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Dolcevita, Turtleneck, Cuello de Tortuga, Col Roulé.
Many ways to talk about one of the most distinguished, iconic and classic cold-weather garments. The origin of this piece of clothing is thought to be related to its mere function: sailors had to endure long voyages in harsh conditions, wind, storms and cold weather made them ideate a cozy and functional item of clothing that would protect them from the cold. During the 19th century, it became a fashionable item used by many people in the northern part of Europe, especially by sailors and fishermen. It was also taken as part of the official British Royal Navy apparel.
There is some sort of poetry in how Italians refer to the turtleneck: dolcevita, which means sweet life. It is no surprise that the Italian culture of enjoying life in all its forms and seeking as many ways as possible to enjoy it effortlessly, influences and shapes the way gentlemen around the world dress, just thinking of what a simple linen shirt can make during a hot summer day. But where does the turtleneck come from? There are a few tales that connect the origin of the Italian way of calling it, to the famous movie La Dolce Vita, by Federico Fellini and Ennio Flaiano, starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg depicting life in Rome during the ’50s. The connection may lie in the final scene of the movie, when the protagonist, interpreted by Mr. Mastroianni, is wearing a dark shirt with a neck scarf, making it seem from a mid-distance, that he is indeed wearing a high neck sweater.
And as some icons like Hemingway, Steve McQueen, Andy Warhol and including the Beatles, knew how to style it, not to mention the initiator Mastroianni, we can say that: The dolcevita is the perfect garment for a cold and rainy day, because as Italians like to enjoy life (and that may be a poetic reason of the Italian name), it effortlessly styles a dapper and comfortable outfit for the modern gentleman, to enjoy a great late-hours cocktail or eventually sail to a new voyage.
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