Shirts Dress Shirts Custom Shirts Tailor Shirts: Men's Fashions by Francesco

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Men's Fashions by Francesco

20th-Century Island Life in the Bay of Naples

Posted: 21 Sep 2009 03:47 PM PDT

The first hundred years of freedom in Naples and its bay were beset with a sea of troubles attributable to the mismanagement of our liberators, who drained the South of its capital funds and transferred industry elsewhere.

With offices dismantled and public services suspended in Naples, the aristocracy deserted the city, leaving the posterity of squalor, crime, and unemployment.

By the end of WWI, strikes, disorder, and repression were rampant. Multitudes groped for consolation in either "isms" or emigration, which truncated one third of the population. Along with the rest of Italy, Naples and its island-studded bay have survived a Fascist regime, 2 world wars, and a myriad of governments.

Emerging indisputably as a leader of fashion and design, the nation has numerous hot spots of sartorial activity and several major epicenters of apparel production. Although marred by a reputation for counterfeit, the Naples area happens to number among the nation's primary centers for fashion design and production.

One of the greatest occurrences of the 20th century was the birth of sportswear in the 1920's, which marks the beginning of contemporary menswear as we know it today. From there on, well, it's all history, which I have assembled for you in the form a slideshow that will walk you around the island of Ischia, introducing you to the men and their styles throughout the 20th century.

2010 Trends & Takeaways from the period:
The relaxed tailoring of the 20th century prevails in most 2010 spring/summer collections. Similar to the entry of sports clothing into daily dress during the 1920's, sweat suits have been modified for common attire. Work clothing like jumpsuits and laboratory coats will also enter the wardrobe of everyday.

Photo top left & slideshow Public Domain