1. Sophia Loren
The original Italian bombshell was known for wasp-waisted dresses, dangling earrings that accentuated her slim neck, and always some helpless and agog shmuck on her arm. Here Sophia is portayed standing on a terrace on the Grand Canal in Venice wearing a stunning embroidered white dress.
2. Monica Vitti
The former girlfriend of director Michelangelo Antonioni, Monica is unique, timeless, beyond fashion and especially beyond the stereotyped concept of a classic Italian beauty. Here is a scene from her movie Modesty Blaise, 1967, in which she plays the famous comic book heroine.
3. Claudia Cardinale
Claudia has big hair, cat eyes and a hourglass figure. Starring in many iconic Italian movies such as Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2 and in a few but notable American ones, such as The Pink Panther, she is the perfect symbol of a 60s starlet. Here is a scene from her movie Don’t make waves, 1967, where she played alongside Tony Curtis and Dave Draper.
4. Isabella Rossellini
Not only she was born into film royalty as the daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, but she basically grew up surrounded by glamour. First she worked as a model and later she became an acclaimed actress who starred in David Lynch’s masterpiece Blue Velvet. Above is a portrait of Isabella, taken by the fashion photographer Norman Parkinson in 1982.
5. Monica Bellucci
Monica is considered by many to currently be the most beautiful Italian woman in the world. As a classic dark-haired Italian beauty, Dolce & Gabbana chose her as their muse and as the face of several of their advertising campaigns, including for their 2013 make-up collection. Here is Monica for the SS 2013 Dolce & Gabbana Womenswear collection.
6. Asia Argento
Born into a famous film making family, Asia is loved for her irreverent attitude and tough girl edge. The famous fashion designer Alberta Ferretti chose Asia as the model for “Forever,” her 2013 bridal collection, explaining that she represents the woman of today – one who is independent and has the courage to make unusual choices. Above a picture captioning her typical grunge and edgy style.
7. Bianca Brandolini D’Adda
Bianca is the daughter of onetime Valentino muse Georgina Brandolini and she’s a good friend of Giambattista Valli, Olivia Palermo and Frida Giannini, so fashion and style is clearly in her DNA. Here is posing for photographers at the 2011 Venice Film Festival, wearing a Giambattista Valli animal print long sleeve gown.
8. Bianca Balti
Bianca is currently the most well known model in the world. She has appeared on the cover of numerous fashion magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire and she was, alongside with Monica Bellucci, the face of the last Dolce & Gabbana collections. Here Bianca wears an Alberta Ferretti chiffon gown at the opening ceremony of the 64th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.