By Laura Jacobs

We all know the story of postwar French fashion. With the presentation of Christian Dior's "New Look"—those deeply corseted, Second-Empire silhouettes of 1947—the haute couture had an escapist fantasy that snapped the international spotlight back onto Paris.

At the same time, however, with great brio and less brouhaha, another fashion story was emerging. Into the consciousness of fashionable women everywhere three magical words would climb: "Made in Italy." Shoes, jewelry, hats, handbags and oh the gloves—that Italian love of the godly hand and its divine dexterity. 

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Source: http://www.wsj.com/