The roman fashion system and the change of the urban pattern in the late 19th and early 20th century

The aim of the paper is to outline the influence of the Roman fashion system in the evolution of the urban pattern between the late 19th and early 20th century, in relation to socio-economic changes occurred since 1871, when Rome became the Capital of Italy. In the following years there was a sustained population growth, but above all an increase of the urban bourgeoisie that influenced the demand for clothing, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The traditional artisan shops were replaced by a growing number of modern fashion stores and department stores which were an essential component in the redefinition of urban areas of the ancient city, such as the so-called Trident. Instead the increase of more popular shops and department stores found space in urban areas inhabited and frequented by the lower middle classes, like in Piazza Vittorio, or in the new neighborhoods built at the beginning of the 20th century.