Olimpia Zagnoli Demonstrates How to Eat Spaghetti Like a Lady
MIKE O'DONNELL / EDITOR
In 1942, Time Life magazine prescribed a step-by-step process for "how to eat spaghetti like a lady." It seems the times have changed. Milan-based Illustrator and WNW Member Olimpia Zagnoli has now masterfully subverted the original with her own series, also titled How to Eat Spaghetti Like a Lady. The black-and-white originals by Alfred Eisenstaedt (displayed below) suggest composure, conduct, and convention. Olimpia twirls this idea of uniformity into submission and shows off an eclectic array of colorful personalities, creatively enjoying their pasta as they defy the rules of conduct and, while they're at it, even the rules of gravity. Olimpia's show will be open through the end of July at Antonia Colombo Arte Contemporanea in Milan.
Photographs and Instructions from Time Life
Step 1: “Four strands of spaghetti should be segregated from the pile.” Step 2: “With soup spoon as prop, twirl fork and spaghetti gently.” Step 3: “A ladylike mouthful of spaghetti is ready for consumption.” Step 4: “Full forkfuls should be consumed in entirety. Nibbling is out.” Step 5: “Truant strands require patience, lip facility, suck-power.” Step 6: “With end in sight, diner has consumed 160 in. of spaghetti.”