VOL. 1 FROM GANGSTAS TO ICONS
FROM GANGSTERS TO ICONS: The Italian Influence on American Culture and Bunny’s "Italiano" Collection
From the Streets of Rome to the Blocks of New York: How Italy Shaped American Urban Culture
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Italians migrated to the United States, seeking new opportunities and escaping economic struggles. This influx led to the birth of vibrant Italian communities, most notably in New York’s Little Italy. These enclaves preserved their Italian heritage while making a significant mark on the broader American cultural landscape.
Streetwear: Italian Roots in American Style
The intersection of luxury fashion and streetwear is deeply rooted in Italy’s influence. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Italian high-fashion brands like Gucci, Versace, and Fendi found their place in hip-hop culture, with artists elevating these brands to street status symbols. Rappers like The Notorious B.I.G. popularized Versace’s iconic silk shirts, while designers like Dapper Dan reinterpreted Italian logos into urban fashion. Today, labels like Off-White, founded by Virgil Abloh and inspired by Milan’s high-fashion scene, continue to fuse Italian craftsmanship with street culture.
At Bunny, we wanted to bring this rich legacy of Italian style into the present, creating the "Italiano" collection. Inspired by the blend of Italian culture and the raw energy of urban street life, we’ve crafted designs that pay tribute to this timeless cultural exchange. The collection draws from iconic visuals of everyday life Italian culture and the cinematic imagery that has shaped both film and music.
Hip-Hop: From Gangsters to Rap Icons
Hip-hop’s deep connection to the mafia’s mythology, especially the Italian-American crime families, shaped its imagery and lyrics. From Nas to Jay-Z, the rise of “mafioso rap” in the ‘90s took inspiration from films like The Godfather and Goodfellas. The mobster aesthetic became synonymous with hip-hop, where loyalty, power, and respect were key themes. Wu-Tang Clan’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… (1995) epitomized this trend, and the narrative of the streets in a mafia movie-style was adopted by artists like Benny the Butcher and Westside Gunn, who still blend Italian luxury with underworld stories.
This same sense of rebellion and grandeur, blending Italian elegance in the gritty street hustle, is evident in Bunny’s "Italiano" collection. The graphics, the designs, and the overall vibe speak to a life lived on the edge—the raw, chaotic beauty of urban existence seen through the lens of an Italian. It’s more than just fashion; it’s an attitude.
Cinema: Hollywood’s Fascination with Italy
Italian cinema has been a silent architect of American film, particularly in urban and crime genres. Directors like Martin Scorsese, who shares Italian roots, portrayed street life with unparalleled realism in films like Mean Streets and Casino. Meanwhile, Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns redefined American cinema with their stylish storytelling and iconic imagery.
The influence of Italian films, especially the mafia classics, is also found in the essence of the "Italiano" collection. Every piece in the collection feels like a scene from a classic gangster movie, with graphic designs that echo the visual style of Italian cinema. It’s a celebration of the enduring connection between Italy’s visual language and the streets that shaped modern culture.
Italy & The Streets: A Lasting Connection
From luxury fashion to rap lyrics, gangster films to underground streetwear brands, Italy’s cultural imprint is everywhere in American urban life. Previously, also Italian neorealism, showcased in films like Bicycle Thieves, influenced urban storytelling by depicting real people facing real struggles.The "Italiano" collection at Bunny captures this fusion of Italian craftsmanship, cinematic legends, and street hustle, embodying the chaotic beauty of city life. The inspiration is clear—every piece feels like a nod to the Italian-American experience, from Ferragamo loafers on hip-hop legends to beats inspired by Ennio Morricone.
Between Italian roots and urban culture, cinema and hip-hop music, Bunny’s Italiano collection wants to represent beyond clothing a cultural journey that starts in Italy but is enriched with every influence along the way.
