“COLOR AND FASHION”: THE ESSAY BY LIA LUZZATTO AND RENATA POMPAS

In the essay Color and Fashion, Lia Luzzatto and Renata Pompas take readers on a fascinating and unexpected journey through the history of color in clothing, from the togas of ancient Rome to contemporary looks. This work, meticulous and richly documented, stands out for its ability to intertwine aesthetics, history, and material culture, restoring color to its central role not only in fashion but also in the broader narrative of social identity.

More than just a survey of color trends, the book delves into the deeper meanings attributed to colors in different historical contexts: symbols of power, tools of social distinction, and expressions of cultural and ideological movements. Each era is reflected in the palettes of its garments and accessories, and changes in color preferences become true indicators of political, philosophical, and economic transformations.

The iconographic section – refined and carefully curated – enriches the analysis with a visual narrative that complements the text, offering readers concrete examples of the subjects discussed. The result is an essay with a historical focus and a strong orientation toward the present, useful not only to scholars and students but also to professionals in the fields of fashion and visual communication.

A key figure in the Italian and international scene for the study of color and textiles, Renata Pompas combines scientific rigor, artistic sensitivity, and a design-oriented vision. A graduate of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, she has built a multifaceted career as a lecturer, essayist, designer, and cultural promoter.

Together with Lia Luzzatto, with whom she shares a long-standing intellectual partnership, she has co-authored numerous texts on color, held lectures, curated events, and led educational projects. She is a member of the AIC (International Colour Association) and co-founder of the Gruppo del Colore – Associazione Italiana Colore, where she has held key roles on scientific and executive committees.

A pioneer in Digital Printed Textile Design, Pompas has developed an original and professional method for creating printed textiles, which she teaches at universities, academies, and institutions in Italy and abroad. She has also conceived and directed innovative programs, including the first European course for Fashion Color Consultant.

Her work is also strongly linked to the promotion of Fiber Art, a field in which she is considered one of the leading experts. In this area, she has contributed to building a true Italian historiography of the discipline, publishing essays, participating in European networks such as ETN, and serving on juries and committees for international awards. Her vision of color, understood as both language and material, coherently informs her entire career.

With a path grounded in the dialogue between art, design, and visual culture, Renata Pompas continues to be an active and authoritative voice in contemporary research, passionately pursuing a profound and interdisciplinary reflection on the aesthetic and symbolic value of color.

Lia Luzzatto, after graduating with honors from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, specialized in the fields of Color, Art, Fashion, and Communication. A member of the Italian Center for the Study of Textile History, she works as a color consultant, educator, and seminar organizer.

Bompiani Editore | Format 132×199 mm | Paperback binding | 304 pages | Year 2018