WHAT THE ITALIANS DID FOR US
During the 1950s and '60s, what Britain wore, what its citizens drove, and how they looked, was, in a large part, dictated by Italy's trendsetters. The film industry was, to a large degree, responsible for the public's newfound interest in the European way of life. With films such as Federico Fellini's, La Dolce Vita and La Strada. Songs such as Dean Martin's "That's Amore", Al Martino's "Al di la" and Mario Lanza's "Arrivederci Roma" were high on the U.K hit parade. Even Walt Disney got in on the act when he had the Italian tune "Bella Notte" composed especially for his animated hit, "Lady and the Tramp". While Peggy Lee's voice sings the romantic ballad, the canine stars of the film, Lady and Tramp, dine alfresco on a platter of meatballs and spaghetti. The song and the scene were the hit of the film. Films featuring Italy were sure to draw people to the cinema, other films such as Three Coins in the Fountain, Summertime, and The Rose Tattoo, helped feed the frenzy for anything Italian. Wildly famous Italian fashion designers, Cassini, Pucci, Gucci and Simonetta were hotly in demand, as were these fast cars made by Italian auto makers: Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. But more than cars and more than clothes, Italy's most profound import was the film star, the Italian cinema's sexy, earthy women and demonstrative, romantic Italian men. They came to us in a variety of sizes, shapes and heights, those voluptuous Italian actresses and sensuous men from across the sea.
The first of these Italian imports to make an impact on our post-war styles and trends was Gina Lollobrigida. Born Luigina Lollobrigida in Subiaco, Italy. Lollobrigida had starred in a number of earthy Italian films. But it wasn't until in 1957 when she starred in Trapeze, with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis, that Britain took an undivided interest in her.
The public was enthralled with Italian imports; women's fads reflected these styles: short dark hair, hoop earrings, and low cut blouses. But more than styles, it was an attitude we were trying to adopt. About this time, Sophia Loren came along and made her film debut in The Pride and the Passion with the leader of the pack, Frank Sinatra. She was an instant success and she starred in a string of films with Hollywood's top leading men, including Houseboat with Cary Grant, It Started in Naples with Clark Gable, and The Black Orchid with Anthony Quinn. But, like all things Italian, there was more to this glamour queen than met the eye.
While Italy's actresses were wearing designer gowns and setting fashion trends, Italy's actors, such as Marcello Mastroianni and Rossano Brazzi, were creating a new look for men. They inspired the trend of Italian silk suits, dark glasses, silk shirts, and scarves, monogrammed leather, sporty hats, fast cars and above all else--an attitude--laid back, carefree, "let tomorrow take care of itself." The Italian lifestyle, its movie stars and sporty cars were an enviable way of life to a generation just coming of age during the 1950's & 60's, the lifestyle that may not have been as practical as it was enviable. Today, music, styles and trends come and go quickly. Fashion isn't very exciting, not like it was in decades past. Cars are driven now for their practicality and not the image they create, and as for hairstyles-well there really aren't any around to copy. However It seems this Italian lifestyle remains forever timeless.
ITALIANS R US
The first of these Italian imports to make an impact on our post-war styles and trends was Gina Lollobrigida. Born Luigina Lollobrigida in Subiaco, Italy. Lollobrigida had starred in a number of earthy Italian films. But it wasn't until in 1957 when she starred in Trapeze, with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis, that Britain took an undivided interest in her.
The public was enthralled with Italian imports; women's fads reflected these styles: short dark hair, hoop earrings, and low cut blouses. But more than styles, it was an attitude we were trying to adopt. About this time, Sophia Loren came along and made her film debut in The Pride and the Passion with the leader of the pack, Frank Sinatra. She was an instant success and she starred in a string of films with Hollywood's top leading men, including Houseboat with Cary Grant, It Started in Naples with Clark Gable, and The Black Orchid with Anthony Quinn. But, like all things Italian, there was more to this glamour queen than met the eye.
While Italy's actresses were wearing designer gowns and setting fashion trends, Italy's actors, such as Marcello Mastroianni and Rossano Brazzi, were creating a new look for men. They inspired the trend of Italian silk suits, dark glasses, silk shirts, and scarves, monogrammed leather, sporty hats, fast cars and above all else--an attitude--laid back, carefree, "let tomorrow take care of itself." The Italian lifestyle, its movie stars and sporty cars were an enviable way of life to a generation just coming of age during the 1950's & 60's, the lifestyle that may not have been as practical as it was enviable. Today, music, styles and trends come and go quickly. Fashion isn't very exciting, not like it was in decades past. Cars are driven now for their practicality and not the image they create, and as for hairstyles-well there really aren't any around to copy. However It seems this Italian lifestyle remains forever timeless.
ITALIANS R US