In the 1930s, Italy was experiencing significant political and social changes under Mussolini's Fascist regime, which influenced both fashion and interior design.

Italian fashion embraced the sleek, elongated silhouette popular across Europe, with an emphasis on modesty and understated elegance. Moreover, big cities like Milan and Rome, were famous for Italian craftsmanship in tailoring, with attention to detail and quality in both men's and women's clothing.

Nevertheless, with economic constraints and the influence of the regime, practicality in clothing was essential. Women often wore simple, functional dresses, while men wore well-fitted suits and workwear. The Fascist regime promoted uniforms, including the Blackshirts (MVSN) uniforms, which influenced civilian fashion with militaristic and utilitarian elements.

Despite economic hardships, evening wear retained a sense of glamour with luxurious fabrics like silk and satin, often in elegant, modest designs. Designers like Elsa Schiaparelli, although working primarily in Paris, were influential. Her surrealist-inspired designs and use of bold colors and innovative materials had a significant impact.

Time passed, nevertheless, several contemporary fashion designers and brands are known for incorporating elements of the Thirties into their collections, drawing inspiration from the elegance, sophistication, and distinctive silhouettes of that era. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Miuccia Prada (Prada & Miu Miu) is well known for tasking inspiration from various époques, including the Thirties, and reinterpreting with a contemporary flair. Her collections often share clean lines, elegant silhouettes and elaborated details popular for that era.
2. Ralph Lauren often incorporates vintage-inspired pieces into his collections, particularly tailored suits, bias-cut dresses, and glamorous evening gowns with a vintage flair.
3. Under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, Gucci has embraced a retro, eclectic style, often blending elements from various decades, including the 1930s, particularly Art Deco-inspired patterns, vintage silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics.
4. Marc Jacobs is known for his eclectic and historical references. His collections often draw from past decades with a modern twist, especially loving bias-cut dresses and vintage-inspired evening wear.
5. Erdem often incorporates historical references into his designs. His collections feature romantic and vintage-inspired pieces, floral prints, long, flowing dresses, and delicate lace details.
6. Marchesa's evening wear collections are known for their opulence and vintage-inspired designs, often reflecting the glamour of the 1930s.
7. Alberta Ferretti's designs often exude a romantic and ethereal quality, with influences from various historical periods, presenting flowing dresses, and elegant, tailored pieces.

These designers and their collections offer modern takes on the timeless elegance of Thirties fashion, blending historical elements with contemporary aesthetics.

Overall, the Thirties were a time of great creativity and innovation in both fashion and interior design, blending practicality with a sense of elegance and modernity. Here are some of the most interesting news in Interior Design Trends of the 1930s:

1. Art Deco was the dominant style, characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and lavish ornamentation. It featured materials like chrome, glass, and exotic woods. Furnishings were sleek and modern, often with mirrored surfaces, lacquered finishes, and inlays of ivory or metal.

2. Lighting fixtures reflected modernist influences, with sleek, functional designs. Chrome and glass were commonly used materials. A great influence was offered by the Bauhaus school.

3. Neoclassical interiors combining traditional elements with modern innovations, a mix of columns, classical ornaments and refined high-quality artisanal decorations were a trend. Preference was given to local Italian marbles, precious wood species, and high-quality fabrics.

Moreover, in the latter part of the decade, aerodynamic designs were a trend, with accent on smooth curves, horizontal lines, and nautical elements. Materials like bakelite and chrome were widely used.

Generally, the color schemes often included bold, contrasting colors like black and white, combined with metallic accents and vibrant hues like emerald green and royal blue. Rich textiles like velvet, satin, and brocade were used for upholstery and drapery. Geometric patterns, chevrons, and zigzags were common in wallpapers, rugs, and fabrics.

Elaborate chandeliers and wall sconces made of glass and chrome were popular, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to interiors, while table and floor lamps often featured sleek, modern designs with glass or metal bases.

The Thirties of the last century was a decade rich in political and social events, economical struggles, and, at the same time, a strong desire for the humanity to evolve and move forward despite eminent arrival of the Second World War.

In such struggling times, the concept of the "femme fatale" has long been a captivating and influential archetype in literature, film, and art. The allure of the femme fatale lies in her complex, mysterious, and often dangerous nature. Unlike traditional portrayals of women, the femme fatale exerts control over her circumstances and the people around her, especially men. She is skilled at using her intelligence, charm, and sexuality to manipulate others to achieve her goals. Women started to wear blazers with powerful shoulders, while strong personalities like Marlene Dietrich wore a tuxedo. The femme fatale is fiercely independent and self-reliant. Her independence is a source of strength, making her a compelling figure of female empowerment.

Time passed, and today we cherish the inheritance we received from this decade, and hopefully, pray we will make better for the history yet to be written.

With my best wishes,

Nadiya 

MetropolitanMe Blogger