From experiments by Lucio Fontana and Gio Ponti to Emilio Pucci’s kaleidoscopic motifs and Germana Marucelli’s optical patterns; from Roberta di Camerino’s trompe l’oeil effects to the pop sensibilities of Ken Scott, Elio Fiorucci, Gianni Versace, and Franco Moschino; from the work on the heritage by Prada, Marni, and Valentino to the valorisation of Missoni’s corporate archive and the hybrid graphic designs by Maison Laponte, Gentile Catone, Colomba Leddi and IUTER, these artists, fashion designers, and companies helped create the worldwide fame of Italian fabrics from the early twentieth century to contemporary times. A history closely entwined with the concept of “Made in Italy,” contributing significantly to Italy’s international reputation as a citadel of high-quality fashion and design.

Over 500 illustrations, photographs, and preparatory drawings, many previously unpublished, from corporate and private archives, recount some of Italy’s most important creative achievements.