This course, proposed by the Italian Cultural Institute, is not a traditional course of fashion history, but rather an attempt to reassemble, through the lens of today, the complex and ever-changing image of Italian fashion. The course is made up of many different perspectives that give shape and consistency to the great success of the ’Made in Italy’ label. We will investigate the reasons of its birth through sociology, anthropology and art. We will cover a vast panorama of identities often difficult to perceive through the actuality of the magazines and contemporary communication. The Italian fashion system intertwines a unique production and manufacturing systems with geopolitical issues, skills and personalities that have been able to combine craft knowledge to cultural heritage. The course will be divided into 2 modules of 6 lessons each. Lessons are given in English. 1st Module Thursday 23rd of April 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – Italian fashion through art Portraits and works of art by Giotto, Lorenzetti, Ghirlandaio, Bronzino, Caravaggio, Canova and Boldini introduces us to a fashion journey of a thousand years, from the Middle Age to modern century. Thursday 30th of April 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – At the origins of European fashion and luxury Chasing the first experiences of European fashion and luxury, as they were imported from the Far East thanks to the commerce of Italian republics like Venice, Florence, Pisa and Lucca. The origins of the Italian textile heritage: lampas, damasks, velvets. Thursday 7th of May 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – Colors in fashion The history and meaning of the colors in fashion: red, black, blue, green, white, shiny gold and silver … how they were created and why they played such an important role in the economy and social order. Thursday 14th of May 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – French and Italian fashion systems Origins, identities and outlook. From the XVII Century to the early twentieth century, a constant fight for supremacy. Thursday 21rst of May 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – The primacy of Italian prêt-à-porter Walter Albini, Armani, Versace, Fiorucci, Missoni, Diesel. Thursday 28th of May 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – Italian accessories At the origin of a new luxury world: Ferragamo, Prada, Gucci, Trussardi, Bottega Veneta. 2nd Module Thursday 3rd of September 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – The origins of the XX Century Italian fashion system From the first tailor houses in 1900, created by Rosa Genoni, to the dictatorship of the Fascist era, the first sportswear by Gabriella Robilant and the birth of glamour style magazines like Lidel. Thursday 10th of September 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – The rebel genius The art, architecture and traditions: fashion and the rebel genius, a constant dialogue. The Futurist fashion, Elsa Schiaparelli, Capucci, Ferré, Moschino, Antonio Marras. Thursday 17th of September 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – Italian contemporary fashion The12th of February 1951 is the official date of birth of Italian contemporary fashion, when the first fashion show was organized by the Florentine nobleman Giovan Battista Giorgini in Florence gathering for the first time several major American buyers. On stage models by Antonelli, Carosa, Fabiani, Marucelli, Noberasco, Schubert, Simonetta, Sorelle Fontana, Vanna, Venetians alongwith the four boutiques Emilio Pucci, Baroness Gallotti Avolio and Bertoli. Thursday 24th of September 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – The Italian textile heritage The canvas of dreams: the unique primacy of Italian fashion system stems from its textile heritage, an extraordinary production of quality and tradition that is unmatched and includes names with centuries of history: the wools of Loro Piana and Agnona, silks of Mantero and Ratti, linens and cottons from Limonta to Crespi. Thursday 1st of October 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – The contrasts of fashion Plain vs textured fashion. Opposite social and artistic meanings of fashion. Poor and rich, simple and complicated, modest and ostentatious. Thursday 8th of October 2015, 4.30-6.00 pm – Digital fashion New digital artisans for fashion: the future of fashion speaks the language of digital interaction, e-textiles and open source wearables. Registrations: Price per module: 1200 SEK ( 800 SEK for students and IIC members) Registration deadline module 1: 20th of March 2015 Registration deadline module 2: 24th of August 2015 The course will be carried out on the condition that a minimum of 12 participants register. Registration: iicstoccolma@esteri.it Courses are held by Patrizia Coggiola. After studying at the University of Pisa, where she graduated with Professor Donata Devoti, Patrizia Coggiola began her professional career as costume and textile researcher, teacher and costume designer for the theater. She has been Director’s assistant at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile, Musée du Louvre in Paris. She has been responsible for large sections related to italian fashion in Treccani Encyclopedia and for the second edition of the ’Dictionnaire de la Mode au XXe Siècle’, Ed. du Regard. Today she writes about trends in fashion, design and contemporary creativity. Working as a journalist and communications consultant has enabled her to develop a deep understanding of the internal dynamics of the current fashion system and trend developments.