Versace Among Italian Fashions On Display At Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum has brought Italian fashion, from the end of the Second World War to the present day, to life in its exhibit, "Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945," which was organized by London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
"It was exciting to think about the installation and the design of the exhibition here in Portland and to find strategies and solutions that accentuated the objects while also simultaneously creating an overall sense of wonder for our visitors," stated Brian Ferriso, The Marilyn H. and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. director of the Portland Art Museum and host curator of the exhibit.
Roberto Capucci, silk evening dress, 1987-88.
(Photo : Courtesy/Roberto Capucci Foundation. Photo © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.)
"Ultimately, it was essential the galleries were worthy of the beautiful and historically significant fashion that it presented. I think we accomplished this essential goal."
Designs from Pucci, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Prada, Versace and others are on display. Individuals who helped bring awareness to Italian fashion, such as Audrey Hepburn - who is seen in the below picture with Salvatore Ferragamo, are also acknowledged.
Audrey Hepburn examining Ferragamo shoe.
(Photo : Courtesy/Banca Dali dell’Archivio Storico Foto Locchi Firenze.)
The designs on display are not limited to womenswear. Menswear and accessories are also included in the exhibit, such as a velvet evening suit by Tom Ford for Gucci from the brand's fall 2004 collection.
Tom Ford for Gucci, man’s velvet evening suit, Autumn/Winter 2004/5.
(Photo : © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.)
Dolce & Gabbana leather ankle boots with gold, white and pink embroidery from 2000.
Dolce & Gabbana, leather ankle boots with gold, white and pink embroidery, 2000.
(Photo : © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.)
And, a Gucci bamboo-handled, pigskin bag from the 1960's.
Gucci, bamboo-handled pigskin bag, early 1960s.
(Photo : © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.)
The Portland Art Museum is the only West Coast venue to showcase this exhibit, which began at the V&A.
"We started with the end in Portland - our first gallery featured contemporary Italian designs and then went back in time to discover how the history unfolded," commented Ferriso, on how the exhibit differs in its current home than from its time at the V&A.
"In London, the exhibition was primarily installed chronologically, beginning with 1945. Additionally, in Portland, we featured contemporary designers from Portland who have been influenced by Italian fashion."
Mila Schon sequinned evening dress and silk coat. Worn to Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, 1966.
(Photo : © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.)
Ferriso added, "I hope visitors to our Italian Style exhibition leave with an appreciation for the aesthetic hierarchy of objects and an understanding that good design and craftsmanship do matter."
The "Italian Style: Fashion Since 1945" exhibit runs until May 3, 2015, at the Portland Art Museum.
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