ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY PRESENTS THIRD EDITION OF ITALY ON MADISON
Fashion industry V.I.P.s were cued up outside the Italian Trade Agency’s Upper East Side townhouse on Tuesday, May 13th, as though waiting to get into Studio 54 in its heyday. The occasion for the excitement was the launch of the third edition of Italy on Madison, a three-day cultural showcase. Curated by Italian design magazine Interni’s editor-in-chief Gilda Bojardi, and celebrated architect and designer Paola Navone, this immersive experience celebrated Italy’s creative heritage across five key industries— fashion, design, beauty, food and wine, travel, and wellness—and featured more than 90 Italian brands. The event was timed to coincide with the launch of NYC X Design week, which kicked off today. ITA’s headquarters, a 1904 neo-Georgian mansion, served as a perfect backdrop for the affair, which included a cocktail party and runway show.
“New York remains a global stage where Italian creativity continues to shine,” said Erica Di Giovancarlo, Commissioner Director of the Italian Trade Agency in the United States. “With Italy on Madison, we are not just showcasing products—we are inviting the public to experience the spirit of ‘Made in Italy’ in a deeply personal and sensory way. This event represents our commitment to helping Italian brands connect with American audiences through curated experiences that inspire, engage, and elevate.”
A House That Tells A Story
For the showcase, the 67th Street office was transformed into an elegant Italian home, featuring over 100 pieces from over 40 Italian furniture brands. Each room evoked a different facet of Italian living: from a welcoming entrance and refined living room to an aromatic kitchen, peaceful bedroom, and blooming garden terrace. A floral design theme connected every corner, expressing Italy’s deep ties to beauty, hospitality, and nature.
On Wednesday, Framed and Styled the Italian Way spotlighted live hairstyling and Italian optical brands. Charlotte Bickley, Editor at large of Daily Front Row, and her professional hairstylist, Jaime Alcaiver, hosted the event.
That evening, there was a conversation on the future of Italian design, interiors, and sustainable craftsmanship, presented by Gilda Bojardi, Erica Di Giovancarlo, and Paola Navone, moderated by Carlo Biasia, focused on a project by Casa Italiana by Architect Paola Navone/Otto Studio. This was followed by a “sparring partners’ talk,” Where Design Meets History, between architects Duccio Grassi, Yabu Pushelberg, Enrico Bonetti, Gabriele Chiave, and Italian entrepreneurs Rossella Bisazza, Giulio Cappellini, Bendis Ronchetti Illulian, Daniele Busca/Scavolini USA, on the future of Italian design in the U.S.
Thursday saw a behind-the-scenes fashion photoshoot with renowned fashion photographer Samantha Rapp, as she and NYC’s elite runway models brought the best Made in Italy fashions to life.
A Strategic Celebration Of Made In Italy
Italy on Madison stands as a cornerstone of ITA’s broader mission to strengthen Italy’s presence in the U.S. and support companies navigating a competitive and ever-evolving marketplace. The event promotes cross-industry collaboration by uniting established icons with emerging talents and presents a unified vision of Italian excellence.
More than a showcase, this event is a creative platform for brands, buyers, press, influencers, and consumers to come together and celebrate what makes Italian design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle so enduring and relevant.