieves, but it can be done. Creating a chic yet wearable wardrobe is a challenging task, but the outcome is rewarding and well worth the extra effort. So the next time you get up and go to retrieve your morning wake up call, do as any Italian would and throw on a pair of heels, or at the least a matching outfit, because you never know who will take notice.