91711 - Writing for Fashion in Italian and European Culture

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows in depht the main fashion writings in Italian and European culture, is able to interpret them critically and acquire the tools to elaborate professional texts for written fashion communication through specific analysis of various textual typologies such as literature, the language of advertising and journalism.

Course contents

The course aim at investigating the strategies of fashion writings in the framework of Italian and European literature and journalism from the second half of Nineteenth Century until today, through the examination of various styles and textual types. It is expected to study texts dedicated to the theme of fashion among literature, criticism, journalism and advertising, starting from theories of Roland Barthes verified through a specific choice of writings dedicated to clothing, cosmetics, beauty, elegance, seduction, body, lifestyle, wellbeing, development of woman, storytelling. The course includes the analysis of fashion writings of authors such as Baudelaire, Mallarmé, d'Annunzio, Proust, Futurism, in a path that winds from the classics of fashion to the current press, up to the digital age. Particular attention will be devoted to female fashion writers and journalists such as Matilde Serao, Rosa Genoni, Amalia Guglielminetti, Irene Brin, Gianna Manzini, Camilla Cederna, Anna Piaggi and others.

 

Readings/Bibliography

- D. Baroncini, Scrittrici e giornaliste di moda, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2017

- Texts on fashion shared during the lessons

Important: for students having difficulties with the Italian readings, a special bibliography with English texts can be agree to prepare for the exam as non-attending students.

Bibliography in English for non-attending students having difficulties with the Italian readings:

- M. Carter, Fashion Classics: from Carlyle to Barthes, Berg Publishers 2003

- Roland Barthes, The Language of Fashion, edited by A. Stafford and M. Carter, Berg/Power Publications 2006.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons.

As many of the texts to be dealt are in Italian, exceptionally this lesson cycle will be held in Italian. 

Assessment methods

The final examination consist in an oral exam, during which the student must show:

- excellent knowledge of all mandatory readings as listed in the program

- critical consideration of the relevant topics and texts

- ability to interpret the proposed authors and their writing for fashion

Individual written papers are expected to be submitted during the course by those students who regularly attend classes.

The exam will be conducted also in English.

Office hours

See the website of Daniela Baroncini