Made in Italy is at its core a coming of age story, set against the backdrop of 1970s Milan, a time when the country was going through social change, protests, feminism and a burst of creativity.
Our heroine, Irene Mastrangelo (Greta Ferro) is an art history student. Disenfranchised and frustrated by having her thoughts and ideas dismissed by her male tutors, she takes a leave of absence from her university studies. Irene comes from a working class migrant family, living on the outskirts of the city, and when she tells her father about her plans, he refuses to pay for her education any longer.
Irene, who is both bright and determined, announces that she will get a job to pay her own way. Job ad in hand, she enters the doors of fashion magazine 'Appeal' and her life is changed. Irene is taken under the wing of the intuitive, passionate and intimidating (to some) editor-in-chief Rita Pasini (Margherita Buy), who admires her talent and determination.
Irene (Greta Ferro) and Rita (Margherita Buy) in 'Made in Italy'. Source: SBS
Unlike Andy in The Devil Wears Prada, Irene has an immediate respect and wonder for the fashion world (no needed here, Miranda Priestly). It doesn't take long for Irene to discover her passion for journalism, fashion and the artists behind the designs. Defying gender expectations of the time, she opts to focus on taking the journalism exam and work full time.
It's through Irene's eyes that we are taken into this world – which is in the midst of being transformed – and at the same time are introduced to the legends of Italian fashion. The 1970s were a time of social revolution and a fashion revolution. Italian designers were moving into prêt-à-porter (ready to wear) rather than the exclusive and elusive haute couture collections.
Gaetano Bruno as Walter Albini in 'Made in Italy'. Source: SBS
It isn't all photo shoots and runway shows at 'Appeal'; there is also a divide within the company. Rita is one to champion local Italian designers of the day, while others at the magazine wish to continue focusing on French haute couture houses and more conventional designs. In this company some people are driven by money rather than the fashion and those labels that can buy advertising space get preference.
Some of these pieces have not ever been seen on TV, and they are wondrous
Krizia fashion show in 'Made in Italy'. Source: Mediaset
Raoul Bova as Giorgio Armani in 'Made in Italy'. Source: SBS
More than just designers these pioneers became known as stylists and transformed the fashion world and industry as we know it today. It is wonderful to see the work of (possibly lesser known designers), the revolutionary father of prêt-à-porter Walter Albini and the mother of hot pants Mariuccia Mandelli, head of Italian fashion house Krizia, celebrated. Plus names synonymous with Italian fashion: Missoni, Armani, Prada, Versace, Fiorucci and with a sneaky trip to Rome, Valentino. Their clothes, words and desire to change the status quo will start a revolution that will forever transform Irene, Milan and Italy. And who doesn't love a clothing label that says "made in Italy"?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
The amah-zing guest stars of ‘Happy Endings’
