Ever wondered how the birthplace of Renaissance art influences today's fashion? Italy, known for its timeless elegance, is now pushing boundaries with streetwear and high fashion. Dive into the stories of 20 Italian brands that are not just following trends—they're setting them.

The Rise of Italian Streetwear and High Fashion

Italy's fashion landscape is evolving rapidly. While the country has long been synonymous with luxury and classic style, a new generation of designers is making waves with bold, innovative approaches to streetwear and high fashion. These brands are not only capturing the attention of fashion enthusiasts but also redefining what Italian style means in the 21st century.

Although a lot of them might not be associated with Italy, they do come from there or they were founded by Italian designers.

1. Marcelo Burlon County of Milan

Founded in 2012, Marcelo Burlon's brand has quickly become a staple in the streetwear scene. Known for its iconic eagle logo and collaborations with artists and musicians, County of Milan blends Italian craftsmanship with a global, urban aesthetic. What sets it apart is its ability to merge high fashion with street culture, creating pieces that are both wearable and statement-making.

3. Palm Angels

Palm Angels, created by Francesco Ragazzi in 2015, draws inspiration from California's skate and surf culture but is deeply rooted in Italian fashion. The brand's signature pastel colors and playful graphics have made it a favorite among celebrities and fashion insiders. Palm Angels showcases how Italian designers can successfully interpret and transform international subcultures.

4. GCDS

GCDS ( acronym for God Can't Destroy Streetwear) was founded in 2015 by siblings Giuliano and Giordano Calza. This Naples-based brand has gained a cult following for its quirky designs and unexpected collaborations, like those with Disney and the NBA. GCDS is known for its bold prints and playful approach to fashion, proving that streetwear can be both fun and fashionable.

5. MSGM

Launched in 2009 by Massimo Giorgetti, MSGM has become known for its vibrant colors and youthful energy. The brand's collections often feature bold prints and unexpected silhouettes, blending streetwear with elements of high fashion. MSGM's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's ability to stay ahead of trends.

6. Sunnei

Founded in 2015 by Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo, Sunnei is known for its quirky, playful approach to fashion. The brand's collections often feature bold graphics and unexpected details, like the famous "Sunnei Face" print. Sunnei's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

7. Billionaire

Billionaire, founded in 2005 by Philipp Plein, offers a luxurious take on streetwear. The brand's collections feature high-quality materials and intricate detailing, creating pieces that are both opulent and urban. Billionaire's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a spectacle, showcasing the brand's commitment to luxury and innovation.

8. Diesel

While Diesel has been around since 1978, its recent collections have embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic. Under the creative direction of Glenn Martens, Diesel has become known for its bold, experimental designs and collaborations with artists and musicians. The brand's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing Diesel's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

9. Etro

Etro, founded in 1968, has long been known for its vibrant prints and luxurious fabrics. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both wearable and statement-making. Etro's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

10. Fendi

Fendi, founded in 1925, has been at the forefront of Italian fashion for nearly a century. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both luxurious and urban. Fendi's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

11. Gucci

Gucci, founded in 1921, has been a mainstay of Italian fashion for nearly a century. Under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, the brand has embraced a more eclectic, streetwear-focused aesthetic. Gucci's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

12. Prada

Prada, founded in 1913, has been at the forefront of Italian fashion for over a century. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more experimental, streetwear-focused aesthetic. Prada's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

13. Versace

Versace, founded in 1978, has been a mainstay of Italian fashion for over four decades. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both luxurious and urban. Versace's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

14. Armani Exchange

Armani Exchange, founded in 1991, offers a more affordable take on the Armani aesthetic. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both stylish and wearable. Armani Exchange's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

15. Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana, founded in 1985, has been a mainstay of Italian fashion for over three decades. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both luxurious and urban. Dolce & Gabbana's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

16. Moschino

Moschino, founded in 1983, has been known for its playful, irreverent approach to fashion. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both fun and fashionable. Moschino's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

17. Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli, founded in 1970, has been known for its luxurious, animal-print designs. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both opulent and urban. Roberto Cavalli's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

18. Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo, founded in 1927, has been a mainstay of Italian fashion for nearly a century. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both luxurious and wearable. Salvatore Ferragamo's Milan Fashion Week shows are always a highlight, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

19. Tod's

Tod's, founded in 1970, has been known for its luxurious, high-quality leather goods. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both stylish and wearable. Tod's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

20. Valentino

Valentino, founded in 1960, has been a mainstay of Italian fashion for over six decades. In recent years, the brand has embraced a more streetwear-focused aesthetic, creating pieces that are both luxurious and urban. Valentino's Milan Fashion Week shows are always highly anticipated, showcasing the brand's unique perspective on Italian fashion.

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