Written by The Strategy
There is something innately magical about people from faraway places. Even though the world today seems so much smaller thanks to social media and all that jazz, there will always be a fascination with what isn’t familiar. A prime example of that fascination is the whole deal about the “French Girl” and her impossibly chic personal style, ease of being, and level of cool which skyrockets above anyone else’s. She has solidified her place in the hearts of fashion and style lovers, inspiring books, style choices, and lifestyle changes.
Facing little to no competition, the French Girl has stayed at the top of the heap. Lately, however, we’ve been noticing some seemingly random occurrences that can’t be ignored. On our daily trip around the internet we came across multiple lists and articles from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, and more all praising Italian style. They were gushing over Sophia Loren, the matriarch of Italian glamour as we know it today, fawning over Monica Vitti, and envying Franca Sozzani’s unattainable cool.
Somewhere along the way, the Italian Girl fought her way to the top. The difference between the French Girl and the Italian Girl is that while the French Girl is soaking up the spotlight, the Italian Girl is choosing to remain a little more under the radar. She’s not looking to steal the French Girl’s limelight.
Nonetheless, Italian style deserves to be recognized.
There are classics like Sophia Loren, Monica Vitti, and Claudia Cardinale. All glamorous movie stars from the Golden Age. They are some of the most integral actresses in classic Italian Cinema. The modern muses, Isabella Rossellini, Donatella Versace, and Miuccia Prada. Class acts, and undeniable cool. All strong women of the modern day who exemplify not only Italian style, but the attitude it takes to be businesswomen in what is still a man’s world.
And then there are the New Age group of Italian style icons, which include Chiara Ferragni, Bianca Balti, and Bianca Brandolini D’Adda. These women are the ones bringing Italian style to the mainstage once again. Ferragni, known as The Blonde Salad, is a world famous fashion and style blogger who can count her followers by the millions. Balti is a longtime Dolce & Gabbana model, starring in the campaigns for the house’s fragrance, makeup, and clothing. While Brandolini D’’Adda makes the occasional D&G appearance, she’s mostly a street style icon, socialite, and daughter of a Valentino muse.
And so, while the French Girl will remain at the top of the pile, there is no denying that a little Italian charm goes a long way.
Written by Katrina Garofalo
