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Angelo LitricoItalian fashion designer
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Biography of Angelo Litrico
- Early Life and Career
- Revolutionizing Men's Fashion
- Dressing World Leaders
- 'Khrushchev's Boot'
- Later Life and Legacy
Biography of Angelo Litrico
Born in 1927 in Catania, Sicily, Angelo Litrico was an Italian fashion designer who became renowned for his work in the 1950s and 1960s.
Early Life and Career
Litrico grew up in a family of twelve children, with his father working as a fisherman. He started his career as a tailor in his hometown but realized that he could fulfill his ambitions in Rome. In 1952, he moved to Rome and found employment at an atelier on Via Sicilia. Litrico's breakthrough came when the actor Rossano Brazzi noticed the silk jacket he was wearing to the opera. Brazzi became Litrico's first client, which greatly boosted his success as a designer.
Revolutionizing Men's Fashion
One of Litrico's contributions to the fashion industry was his introduction of fashion shows for men's clothing. Prior to his innovation, fashion shows primarily featured women's garments. Litrico's shows highlighted the elegance and sophistication of men's fashion, making a lasting impact on the industry.
Dressing World Leaders
Litrico gained international recognition by dressing numerous world leaders during the height of the Cold War. He was known for his ability to dress leaders from opposing sides, showcasing his talent for creating diplomatic fashion. Some notable figures he dressed include John F. Kennedy, Juan Perón, Tito, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and King Hussein of Jordan.
'Khrushchev's Boot'
Litrico's fame soared when he was invited to participate in a campaign aimed at increasing Italian fashion exports to Russia. Litrico gifted an extraordinary coat to Nikita Khrushchev, despite not knowing his exact measurements. Khrushchev was delighted with the coat and subsequently ordered a full wardrobe from Litrico for his famous trip to the United States in September 1959. The ensemble also included Litrico's renowned open-toed sandals, which became known as 'Khrushchev's Boot'. This notable incident occurred when Khrushchev passionately removed the shoe during a UN General Assembly meeting in October 1960 and began pounding it on the table. American journalists were intrigued by the well-dressed Soviet premier and inquired about his tailor, thus further cementing Litrico's reputation.
Later Life and Legacy
Following his rise to fame, Litrico continued dressing influential individuals and received several honorary Italian orders. He also formed a close relationship with Christian Barnard, the pioneering heart transplant surgeon. Litrico provided financial assistance for hundreds of children who underwent Barnard's operations in Cape Town.
On March 13, 1986, Angelo Litrico passed away at the age of 58 from a heart attack. He had been hospitalized at Agostino Gemelli University Polyclin after fracturing his hip. After his death, his brothers Franco and Giusi took over his company. Franco's sons, Luca and Fabio, later joined the management team and expanded the product range under the label 'Franco Litrico', following their father's death in 2004.
