Page 45 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

A POR TR AIT OF IT AL Y  43

Light in weight, and compact in
shape, Olivetti’s Valentine typewriter
revolutionized the role of the desk
typewriter. Designed by Ettore
Sottsass in 1969, its portability
allowed the user to work anywhere.

Italian printer Giambattista Milan’s Giorgio Armani is best Prada, the Milan-based fashion
Bodoni (1740–1813) designed the known for creating a flattering, house headed by Miuccia Prada,
sophisticated typeface that bears smart and comfortable look. He features minimalist, cutting-
his name and is still popular 200 often relies on muted colours, edge designs and the use of
years after its creation. such as beige, black or grey. innovative fabrics.

Florence has a long reputation as a Gucci’s classic items,
producer of high-quality crafts, particularly including bags and
fashion accessories such as handbags, loafers, are a revered
shoes, belts, jewellery and briefcases. totem for the fashion-
conscious.
The Artemide company
is renowned for combining Piaggio’s innovative Vespa scooter
metal and glass in many (1946), by Corradino d’Ascanio, provided
of their designs, especially cheap, fast and reliable transport at a
lamps and lighting fixtures. time when few could afford the expense
of a car. Hugely successful, the Vespa is
still a common sight on
Italy’s streets.

The Fiat 500 (1957), like the Vespa,
became a symbol of mobility and
democratization, an expression of
Italy’s rapid postwar recovery.

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