Brief History of Italian Fashion

Brief History of Italian Fashion

by: Juliana de Angelis

Italy and Fashion have a very unique and special relationship, and when you consider such names as Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Armani, to name but a few, it's not difficult to see why. But if we look back into the history of Italian Fashion, (e.g. see also the article on Nina Ricci) we start to understand what gave Italy such a status in the Fashion World.

Count Giorgini started the 'Italian Fashion' craze in 1951, when he organised a fashion show to be presented to an International audience in Florence. He then continued to present other fashion shows at his palace, presenting new collections modelled by nobilty against a backdrop of fine arts and scenery. Nobilty would also model new collections at museums or exhibitions next to famous pieces of fine art. This all contributed to elevating the status of Italian fashion, and implanting in everyone's minds that Italian fashion gives you status, is very rich in quality,and almost 'fairytale' like.

In the 1970s and 1980s Milan made its mark as being the Fashion Capital of Italy, and the phrase Made in Italy became universally recognised as meaning 'high quality', and 'high fashion'. Many trade fairs are regularly held in Milan, and it regarded by many as the 'Fashion Capital' of the World.

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5 Foods For Beautiful Skin

Lisa Drayer’s Top 10 Beauty Foods

BEAUTY BITES: Chow down on antioxidant- and zinc-rich oysters, dark chocolate, and blueberries for a clear complexion.

1. Tomatoes: Perhaps the only vegetable best eaten processed. Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant also thought to protect against sunburn.

2. Oysters: The best source of zinc, period. Zinc helps build collagen, which supports the structure of skin and speeds up renewal and repair.

3. Blueberries: Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that prevent long-term cell damage.

4. Dark chocolate: Full of antioxidants and nutrients, cocoa (choose chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa) increases blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, smoothness, and protection against sun exposure.

5. Walnuts: A key source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The omega-3s found in walnuts also help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

6. Sweet potatoes: Chock-full of beta-carotene, something the body converts to vitamin A, which keeps skin smooth and is thought to protect against sun damage.

7. Spinach: This nutrient-dense leafy green is a great source of beta-carotene and lutein, which protects the eyes.
8. Tomatoes: Perhaps the only vegetable best eaten processed. Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant also thought to protect against sunburn.

9. Walnuts: A key source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The omega-3s found in walnuts also help fight against skin ailments like psoriasis and eczema.

10. Dark chocolate: Full of antioxidants and nutrients, cocoa (choose chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa) increases blood flow to the skin, which in turn boosts hydration, smoothness, and protection against sun exposure.

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Anne Hathaway Puts On The Ritz

As talk of Broadway’s decline persists, a crop of Hollywood starlets who occasionally trade the silver screen for the stage offer glimmers of hope that the theater can rebound and lure new audiences once again. At the 63rd Annual Tony Awards last night, Anne Hathaway was that beacon, showcasing a sleek updo, porcelain skin, and a classic makeup look that hearkened back to the days when musicals reigned. Thoughts on the look—and the future of the art form?

Photo: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images

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Tips on Treating Sunburn

A sunburn can happen to the best of us. If you're anything like me, every time I think I've covered myself from head to toe, I inevitably miss a spot. Instead of beating yourself up, vow not to make the same mistake again, and read on to learn how to take the sting and redness out of getting burned.

Before you head outside

Do be vigilant about busting out the sunscreen every time you hit the pool or the beach, but unfortunately, even the most sunscreen-obsessed among us apply it incorrectly. The recommended dose is a shot-glass-worth of lotion for the entire body-applied every 2 to 3 hours and after swimming-which means a family should finish a bottle in 1 to 2 days in the sun. (How long have you been using your bottle?) Also make sure you hit those commonly missed areas, like the ears, tops of the feet, your hairline, and where you part your hair.

So you get home, take a shower, and stare at the outline of your bathing suit in disbelief. Now, head for the medicine cabinet. First, pop some Motrin or Advil. West Palm Beach dermatologist Kenneth Beer recommends 400 mg twice a day along with a dose of Claritin or Zyrtec until the redness and discomfort begin to subside. Dr. Beer also says to use an over-the-counter topical hydrocortisone a few times a day to help with the inflammation. Another option, he says, is a rich, fragrance-free cream called Theraplex that you can find at the drugstore.

In the event of a really bad burn, a trip to the dermatologist's office may be in order. Some doctors turn toGentleWaves, a painless light-based anti-aging treatment that is believed to calm inflammation. Your dermatologist may prescribe a higher-strength topical steroid or even an oral prescription steroid for severe sunburns.

Keep in mind that even a dermatologist can get a sunburn from time to time. Dr. Beer says, "When it happens to me, I put on a topical steroid as quickly as I can, and keep the skin moist until it heals. I also avoid hot water for a few days until the skin recovers."

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