Italy High Fashion 1945 – 1968.  Okay, if you must know…this to me is emozionante.

A new exhibit offers an up-close look at dresses, handbags, and jewelry from some of Italy’s most iconic fashion houses.  How can I not find this exciting?

Didn’t make it to Milan for Fashion Week? Good news: “Bellissima,” an exhibit focusing on Italian style, will make its sole American appearance at the NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale. Bellissima highlights looks from the 1945–1968 period of groundbreaking Italian design and features pieces from houses like Pucci, Fendi, Valentino, and Simonetta. And the big names aren’t only represented on labels: one of the exhibit’s curators is W magazine editor Stefano Tonchi, and the whole project is a partnership with Maxxi, the buzzy Rome contemporary art museum designed by Zaha Hadid. Of the 230 garments on display, many were custom pieces handmade for movie stars like Ingrid Bergman and Ava Gardner. And because no Italian fashion exhibit would be complete without them, there will also be handbags and leather goods in the show, plus plenty of jewels from corporate sponsor Bulgari. (It’s not just necklaces and earrings—be on the lookout for a gem-encrusted cigarette case.) Many of the looks will be displayed alongside film clips, fashion magazine spreads, or gorgeous black-and-white photos of Elizabeth Taylor to give a sense of context.

“This moment in history laid the foundation for Italy’s future ready-to-wear fashion, and the exhibition traces its beginnings within the social and cultural context,” Tonchi said in a statement. “The high fashion of that time was grounded in a strong sense of reality: They were luxury creations, but nonetheless practical; precious, embroidered textiles that had a certain simplicity; short cocktail dresses that allowed for movement; and warm, roomy coats accompanied by oversized handbags. This awareness of reality created an opportunity for a fashion system that truly served its patrons, with garments designed for the life of the modern woman.” The post-World War II period was crucial in Italy, as the country built its economy back up largely by encouraging manufacturing, especially for textiles—which gave the country’s emerging design stars plenty of local goods to work with.

Relive the era of Alta Moda at NSU Art Museum, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida until June 5^th.

While in south Florida, might we suggest staying in one of these Traveler-approved hotels and resorts?

Source: Lilit Marcus for CN Traveler

Addition: WHAT’S HAPPENING VANCOUVER?

Tonight (April 25^th) join me at the fun annual Arts Club California Wine Fair taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Rounding out the rich array of 400 premium wines is an extensive silent auction featuring  premium California wines, luxury goods, and entertainment and travel packages.

As the Arts Club’s signature spring fundraiser, all proceeds from event ticket sales and auction packages go toward the development of new Canadian plays and staging world-class theatre created by Vancouver artists.

A few tickets are still available. Price: $90  To purchase please visit: http://artsclub.com