Clothing the Child in Red: A Historical and Comparative Analysis of Italian Visual Retellings of the Grimms’ Little Red Riding Hood

This study explores the historical and comparative representation of clothing in Italian visual retellings of the Brothers Grimm’s "Little Red Riding Hood." Drawing on a diverse selection of Italian picture books published over the last two decades, it investigates the sartorial symbolism and its narrative functions, focusing on how the iconic red hood has evolved across historical and cultural contexts. By employing a "dress-based approach," the research uncovers the interplay between visual storytelling and socio-historical paradigms of girlhood, highlighting how illustrators’ choices reflect shifting notions of independence, conformity, and identity. The analysis situates Little Red Riding Hood’s attire within broader cultural and historical frameworks, tracing its origins from medieval dress codes to contemporary reinterpretations in children’s literature. It emphasizes how clothing in fairytales serves not merely as aesthetic detail but as a profound narrative element, encoding social norms, gender roles, and power dynamics. This interdisciplinary study connects visual culture, historical traditions, and educational practices, offering fresh insights into the enduring legacy of a seminal fairytale.