Sprezzatura
The history of sprezzatura
Sprezzatura is first seen in a classic of Italian Renaissance literature; Baldessare Castiglione’s “The Book of the Courtier” written in 1528. In the hope of entertaining themselves, a group of courtiers discuss the question of how a courtier should conduct himself as a gentleman. The concept of sprezzatura is born as a result of their conversations.
As a universal rule to avoid affectation, Baldessare explains to “[…] practice in all things a certain nonchalance which conceals all artistry and makes whatever one says or does seem uncontrived and effortless.”
As a result of this studied nonchalance, he continues by saying: “I am sure that grace springs from this, since everyone knows how difficult it is to accomplish some unusual feat perfectly, and so facility in such things excites the greatest wonder […]”
Sprezzatura and gianni agnelli
If you are one of the few that are familiar with the word sprezzatura, then you likely associate it with Gianni Agnelli. For many, Agnelli embodies sprezzatura in its truest form. This is because he isn’t trying too hard or overdoing it. Agnelli makes this studied carelessness look natural.
Here, Gianni Agnelli is pictured wearing hiking boots with a suit. This unique combination is a well-known example of sprezzatura. That being said, it is speculated that he sustained a leg injury following a car crash, which lead him to prefer a sturdier shoe; hiking boots. Maybe this was a style choice, or perhaps it was a practical necessity. Either way, he wore them with ease and confidence, which is exactly why it worked. Agnelli has taught us many things, among them, that practicality can be elegant.
Another well-known example of Agnelli embodying sprezzatura is when he wore his watch over the cuff of his shirt. A choice that many wouldn’t have dared to try, Agnelli made it look natural.
Agnelli has remained one of the only people to be able to pull off such eccentric styling choices without looking like he is trying too hard. This leaves us with the question of why? Many have been inspired by Agnelli but not achieved the same degree of grace that he did so naturally. You can buy fashion but you cannot buy style.
Women and sprezzatura
What about sprezzatura for women? It is little known that, in "The Book of the Courtier" Castiglione also touches on the topic of the ideal court lady. While explaining why “[…] the highest degree of grace is conferred by simplicity and nonchalance […]” Castiglione goes on to say of women, “Surely you realize how much more graceful a woman is who, if indeed she wishes to do so, paints herself so sparingly and so little that whoever looks at her is unsure whether she is made-up or not […]”
Contemporarily, we see this time and time again with the no make-up, make-up look. There is something endearing about a woman who isn’t trying to change herself. A woman who isn’t subscribing to society’s ideas of beauty, but her own. We often underestimate how powerful subtlety can be. To take away the clutter is to accentuate what matters most.
eveline cecil and sprezzatura
I have never subscribed to rules. I don’t believe that in the context of fashion and style there are universal rules of which you are required to follow. Fashion will always be evolving and style is personal.
I do, however, believe that you need to know the rules in order to break them. You cannot experiment and create something new without an understanding of the basics. Art, for example, blooms when rules are broken, and boundaries are pushed. Without such rebellion there would be no evolution in not only art and fashion, but society as a whole.
Picasso, it goes without saying, has pushed many boundaries. He didn’t, however, start his career by painting in a cubist style. First, he had a formal education in Fine Arts and his early works were primarily in a realist style. Picasso himself, has been quoted saying, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
In essence, sprezzatura is the meticulous practice of appearing effortless. There is a beauty in looking like you have just thrown on the first thing you saw. As if you couldn’t care less about your outfit but by nature, you still ended up looking put together.
With all this said, the art of sprezzatura is a work in progress. Chances are, you won’t get it right the first time, but by continuing to practice and learning from those who have succeeded in the art, you will have the chance to achieve the effortlessness you are striving for.