I’ve especially noticed that the further east you travel in Europe, the more you can feel that delay, as if different regions are just now catching up to music styles that were big in the U.S. a few years ago. That doesn’t make it worse, just different, and honestly, it’s kind of cool to see how music travels through the world in waves instead of all at once. Beyond that, Italian rap, pop and indie music are everywhere. I hear it in cafés, on the metro, in stores and blasting from car windows as people drive by. It reminds me of how big music is in the United States, but here it feels more closely tied to national identity and pride in Italian artists.
I even had a friend’s cousin from Naples, Italy (the pizza capital of the world), bring up an American meme about “no Chick-fil-A sauce” in his broken English while we were walking around Rome. He thought it was hilarious, and so did I. He loved talking with us and showing me the music he grew up listening to in Naples, while also sharing the American artists and songs he liked. That moment really stuck with me because it showed how connected our cultures are through music, the internet and humor.
Fashion is another major part of everyday life in Italy, and the difference compared to the United States is very noticeable. Even people who say they “don’t care about fashion” almost always look polished and put together. I see clean silhouettes, neutral colors, tailored pieces, nice shoes and simple outfits that still look intentional. Think crisp jackets, fitted pants, scarves, button-ups, quality sneakers and a lot of attention to detail. Younger people mix streetwear with vintage or designer items, but there is still a classy, refined edge to the way they dress.
