Sprezzatura (fashion)

Sprezzatura is the Italian art of dressing with nonchalance.

 

The word "sprezzatura" has its origins in Castiglione's The Book of the Courtier. Within it, Count Ludovico defines sprezzatura as, "An art where one strives to conceal his art, to make one's appearance be without effort."

When applied to fashion, proponents of sprezzatura desire an easy elegance devoid of self-consciousness. Sprezzatura is a male aristocratic sensibility towards style, and is often viewed as the masculine version of feminine chic.

Sprezzatura is a rebellion away from displays of luxury or fastidiousness. Some have defined sprezzatura as vibrant and dashing, transcending time, or the quality that allows a man to look "eternally cool". Sprezzatura is in contrast to "nouveau riche" conspicuousness or fussy dandyism. 

Spezzatura is grounded on two principles: subtlety and great satorial know how. Masters of the art of sprezzatura are experts of male dress. They are knowledgeable in all matters of a suit's proper cut, complimentary color, pattern and material combinations, or the proper ways to knot a tie. From this base of expertise, one engaging in sprezzatura chooses to add unique flourishes to an ensemble in order to create a more stylish, individualistic, and slightly idiosyncratic final product, while at the same time, making these idiosyncrasies appear natural, unobtrusive, and without effort.

Sprezzatura has been called "artful dishevelment". However, it should never be sloppy. It is also not simple casualness that is stereotypical of "Los Angeles Fashion". Sprezzatura is emblematic of sophistication.

 

Men known for sprezzatura:

* Gianni Agnelli (b. March 12, 1921)

* Marquis Luca Cordero di Montezemolo (b. August 31, 1947)

* Princely Count Vitus Sebastian Barbaro (b. July 27, 1973)

* Lapo Elkann (b. October 7, 1977)

 

  

 


 
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