fiamma lanzara library

a library
rich in History

1964

Foundation of the Accademia Costume & Moda Library

Rosana Pistolese, founder of the school and historian of fashion and costume, immediately imagined it as an international public documentation center open to students, researchers and professionals in the sector.

1969

Personal Newspaper Archive donation of Irene Brin

Private collection of the first italian fashion editor, consisting of many issues of the american editions of the twentieth-century Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue magazines.

1976

Donation of the collection of the magazine "Bellezza"

By Elsa Robiola, Editor in Chief of the magazine (years 1941-1965)

1990

Donation of the Bruno Piattelli Archival Fund

The donation of this important heritage confirms the great friendship and collaboration that has taken place over time between the designer, dean of men’s high fashion and the Academy

2001

Donation of the Bruno Piattelli Periodical Collection

The collection consists of approximately 3,000 issues of Italian and international magazines specialized in the fashion, costume and arts sector.

2012

Recognition of exceptional historical archival interest

The recognition, with decree of 6 march 2012 by the Soprintendenza Archivistica del Lazio, is assigned to the archives of the Academy of Costume and Fashion, Rosana Pistolese and Bruno Piattelli

2015

Accession to "Polo SBN"

Accession of the Accademia Costume & Moda library to the National Library Service, the network of italian libraries promoted by the Ministry of Cultural heritage

2019

Donation of the Franca Sozzani Personal Library

The prestigious heritage of around 1200 monographic volumes that belonged to the historic director of Vogue Italia

2020

Declaration of exceptional interest and heading "Fiamma Lanzara"

By decree of 29 May 2020, the Soprintendenza Bibliografica del Lazio recognizes the high cultural value of the library’s monographic and periodical collections and formalizes Fiamma Lanzara, President of Accademia Costume & Moda (1990-2020) as dedicatee.

2021

Recognition of exceptional historical archival interest

The recognition, with decree of 6 march 2012 by the Soprintendenza Archivistica del Lazio, is assigned to the archives of the journalist Pia Soli and the costume designer Elio Costanzi

The “Fiamma Lanzara” Library and the Historical Archive of the Accademia Costume & Moda represent the largest cultural documentation centre on fashion in the Lazio region. They serve as a fundamental reference point for students, researchers, and industry professionals.

With a collection of over 6,000 monographs and more than 15,000 magazine issues, the Library houses an extraordinary archive spanning over 180 years of fashion journalism. Thanks to its vast scope and specialisation, it stands as an essential resource for in-depth study in the fields of Costume, Fashion, Art, Performing Arts, Communication, and Marketing.

The Historical Archive of the Accademia preserves and enhances a valuable documentary heritage, divided into five designated collections:

  • Accademia Costume & Moda
  • Rosana Pistolese (founder of the Accademia)
  • Bruno Piattelli
  • Pia Soli
  • Elio Costanzi

These collections bear witness to the excellence and prestige of the work carried out by the Accademia and its founder, Rosana Pistolese, in training highly qualified professionals in the world of Costume and Fashion.

Founded in 1964 by Rosana Pistolese, the “Fiamma Lanzara” Library has played a key role in preserving and disseminating fashion culture. In 1969, its significance grew further with the donation of the personal periodicals collection of Irene Brin, which includes valuable magazine editions such as the American issues of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, dating back to the very first issue in 1867.

In the 1970s, Fiamma Lanzara, Rosana’s daughter, became actively involved in the Accademia, serving as General Secretary before being appointed President in 1990. With great passion and dedication, she contributed to the growth of the Library, transforming it into the largest fashion and costume documentation centre in Lazio. Today, the Library proudly bears her name in her honour.

Throughout its 60-year history, the Library has received numerous prestigious donations, including those from Elsa Robiola, Bruno Piattelli, Pia Soli, Elio Costanzi, Franca Sozzani, and Maurizio Galante, to name but a few.

The value of the Library and its Archive has been officially recognised by the Italian Heritage Authorities through a series of decrees:

2012
The Soprintendenza Archivistica per il Lazio (Lazio’s Archival Superintendency) granted the collections of the Accademia, along with the personal collections of Rosana Pistolese and Bruno Piattelli, the status of exceptional historical interest.
2012
2020
With the Decree No. 39 of 29 May ,the Soprintendenza Bibliografica per il Lazio (Lazio’s Bibliographic Superintendency) officially recognised the “Fiamma Lanzara” Library as a cultural asset of exceptional interest, making it the first fashion and costume documentation centre in Italy whose entire collection is legally protected as public cultural heritage.
2020
2021
With Decrees No. 56 and 58 of 20 July the Soprintendenza Archivistica del Lazio extended the designation of exceptional historical interest to the personal collections of Pia (Soli) Roncoroni and Adelio (Elio) Costanzi.
2021

A place where history, research, and innovation intertwine, the “Fiamma Lanzara” Library and its Historical Archive stand as a unique point of reference for those who wish to explore the past, understand the present, and inspire the future of fashion and costume.

Our Numbers

15

CURRENT SUBSCRIPTIONS

From the most renowned publications to independent titles: fashion, lifestyle, trends, communication, art, and everything you need to know to stay up-to-date.

1

16TH-CENTURY BOOK

BAIF Lazare (de).
DE RE VESTIARIA. Libellus e Bayfio excerptus. Addita vulgaris linguae interpretatione, in adulescentulorum gratiam atque utilitatem.

Lugduni, Apud Gryphium, 1539

5

ARCHIVAL COLLECTIONS

Sources, photographs, and testimonies to explore various aspects of the fashion and costume industry through the personal experiences of its key figures.

1.200

THESES

All the final dissertations from the courses offered, along with a rich archive of historical theses that document the research and in-depth topics explored by the Academy's students.

15.000

MAGAZINE ISSUES

From the first fashion sketches of the early 1800s, through the most important fashion magazines of the 20th century, to today's most independent and captivating periodicals.

6.000

MONOGRAPHIC VOLUMES

Rare editions, out-of-print, signed and dedicated copies from the most renowned fashion houses, the most important technical publications in the field, and in-depth studies on topics such as art, photography, performing and applied arts, and finally, management.

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Library
services

DIGITAL PERIODICALS ARCHIVE
The "Fiamma Lanzara" Library holds a unique documentary heritage, chronicling the evolution of Fashion and Cos...
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CONSULTATION
The "Fiamma Lanzara" Library is a place of research and study, dedicated to students, faculty, and professiona...
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REFERENCE SERVICE
The bibliographic information service of the "Fiamma Lanzara" Library is available to students, faculty, and r...
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ASK A LIBRARIAN
For specific research or to obtain detailed information, the "Fiamma Lanzara" Library offers a personalised co...
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REPRODUCTIONS
Users accessing the "Fiamma Lanzara" Library may reproduce materials for study and personal use, using their o...
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DOCUMENT DELIVERY
The "Fiamma Lanzara" Library offers a remote digital reproduction service for documents or sections of documen...
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ONLINE DATABASES
Access a unique collection and explore the digital research service covering the entire collection of Vogue It...
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OPEN ACCESS RESOURCES
The "Fiamma Lanzara" Library provides users with a wide selection of Open Access digital resources, organised ...
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how to
support us

Support our documentation centre’s activities and projects with your donation.

The library is constantly engaged in monitoring, preserving, and restoring its collection to offer an ever-growing and increasingly accessible resource to a larger number of users.

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opening hours

Monday to Friday:
– 09.00 – 13.00
– 14.00 – 18.00