Similarities and Differences Between Fascism and Futurism

Introduction

Fascism and Futurism both played key roles in the historical development of Italy. Futurism derived its ideals from an artistic point of view and wanted individuals to be more expressive and meaningful in their clothing choices. Being bold, loud, and out-of-the-box is what Futurism wanted for the Italian population. On the other hand, Fascism wanted the elite to wear uniforms to flaunt their upper class status and the rest of the population to wear the same so that they feel just as elite as those above them. Though both ideas convey different thoughts, they also convey some similarities.

Body

There are a few aspects of both Fascism and Futurism that don’t necessarily meet eye to eye. For instance, Fascism really accentuated the idea of everyone really looking the same and wearing uniforms to identify where they fall within the class system. Mussolini, though he was not a military man, wore a military uniform to appeal to that population. He did this frequently and would wear various different types of uniforms at their appropriate events to appeal to the masses. Fascism really emulated the idea that if you dress like a hero and carry yourself like a hero therefore you are a hero.

On the other hand, Futurism really resonated with the fact that they wanted people to be vibrant, bold, bright, artistic, and differentiated. Futurism was inspired by an artistic movement and wanted people to drape their bodies in garments that were of the same artistic quality. They essentially depicted the body as a canvas and the clothes as the medium. This movement included asymmetry, vibrant color, geometry, and modernization. This movement was also inspired by the idea of movement. In an image created by an artist, a dog is shown walking rapidly next to its owner. The small dog has fluffy fur on its legs that is depicted swishing back and forth rapidly as it’s little legs move about, creating an even more fluffy appearance.

Likewise, looking next to the dog its owner is depicted. The woman is shown wearing a black dress that hits her ankles and black shoes. Similar to the dog, her feet are moving rapidly and creating multiple visuals of her shoes overlapping each other. In looking at these overlaps the naked eye can see a keen similarity between the dog’s legs and the woman’s in the idea that they both look like they are wearing fluffy tulle.

This is an example of how Futurism is inspired by movement. Two more examples of Futurism fashions would be Balla’s dresses and Dapero’s vests. Both of designers took the initiative for Futurism and made garments that were a sensory overload for the time. Bright colors, intricate geometrical shapes, and bold patterns adorn both of these garments and really capture the essence of Futurism in fashion. Overall, Fascism and Futurism differ in the ideas that one wants everyone to look the same and identify solely through uniform while the other wants each person to stand out and be differentiated, loud, bold, and artistic.

On the contrary there are some similarities between Fascism and Futurism. Though few, they play a role in each of these movements.One similarity between the two of these movements would be that they both consider and stick to the class system. Within Fascist fashions, they want everyone to be uniforms according to their profession and adorn their uniforms with trinkets and medallions to refer to what class they are in. In the same way depending on the person’s profession an on-looker would know what class they were in.

On the opposite hand, Futurism wanted classes to be shown in the idea of alterations and just how loud they can make their garments. Another similarity between the two would be that they both emulate ideas of dressing a certain way to make a person feel that way. In terms of Fascist fashions, they say that in order to be a hero you need to dress and act like one, though you may not be.

Similarly, in Futurist fashions, they say that one thinks and acts the way one dresses. Both of these statements portray the importance that clothes have on people’s attitudes and personas. If a woman puts on an amazing pair of heels, instantly she feels like she can take on the world. She walks a little taller, she struts down the street, all because these heels make her exude more confidence. There is a certain attitude that certain garments give us and that is what both movements are really trying to get across.

Conclusion

In conclusion, though there are similarities and differences between the two movements, Fascism and Futurism, it is important to remember what the main idea of fashion is. Garments emulate various parts of the person who is wearing it. They tell a story of a person’s life, their wealth, sexual orientation, age, profession and many more that help us define who we are. As Simmel said, “Fashion differentiates us from one another and provides contrast.

Fashion in upper classes is different from that of the lower. We want to combine the uniform sphere and differentiation.” Essentially here he is stating that in order for fashion to be truly what it is created and meant to be we need to combine some ideas from the fashion choices of Fascism and that of Futurism and mold them together to form the fashion culture and dynamic in which we have today.