Italian Textile Design

From Pucci's psychedelic patterns to Iuter's skate-inspired prints: how Italian designers have led innovations in textiles throughout the 20th century

The dynamic geometrical patterns of Emilio Pucci; the dazzling trompe-l'oeil effects of Roberta di Camerino; the pop sensibilities of Gianni Versace and Franco Moschino; the bold street-style prints of Iuter and Sunnei-these and countless other innovations have made Italian design a leading force in the history of 20th-century textiles. This volume documents the history of Italian textiles from the beginning of the 20th century through to the present day, exploring their evolution in relation to the dominant styles of various periods. This is a history deeply interwoven with the birth of the totemic "Made in Italy'' concept, as textiles have significantly contributed to Italy's international reputation as a bastion of high-quality fashion and design. Numerous Italian artists, fashion designers, product designers and companies have pioneered and popularized a vast range of manufacturing processes that incorporate local fabrics and innovative techniques. Featuring sumptuous illustrations of finished fabrics, preparatory drawings and photographs, Italian Textiles compiles the country's most notable design coups. Among the thematic sections in the book are those dedicated to scarfs, skirts, shirts, ties, wallpapers, tablecloths and various other fabricated objects. Designers include: Fede Cheti, Enrico Coveri, Roberta di Camerino, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lucio Fontana, Piero Fornasetti, Mariano Fortuny, Gucci, Iuter, Franco Moschino, Bruno Munari, Gio Ponti, Prada, Emilio Pucci, Ken Scott, Ettore Sottsass, Sunnei, Valentino and Versace.