Women under Fascism in 1930's Italy



Women under Fascism in 1930's Italy

The Fascism of 1930s Italy dominated more than just politics - it spilled over into modes of dress. Fashion often functions as a tacit means of making a social statement, but under Mussolini it vividly reflected political tyranny. Ones allegiance to the regime was choreographed by the dictatorship with the intent of creating a new national consciousness. Women in particular were manipulated through fashion ideals to create an authentic Italian femininity. Paulicelli explores the subtle yet sinister changes to the seemingly innocuous practices of everyday dress and shows why they ...