Angelo Flaccavento
Independent fashion critic, writer and curator
Angelo Flaccavento is an Italian fashion critic, writer and curator, based in Sicily, whose reviews and essays appear in The Business of Fashion and Il Sole 24 Ore. He is regarded as one of the most erudite voices in fashion criticism, reading collections as reflections of society.
| Role | Independent fashion critic, writer and curator |
|---|---|
| Born | 1972 |
| Based in | Sicily |
| Writes for | The Business of Fashion, Il Sole 24 Ore |
| Curation | Fondazione Pitti Discovery |
| TV | Le Italie della Moda, Sky Arte HD (2014) |
Who is Angelo Flaccavento?
Angelo Flaccavento, born in 1972, is an Italian fashion critic who lives and works in Sicily. The Business of Fashion describes him as 'one of Italy's most successful fashion journalists' and 'one of the fashion industry's most erudite voices'. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) has presented him as an independent fashion critic, writer and curator, and as of 2021 listed him as a columnist for The Business of Fashion and Il Sole 24 Ore and an editor at large at Vogue Italia.
Career
According to the FHCM, Flaccavento began his career at a Dutch magazine and built a network of Italian and international collaborations. His byline has appeared in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Purple Fashion, L'Officiel Italia, GQ, Fantastic Man and L'Uomo Vogue. He is a contributing editor to The Business of Fashion, where his runway reviews are widely read by industry professionals.
His work extends beyond the page. He has curated exhibitions for Fondazione Pitti Discovery in Florence, created the television series Le Italie della Moda for Sky Arte HD in 2014, and conceived and curated a 2015 book project for the textile mill Lanificio Reda.
Influence on the fashion business
Flaccavento's criticism stands out for treating fashion as a cultural and social phenomenon rather than a list of trends. He has said that fashion is 'the most immediate, acute and precise reflection of society', a view that shapes his writing. His relevance for the business includes:
- Independent reviews that influence how collections and creative directors are perceived
- A strong focus on Italian fashion, its craft and its industrial base
- Bridging journalism, curation and television
- Providing historical and cultural context for brand strategy and design decisions
He has cited Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons as a lasting influence, and his writing frequently explores the tension between creativity and commerce in contemporary fashion.
Why it matters
For executives and designers, Flaccavento's reviews offer a considered counterpoint to fast social media reactions. His focus on Italy, including its manufacturing heritage and its houses, makes him a particularly relevant voice as Italian brands navigate creative director changes and shifts in the luxury market. His career also shows how critics can extend their influence through curation and broadcasting.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Angelo Flaccavento?
Angelo Flaccavento is an Italian fashion critic, writer and curator, born in 1972 and based in Sicily. He writes for The Business of Fashion and Il Sole 24 Ore.
What is Angelo Flaccavento known for?
He is known for erudite runway reviews that read fashion as a reflection of society, and for curating exhibitions for Fondazione Pitti Discovery in Florence.