There are many Italian sayings that are entrenched in popular culture, but it's fair to say that la dolce vita is probably the best known. It literally means 'the sweet life', it expresses the existence dedicated to the enjoyment of simple pleasures, luxuries and indulgences. La dolce vita is also the name of Frederico Fellini's 1960 movie featuring the scene with Anita Ekberg wading into Trevi fountain, a fashion statement that is forever etched in cinematic history.
There is a phrase that resonates much deeper within the collective Italian soul. A centuries old philosophy that anchers and guides most aspects of Italian society and behavior : la bella figura. This means 'the beautiful figure', a reference to one's physical appearance, from the literal body shape to the whole of the sartorial package. The way that you dress and the labels you choose, how you style your hair and make up your face, your posture and body language, the hue of your tan. It also attaches great importance to other aspects of choice, from the glass of Aperol spritz to the green olive in your drink.
La bella figura is more than just an aesthetic ideal. The beautiful figure is the belief in making the best impression in every aspect of life, kindness, respectful and courteous in social and professional interactions. The thought of turning out to a gallery opening, or even a trp to the grocery store, dressed down is reprehensible to Italians for fear of causing offense. Social graces are held high by Italians.
One Italian relates bow an impromptu invitation to step into a Louis Vuitton exhibition, left him feeling totally out of place because of how he was dressed. "In my mind it was as if I had been totally disrespectful to that event, the people who welcomed me, the place, the people who worked so hard to create the show. It was one of those occasions where I would have liked to be invisible. La Bella Figura comes at a price! At the end of the day it's about giving to others what we love, the best part of ourselves." In this day of massive disconnect, that can hardly be a bad thing!!
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
La Bella Figura Intelligence :
Never leave the house wearing flip flops, unless you're heading to the pool. Bags and shoes must match —always. Less is more. Skinny jeans or tailored olive/ khaki pants, not joggers. Running shoes are for running and only running. Heels for a night out or black flats.
Sources : Club Magazine 2015, Wikipedia.
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