Liberty Style
For many years, Jane’s Vanity has carried fine silk knits from Dana Pisarra, an Italian family-run artisanal manufacturer. Their body-hugging garments speak of Art Nouveau, with smokey colors, sinuous shapes, and lacey details. The Art Nouveau movement of early 20th century Europe was love at first sight for Italians. And they gave it its own special name: Stile Liberty. Yes, after the fabric store in London. Jane’s Vanity delves deeper.
Liberty of London began as an emporium of all things exotic. It became known for its Arts and Crafts interiors and textiles created by William Morris. Its influence, and that of the wider Art Nouveau movement, is very much in evidence in Italy today. Worth a trip to seek out its confection-like architecture and scrolling decorative motifs. Or you might just stroll to the Jane’s Vanity website to see Dana Pisarra’s fall offerings. They include the Liberty Black Wool Skirt. Its easy elasticized waistband and stretchy wool knit body are complemented by a slightly higher hem at front with an insert of Liberty-like lace. Hits at about the knee on most. Easily wearable as either a slip or skirt. Great for an investigative trip to Italy!
You will find examples of Stile Liberty in major Italian cities, including Turin (where the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative Art took place in 1902), Milan, Florence, Rome, and Palermo. In the Adriatic coastal city of Pesaro is the famous Villa Ruggeri, described by author Keiichi Tahara in his Art Nouveau as, “similar in shape to a Renaissance palazzo, but its exuberant decoration and subtle colours based on undersea motifs, transform it into an enormous iced cake.” What to wear to explore such seaside attractions? Definitely white jeans and a selection of caressing Dana tops. So packable, washable, unforgettable.
There’s more…of Stile Liberty and of Dana Pisarra. But, don’t wait. The company is closing its doors this winter. JV has brought in a special shipment of beautiful styles that will be the last. These classic and sensual shapes never go out of style. They will be your travel buddies. Your transport to a world of beauty and mystery. Where you will be dressed to perfection.