Geography and fashion, a bizarre approach? Everything else, as demonstrated by the splendid exhibition Fashion devised nothing less than from National Geographic Italy (my friend from Prada, to say!), that I saw Saturday to Palazzo Madama, Turin, where it will remain open until May 2 (honor: Monday 10-18; Wednesday-Saturday 10-18; Sunday 10-19. Tuesday closed. Full entrance: 10 € reduced: 8 €).
There are 62 large-format images, made by 36 photographers accustomed to working on assignment at the four corners of the globe for the blasoned American organization, but this time they offer a fascinating perspective on the historical and cultural significance of clothing, ornamentation and what revolves around the concept of style.
Through surprising and seemingly extravagant combinations, the Turin exhibition illustrates how the fashion catwalks of Milan and Paris have much more in common than we can think of with the Oregon prairies, the rainforests of Papua New Guinea, the African villages, the Javanese temples.
I expected to find some shots. Steve McCurry, one of the great signatures of the American magazine recently converted to fashion photography, among other things with flattering results, of which we will soon talk here on the blog. Nothing. In any case, if you love travel and photography with the capital F, I highly recommend to take a leap in Turin in the coming months. In the meantime, here is a selection of the images of the exhibition that have impressed me most.
CLIFTON R.ADAMS United States 1929 Women on the beach laying on the white sand of Florida.
ANTHONY B. STEWART Bahamas 1958 Ninnoli bizzarri adorn the hat of the viewer of a race.
ELIZA R. SCIDMORE Japan 1918 Three geisha perform the ceremony of t is
JODI COBB Taiwan Sposes and invited pose for photographers at the Chiang Kai-Shek mausoleum in Taipei.
JODI COBB Monaco 1995 Young dancers are about to go on stage.
ELIZA R. SCIDMORE Sri Lanka 1907 Sophisticated anklets and finger rings adorn the foot of a tamil dancer.
JODI COBB United States, 1998 A few hours before being crowned Miss Universe 1998, the student Wendy Fitzwilliam of Trinidad last touches her traditional costume.
JODI COBB Russia A model system its very original dress decorated with large spoons.
JODI COBB South Korea 2009 A model dressed in silk dance at the Hanbok parade.
