Anyone who has been to Italy or known Italians will recognise la bella figura. The term literally means ‘beautiful figure’ and expresses a central part of the country’s culture, a basic part of who its people are and how they present themselves. La bella figura is about presentation, creating a good impression, and showing a respect for beauty.

You must dress appropriately in Italy at all times, so you would never see an Italian student slacker, for example. They try, but they don’t really exist. And an older Italian woman dresses in what might be called ‘age appropriate’ clothing. She is always presentable in public. Everything is ‘done’.