Milano Fashion Library: The Heart of Fashion Archives
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Calling all fashion enthusiasts, historians, and collectors! I’ve discovered what you might call heaven—the Milano Fashion Library. The Milano Fashion Library stands as Italy’s premier and most extensive fashion library and bookshop, serving as an essential hub for study and research. Housing an archive of over 700,000 publications from across the globe, dating from 1850 to today, this remarkable collection includes rare books, vintage magazines, catalogs, lookbooks, and more. The library welcomes students, professionals, and companies to subscribe to a membership to explore its amazing collection.
So, how does one access this archive if they aren't making a trip to Milan? Well, lucky for you and me, the Milano Fashion Library has expanded its reach beyond its physical location. The library also operates as a bookshop, where you can purchase these invaluable resources both in person and online. This accessibility ensures that even if you can't visit Milan, you can still explore and acquire rare and significant fashion publications. The library's online platform allows you to browse and purchase from their extensive collection, which is then shipped worldwide, delivering the treasures of fashion history right to your doorstep. You can subscribe to a yearly membership online by purchasing one of their membership cards. They offer a gold card for students, a black card for professionals, and a platinum subscription, each with its own advantages.
For those passionate about fashion, whether for professional purposes or personal enjoyment, the Milano Fashion Library offers unparalleled access to a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Its vast archive and convenient purchasing options bridge the gap between Milan and the rest of the world, allowing fashion lovers everywhere to explore and appreciate its remarkable collection. Below, I’ve given you a glimpse into what you can expect to see on their website:
The May 1974 issue of 19 Magazine, a publication aimed at young women aged 16 to 19. Running from 1968 to May 2004, 19 Magazine was a staple for teenage girls, offering insights, trends, and stories
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This issue of American Fabrics Magazine (n. 77) focuses on textiles, including history, art, and design. The cover features Muriel, a model from Christian Dior, emphasizing the return of the feminine shirt.
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In the May 1981 issue of Cosmopolitan, Janice Dickinson graces the cover, captured by photographer Stan Malinowski.
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The November-December 1974 issue of Dèpèche Mode, published by Editions Verniquet, is a monthly review of fashion and trend documentation with photography by Guy Le Baube, reflecting the era's style and current affairs.
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In the December 1977 issue of Vogue Italia, Beverly Johnson graces the cover, captured in a photograph by Norman Parkinson.
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Salvatore Ferragamo Women's Accessories Fall/Winter 2004-2005 Lookbook.
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The Chanel Boutique catalog for the FW 1996 collection, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld, showcases top model Stella Tennant. It also features Chanel Maquillage with photography by Michael Thompson, and Chanel Le Temps watches with photography by Daniel Jouanneau.
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Explore the work of Francesco Scavullo, one of the world's leading photographers. From his early days inspired by Greta Garbo to his covers for Harper's BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue, Scavullo's career spanned five decades. This collection showcases his lighting, rapport with models, and portraits of celebrated figures, capturing the essence of beauty and glamor in every frame.
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This book explores over one hundred years of footwear history, from the elegant designs of André Perugia for high society women in the 1920s to Christian Louboutin's iconic red-soled shoes.
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Alongside its impressive collection, the Milano Fashion Library provides a variety of specialized services and consultancy options. These include the production of celebrative books, designed to commemorate significant events and milestones in the fashion industry, capturing the essence of notable achievements and trends. The library also excels in assisting with rare volume searches, providing invaluable support in locating elusive and valuable publications that are often difficult to find elsewhere. This service is particularly beneficial for researchers and historians seeking to uncover hidden gems and gain deeper insights into fashion history.
In addition to these services, the Milano Fashion Library curates and hosts photographic exhibitions that offer a visual journey through the annals of fashion. These exhibitions are thoughtfully designed to showcase influential moments, iconic figures, and pivotal trends, providing an immersive experience that brings fashion history to life. The library’s commitment to preserving and promoting fashion heritage is evident in the quality and depth of these exhibitions.
Moreover, the Milano Fashion Library provides rental services for its extensive collection of publications, making it easier for individuals to access specific books and resources without the need for permanent acquisition. This flexibility is complemented by their iconographic research service, which supports detailed exploration and analysis of fashion imagery. Through this service, clients can delve into the visual elements of fashion history, gaining a richer understanding of the cultural and artistic contexts that have shaped the industry over time. Together, these offerings make the Milano Fashion Library an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about fashion and its history.
As someone who's personally passionate about learning more about fashion from the past and seeking inspiration for future projects, the Milano Fashion Library is truly admirable.With its extensive collection, specialized services, and expert consultancy, it provides everything needed to delve deeply into fashion history and draw creative ideas for new ventures. Whether you're looking to produce celebrative books, find rare volumes, explore photographic exhibitions, or conduct iconographic research, the Milano Fashion Library is a great ally in your fashion journey. It's definitely a gem that more people should explore.
Article by Shawna Small, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
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