The influence of robotics and futuristic aesthetics on Italian fashion

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong It was one of the most important moments in human history, by standing on the surface of the moon for the first time. The “Apollo 11” space mission became a milestone, it was “a small step for a man, but a big leap for mankind”, which after 53 years has continued to inspire the world, this time the exhibition, ‘Robotizzati’. Italian Fashion Experienceswhich takes as a creative source the space suit of the first man to reach a natural satellite.

The show by Stefano Dominella and Guillermo Mariotto, who are in charge of technical direction, takes from the moon landing as a starting point to talk about robots. Armstrong with his “lunar explorer” outfit, somewhat resembling a robot, has captured fashion and set fashion. Many designers began to take inspiration from the historical event, opening what was renamed moon fashion. Where metallic fabrics, lurex, aluminium, sequins, and plexiglass were the protagonists of “the look of the moon”, creations made of various materials remind of lunar landscapes and space travel. Many of these designers were also “enchanted by the moon” with “Sputnik Couture,” inspired by novels Isaac Asimov Based on Philip K Dickthe main pattern of “Robotizzati”.

A meeting between fashion, art and robotics

The exhibition project stems from Dominella’s passion and curiosity for ‘wick’ (large robots driven by a pilot inside), which represents the fusion between man and machine. According to the commissioner, “Hmm Real robots with hearts. Machines humanized by the hero who commands them from within, a kind of contemporary divinity.” With the intent of seeing the impact robot culture has had on fashion, starting with its origins and meaning, super robots and fashion are the perfect amount to celebrate the relationship between Science, technology and creativity.

The creations of Italian and international designers will be present, such as: Max Mara, Moschino, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Pierre Cardin, Gucci, among others. The evening dress worn by the first non-human social android, Robot star SpohiaPlus some famous stage costumes from the movie “2001: Space Flight”. The “Fashion Experiences” will be presented by some of the young independent Italian designers, such as: Santo Costanzo, Michele Guadiomonte, Francesca Nouri, among others. Dialogues of his creations with the original “chogokin” metal robots from Roberto Pesucci’s private collection.

As of July 8, The cultural space of the Belgian publication in Madrid It has become, thanks to architect Francesco Florio, a place where supermodels are transformed into an army of fashion robots and will be around until August 28. The exhibition is organized by the Embassy of Italy in Spain, the Italian Institute of Culture in Madrid and Veranos de la Villa 2022.