FROM OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE: GETTING PERSONAL WITH THE ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY’S ALESSIO NANNI
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Alessio Nanni joined the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) as its head of fashion and beauty last October. We wondered how things were going.
Mr. Nanni, how do you like New York City, so far?
New York is the mirror of the whole world; you can find whatever you’re looking for within seconds. You can choose who you’re going to be each day and become that person. New Yorkers are welcoming, and the cultural offerings are attractive and extensive.
So far, I can tell you that Indochine is my favorite restaurant. The West Village is a feast for the eyes! Regarding museums, I’ve not yet had enough time for visiting, but I love contemporary art and the Guggenheim Museum is amazing!
Concerning stores, I cannot choose just one, but SoHo is my favorite neighborhood for shopping!
The only thing that’s disappointed me: not even New York is exempt from the wave of virtual communication that distances us from real and conscious social exchange.
From leisure to business: what are ITA’s current goals? What are some of the events you have planned for the menswear segment in 2024?
As you know, we’re about to participate in the February edition of Chicago Collective, a mandatory event for Made in Italy companies. We believed in the Chicago Collective right from its start, and we’ve followed its impressive growth.
Another venture for the first part of the year: we’re implementing training sessions aimed at enhancing companies’ knowledge of social media tools. We’re also conducting photo sessions, focusing on products from our small and medium-sized companies.
Most American consumers are familiar with the big fashion labels out of Italy, but few know the family-owned artisan brands that offer beautiful product, often priced under the well-known brands. what’s the best way to build these brands in America?
This is the real challenge of our office. In fact, we’re already talking about Made in Italy in new ways. And in these narratives, we must find the right balance between the creativity of young designers entering the fashion system and the hallmarks of the Italian tradition that values luxury materials and hand craftsmanship. In this balance, consumers will rediscover a manufacturing system at the basis of both well-known brands and lesser-known labels. In the coming months, we will be promoting all the souls that make Made in Italy unique.
This job is made easier by collaboration with my colleagues, Donatella and Claudia. These are talented women with great experience, perfectly familiar with the dynamics of the market. I feel fortunate to be working with them.
How will a world at war impact prices out of Italy? What challenges are Italian manufacturers now facing?
The war factor is an element that not only changes our human and social connections but also negatively affects the world economy, at least for those businesses that benefit from a peaceful and globalized world. The emergency triggered by the attack on Israel risks exploding the energy situation, with consequent price increases for raw material prices weighing on production costs.
What’s the difference in sartorial style between American and Italian men? What specific item of clothing will be your next personal purchase?
The Italian style incorporates a total look: footwear, outerwear, knitwear, and accessories combine for a feeling of relaxed elegance. But American “street style” is also iconic, symbolizing an era and an attitude that is slightly rebellious and recognizably modern.
My next purchase will be an outfit for work; one can never have enough business attire. I won’t tell you which brand, but you can be sure it will be made in Italy!
