Matteo Augello on Fashion as Political Expression and Italian Heritage

Matteo Augello, a fashion historian and lecturer at London College of Fashion and Regent's University London, discusses his book 'Curating Italian Fashion' and the political dimension of dressing. In an interview with Artribune, Augello explains that his book originated from his PhD research and work with corporate museums, particularly the Fondazione Antonio Ratti, aiming to fill gaps in the history of fashion curation. He explores how Italian fashion constructs the concept of 'Italianness' and reflects the country's heterogeneous history. Augello, who identifies as queer, uses his own image on the book's cover—a constructed Renaissance-style portrait—as a visual summary of his research. He describes his style choices as political when attending academic events, using clothing to bring expressive freedom into institutional settings. Augello notes that his most beautiful garments are often gifts from friends, and he enjoys auctions of jewelry and art rather than actively seeking vintage clothes. He observes a growing political consciousness among students, citing a student's question about gendered Halloween costumes as a sign of critical awareness. The interview also touches on his exploration of femininity as a male-bodied person, which he sees as a complex but deliberate part of his identity. The article is accompanied by a photo of Augello wearing a Gianfranco Ferré custom-made suit from Autumn-Winter 1992, originally created for singer Milva.