Fashion and Identity in Italy in the 1930s

Eugenia Paulicelli, Queens College

Fascism in 1930s Italy dominated more than just politics – it spilled over into modes of dress.  Mussolini’s regime choreographed people’s allegiance with the intent of creating a new national consciousness. Women, in particular, were manipulated through fashion ideals to create an “authentic” Italian femininity.  Eugenia Paulicelli will explore the subtle yet sinister changes to the seemingly innocuous practices of everyday dress and show why they were such a concern for the state.  She will also demonstrate how these developments impacted the global dominance of Italian fashion today.