Made in Italy

Made in Italy from Topic released in 2019 is an insightful and engaging drama series that takes you right into the heart of the Italian fashion scene in the 1970s. The Series features a picturesque look at Italy, especially Milan, during a time when Italian fashion was rapidly transforming on the international stage. Directed by Luca Lucini and Ago Panini, Made in Italy offers much more than just a look into the fashion world, providing a unique blend of personal twists, historical backdrop and societal issues of the time.

The show traces the story of Irene Mastrangelo, a humble rural girl, and her voyage into the Italian fashion industry. It pictures a profound departure from her rural world to the dynamic, glamorous, and sometimes murky world of fashion in Milan. The narrative pivots around Irene’s resilience, ambition, and her immense talent.

The character of Irene Mastrangelo is beautifully portrayed by Greta Ferro, whose mesmerizing performance perfectly encapsulates the shocks, struggles, joys and discoveries of a provincial girl in the high-paced world of fashion. With a dream and determination, Irene makes her way through her battles, becoming a pivotal part of a burgeoning industry and marking her identity amidst the giants of the fashion world. Irene's journey isn't just her own, but often serves as a metaphorical representation of women striving for their place in the professional world during the 70s.

The show is set against the backdrop of a politically tense environment in Italy after the post-war boom, a time when Italian society was divided, striving to find its identity, but also ready for a revolution. Amidst this turbulence, the series captures the rising tide of Italian fashion and its contribution to shaping modern Italy. The show presents how galvanic ideas, creativity, and drastic breaks from convention sparked the transformation of Italian fashion into a global phenomenon. The fashion-centric focus of the show often serves as an fascinating canvas to portray the societal and cultural evolution of Italy in those times.

Made in Italy doesn’t hold back in its display of luxury and grandeur, painting a vivid picture of the 1970s fashion scene and the allure that surrounds it. Audiences are introduced to the world of high fashion in all its myriad aspect - from the making of designs to the selection of materials and the execution of extravagant fashion shows. It comprises of eight one-hour episodes, each chock-full with intense drama, powerful characters, superb fashion and breathtaking sets that represent the era aptly.

Nevertheless, it's not just all allure and gloss. Made in Italy shows the grittier side of the fashion world too - the passionate rivalries, the cut-throat competition, the treacherous dynamics, and the toll the industry can take on personal lives. Amid the glamour and glitz, the darker side unfolds, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges often overlooked. The narrative thus presents a well-rounded image of the fashion industry, balancing the aura of glamour with the harsh realities that accompany it.

Moreover, the series covers the broader societal themes of its time such as women empowerment, class distinction, and political turmoil, subtly integrating them into the narrative. It explores the intersection of personal stories, professional lives and wider social issues, making it more than a fashion tale, and adding depth and layers to the narrative.

Made in Italy shines with remarkable cinematography, capturing the essence of 1970s Milan, the glamor of fashion shows, and the contrasting rural simplicity of Irene’s home region. The treatment of the visuals provides an engaging and nostalgic feel, making viewers feel as though they have traveled back in time.

In conclusion, Made in Italy offers a dazzling, dramatic, and delightful experience. It beautifully interweaves fashion, individual voyage, societal issues, and historical context, forming more than a tale of the rise of a fashion empire, but rather a deep dive into 70s Italy as seen through the lens of an emergent industry. With its stunning star cast, wonderful visuals, gripping narrative, and a perfect blend of drama and history, Made in Italy is indeed a must-watch for fashion enthusiasts, history buffs and lovers of captivating storytelling.