In this beautiful room, the Sala Bianca at the Palazzo Pitti, important fashion shows were held in the 1950s.  Florence’s leading role in the world of haute couture arguably begins in this room.

 

The Pitti is currently hosting a fascinating exhibition of black and white photographs from the Archio Foto Locchi.  The photographs chronicle the fashion moments that transpired in the Bianca.

 

The Duke of Windsor, like many fellow Brits, enjoyed visiting Italy and shopping in Florence. He looks the part of a fashionable dandy as he strolls down the Via dei Tornabuoni.

 

Florence itself is much featured in the photographs, serving as a breathtaking backdrop for the fashion shots.

 

The swimsuit model below sits on gravel in the Boboli Gardens.  Not very comfortable, I should imagine, but pretty great as a setting!

 

 

In the photo below, you can see the magnificent Sala Bianca in all its glory.

 

In the photo below we are in the early 1960s.  My mother dressed like this.

 

Below we are in the late 60s.

 

 

Below, we are in the 1970s.

 

Back to the 50s below.

 

The Boboli featured again.

 

A glimpse of the exhibition.

 

Updated 9 Feb 2017 with the following