Sporting Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Armani, Missoni and more, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) showcases the transformation of high-style Italian design in a temporary exhibit called “Italian Style.”

The exhibition includes over 100 ensembles, accessories, sketches and video clips that display Italian fashion from 1945 to the present. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London organized this exhibition. The objects come from a variety of sources, such as various Italian museums, American museums and private sources.

Assistant curator of textiles at the MIA Nicole LaBouff said despite the focus on dressed mannequins, the exhibit includes other supplementary objects to contextualize the fashion.

“All of the objects really tell a story that has to do with the growth of fashion in Italy in the post-war years,” LaBouff said.

Italy’s history is communicated to visitors through the labels and didactics throughout the exhibition, according to LaBouff.

“It is really meant to give you a sense of not just the growth of fashion in these decades under consideration, but also it is meant to give you a sense of how the Italian economy and Italian culture itself was changing during this time period,” LaBouff said.

LeBouff said the focus on fashion makes “Italian Style” unique from other exhibits at the MIA. This exhibit is the first time the MIA has had an exhibition on fashion.

“We really liked the fact that this exhibition does not focus on any one particular designer, rather it is the fashion industry of an entire country,” LaBouff said.

LeBouff said this exhibition is a way to bring in a new kind of visitor. She said most of the contemporary objects on display are very relatable pieces of art.

“Of course we all wear clothing, so it is something I think a lot of people of all ages could really understand because it is something we all participate in ourselves,” LeBouff said.

This exhibit is an unique opportunity to see a kind of clothing that is otherwise very inaccessible, according to LaBouff.

“The couture pieces that you see in the last gallery, even though these are very contemporary, these are not something that would ever be available in stores,” LaBouff said. “It is a really rare chance to get up close and see them in person.”

LaBouff said students would find the exhibit interesting as it corresponds to what they are learning in school, especially history classes. The exhibit is a way to enliven academic lessons.

“That is something that you are learning in history classes in high school and this is a way of bringing that history to life and making it very concrete, real and relatable,” LaBouff said.

Freshman Jake Henry said he would be interested in attending the “Italian Style” exhibit. Because he always makes jokes about Gucci and Prada, he said it would be fascinating to see what these high-style brands look like and what they are all about.

“It is interesting to see how people react to fashion. It is interesting to see how people view fashion, what they consider fashionable, if there are any patterns, and how suitable they are for everyday,” Henry said.

According to Henry, art made in the United States does not change as much compared to other countries. He said it is enriching to see art from different cultures, places and people.

“[In Italy,] it changes a lot and it is really interesting to see art, styles and fashion from different cultures and countries and what people consider high fashion,” Henry said.

The length of time to view the exhibit depends upon the visitor, but the projected time is roughly an hour, according to LaBouff. This exhibition is a ticketed event and tickets range from free to $20, depending on age and membership to the MIA.

The exhibit is open now and runs through Jan. 4.