Ciao, Italy! Next week, the 2026 Vogue World: Milano show will take over the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The special show—celebrating “craftsmanship and the human touch” in the age of technology—will be livestreamed for all to enjoy. It will mark the fifth installment of Vogue World, following splashy presentations in New York, Hollywood, London, and Paris.
Before the grand event unfolds, Vogue digs into its very own archives—and back through seasons and seasons of runways—to uncover some of the best Italian supermodels in fashion. After all, some of the top and most recognizable names in in the industry have hailed from the country. Just think of Isabella Rossellini, Benedetta Barzini, Carla Bruni, or even Vittoria Ceretti.
Vittoria Ceretti, Vogue, March 2019
Photo: Angelo Pennetta
Some of the top moments that landed on our list? Who could forget many of Benedetta Barzini’s photo shoots for Vogue, shot by the legendary Irving Penn? In a 1984 issue of Vogue, Isabella Rossellini was also shot as a portrait by the famed photographer Horst P. Horst. These are not just fashion images, but rather, snapshots that have stood the test of time as true art.
On the runways, Mariacarla Boscono has walked for Italian labels like Gucci; Bianca Balti for Valentino; And of course, Monica Bellucci has graced the Dolce & Gabbana catwalk plenty of times—most recently opening their 2019 show. And these are just a few of the standout moments over the years. What can we say… fashion is at its best when it has a little bit of la dolce vita infused into it.
Below, more of the best Italian supermodels in Vogue and beyond.
