For the day dedicated to women’s rights, we at Fratinardi were looking for a way to celebrate it without lapsing into qualunquist marketing techniques. We wanted to send a message, that is.
We chose, then, to briefly tell you the story of five Italian women who, against all prejudice, have become icons in the field of fashion.
Our purpose? To remind us women that we don’t have to be men to make it, because sometimes we are the first to forget. We can achieve our goals, even if the road always seems uphill and reaching the top is more difficult. Even if the effort is greater and we are not always given due credit.
Being a woman may be an extraordinary experience, but there is nothing great about being considered something less.
Luisa Spagnoli
She revolutionised Italian fashion by creating elegant, high-quality clothes using Angora wool, obtained by combing rabbits (and therefore totally cruelty-free). His innovative vision led to the creation of comfortable and practical clothes ideal for independent and working women and warm garments for babies. Her legacy is a successful fashion brand and a symbol of women’s emancipation.
Let’s not forget that she founded Perugina together with the Buitoni family and her husband and invented the iconic Bacio Perugina!
Elsa Schiapparelli
She disrupted the fashion scene between the two world wars. A muse of surrealism, she collaborated with artists such as Salvador Dalí, creating extravagant and iconic clothes. Her surrealist style was distinguished by prints, bright colours, unusual shapes and details. His artistic collaborations resulted in memorable creations such as lobster-dresses, telephone-hats and gondola-shoes.
Her legacy is a unique and innovative aesthetic that continues to influence the fashion world. And it is to her that we owe the invention of the colour shocking pink!
Rosita Missoni
Born in 1931, she married Ottavio Missoni in 1953 and together they founded the fashion house Missoni. Her knitting skills and sense of colour gave rise to a unique style, characterised by innovative weaves and vibrant colour combinations.
Rosita was fundamental to Missoni’s success, both as a designer and as an inspirational muse. She spearheaded the Missoni Home line and helped create the brand’s iconic image.
Miuccia Prada
Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada inherited the Prada brand from her grandfather and revolutionised it, turning it into a household name in the global fashion system. Prada’s style is unmistakable: clean lines, fine fabrics, bold colours. Non-conformist and provocative, Miuccia creates sophisticated, high-quality clothes. She also founded Miu Miu and received numerous awards. She is a Made in Italy icon and a visionary woman who has inspired with her strong and independent femininity.
Donatella Versace
World-renowned Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace has contributed to the success of the Versace brand since its inception. The muse of her brother Gianni, she took over the reins of the fashion house after his tragic death and became a global fashion icon. Under her leadership, Versace has established itself as one of the most influential brands on the international scene. Donatella Versace is a visionary designer and successful businesswoman. Her unique style and strong personality have made her a Made in Italy icon.
Conclusion
So let us close this short article with a little reminder: let us always remember who we are. Because it’s easy to say you are an independent woman, but really being one is hard. It is hard dealing with constant prejudice, being under the magnifying glass of a society still filled with stereotypes and walls that are not easy to break down! But together we can do it, the key to female success is not only having the right character, it is also being able to stick together and support each other in difficulties.
We at Fratinardi wish all women success in winning their little battles, whatever they may be, and may they find other women at their side ready to support them, always.
Happy Women’s Day to all!