The 10 Most Iconic Italian Beauties of All Time

We’re nearing the end of Milan Fashion Week, where we’ve watched a whirlwind of bouncy, hot-rolled curls, bright prints, and the sound of clicking stilettos masterfully navigating the cobbled streets.  With their legendary sensuality and immaculate sense of femininity, Italian women seem to be guided by one simple principle: fare una bella figura—make a beautiful impression.

And who wasn’t captivated by the sight of Gina Lollobrigida’s raven curls, fiery lips, and dramatically arched brows as Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame? Or Fellini muse Claudia Cardinale’s gravity-defying bouffant and eyelash-grazing fringe in 8 ½? Consider Monica Vitti, who, with the help of her plush lips, rumpled blonde bob, and thick, feline flick, seduced Gabriele Ferzetti without hardly uttering a word in Antonioni’s masterpiece, L’Avventura.

Fashion, too, has seen its fair share of belle donne. Before becoming France’s first lady, Turin-born supermodel Carla Bruni ruled the runway with her piercing stare and high cheekbones, while Mariacarla Boscono’s wide-set eyes and alabaster skin brought a haunting, alien allure to the pages of Vogue.

Today, fresh-faced beauties like Margherita Missoni have helped usher in a more natural aesthetic, while ageless stunners like Isabella Rossellini and Sophia Loren seem to only gain appeal. Here, a look at the most striking Italian beauties of all time.

 

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