Sumptuous cashmere. Perfectly tailored suits. Supple leather loafers. Calling to mind Italian fashion is likely to conjure up the likes of these elegant wares, sprezzatura-clad lads, and the sciure of Milan… Actually, maybe all Milanese. Their city is the fashion capital of the world, after all. 

No doubt one of the reasons why we associate Italians with style is the impressive roster of famous fashion designers the country has produced over the years, many of which remain global household names today (even for those thoroughly disinterested in the industry). Giorgio Armani, Miuccia Prada, and Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana–to name just a few who achieved global renown during the 1980s Made-in-Italy boom–have loyal followings in every international market and are still the principal designers at their namesake brands.