Italians have a distinct sense of style. Even as most designer brands offer their own signatures, you can't help but notice that there are common themes that all of them touch on. Above everything else, they highlight confidence, value eye-catching styles, and even promote a little sex appeal at the side. And don't you think these are what make for a great summer wardrobe? In a season where you're bound to wear as little as possible, a handful of Italian labels are still able to offer pieces that will certainly make a big impact. Here are some of the notable names!
Etro
If there's one thing that has truly captured what summer style is all about, it's the paisley print. There's just something so warm and hot about this motif, especially since it has often appeared in resort wear. But who popularized the paisley print in the first place? According to the leading fashion magazine, Elle, back in the 1980s, it was the Italian brand, Etro. They made use of the print when they were still a textile company and eventually translated it into their many spring and summer collections. And because of this, Etro has mastered summer dressing by way of clashing motifs in fine textiles. What's not to love?
Source: Etro Facebook Page
Emilio Pucci
While on the subject of prints, you can't forget about the undisputed king of motifs, Emilio Pucci. Both the man and the
designer brand have embraced loud, psychedelic, and at times, even jarring motifs, unapologetically promoting Italian exuberance both on and off the runway. And yes, when it comes to Pucci, the louder the prints, the better. These are the types of aesthetics that work best in summer wardrobes, ensuring that even the tiniest particles of clothing can still grab everyone's attention. Nowadays, the Pucci brand remains a force in Italian fashion, continuing its tradition of playing with prints that are as bright as the summer sun in the Mediterranean.
Source: Emilio Pucci.com
Roberto Cavalli
Rounding up the trifecta of print-obsessed
Italian designer brands is Roberto Cavalli. '
Vulgar,' '
trashy,' and '
garrish.' These are just some of the many colorful words that have described the designer's works over the years. But make no mistake, they're not exactly insulting to him at all. If anything, it fuels his drive to trot out even more outrageous summer collections during
Milan Fashion Week. Daring doesn't even begin to describe this iconic designer's aesthetic. Known for his love of animal prints, he's gone above and beyond to cement his exuberant Italian taste for all the world to see. And it's only those that like the flashy side of fashion that continue to embrace his designs.
Source: Roberto Cavalli Instagram Account
Missoni
You'd think that knitwear will only
work during winter, right? Who'd want to wear a sweater during the hottest season of the year? Well, Missoni fans, that's who! Ever since the brand was founded in 1953, Missoni has been the leading designer knitwear brand in and from Italy. The world's elite couldn't help but lavish in their fine cashmere and wool pieces, often rendered in eye-catching patterns and beautiful motifs. Eventually, thanks to their mastery of working with light textiles, Missoni became a go-to brand for summer knitwear. Think lightweight sweaters in psychedelic stripes, maxi dresses in flattering prints, and the like!
Source: Missoni Instagram Account/ Photo by Raffaele Marone
Versace
Skin-tight dresses, short silhouettes, loud colors, and exy evening-wear. These are just some of the house of Versace's many signatures. And don't these looks often define Italian summer style as well? In a season where many would want to wear clothes that expose as much skin as possible without looking vulgar, Versace stands as a go-to designer label. Wearing a mini-dress outside will surely keep you cool even as you walk under the intensely hot summer Mediterranean sunshine. Oh, and let's not forget the iconic palm tree-printed caftans, baroque swimsuits, and hot accessories too! Now, is it still any wonder why Versace is hotter than ever during summer?
Source: Versace Instagram Account
Dolce & Gabbana
Just like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana brings out the sexiness every summer. But while the former relies on body-con silhouettes and Hollywood-style sparkle, the latter is all about their Sicilians. And if there's one thing you ought to know about the island of Sicily, it's that it practically enjoys an eternal summer all year round. So it's no surprise that many of the design duo's famous signatures—lacey lingerie as outerwear, poise-perfecting corsets, 1950s-style frocks, bright motifs—often end up as bestsellers every summer. There's something to be said about Dolce & Gabbana's signature brand of old-school sexiness during the hottest season of the year!
Source: Dolce & Gabbana Instagram Account
Blumarine
What separates Blumarine from all the other Italian designer brands on this list is that it embraces classic femininity above everything else. It's all about the dainty dresses, the pastel hues, and the frothy frocks at this fashion house. And most of the time, in the heat of summer, it's this type of light yet pretty dressing that works so well. Who wouldn't want to sport a frilly mini-skirt as they walk on a
beach in Sardinia? Or enjoy a brisk morning stroll in a billowy floral-printed maxi dress in a
district in Rome? Looking pretty can feel so cool in an Italian summer!
Source: Blumarine Instagram Account
Spending the summer season in Italy? You'll need an entirely new wardrobe for that, particularly one filled with designer brands! But which labels work best for the hottest season of the year in this Mediterranean country? This handful of big fashion names!
Enjoying summertime in Italy is better when you have a
luxury place to come home to!
