SPONSORED: “MADE IN ITALY BRANDS” PRESENTED BY THE ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY, WEEK FIVE

by John Russel Jones Jan 31, 2024

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) will once again sponsor a curated selection of some of Italy’s very best menswear and men’s accessories designers at the Chicago Collective trade show, February 3-6, 2024, at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Illinois. Sartorial tradition and the world’s most sophisticated manufacturing techniques combine to lead US retailers on an experiential journey into Italian quality.

We have been happy to share a selection of these exhibitors on MR-mag.com every Wednesday for the last few weeks leading up to the show. Below, see what makes these brands special, in their own words and images. There’s a video recap of all the brands we’ve covered in the last few weeks at the bottom of the page and a complete list of sponsored brands exhibiting at the show, can be found here.)

The Italian Pavilion

At the Collective, ITA will host its trademark lounge in the center of the Italian Pavilion, which will host a complimentary espresso bar in the mornings, and in the afternoons an aperitivo with Italian-curated cocktails and bites. ITA will also sponsor an extraordinary post-show networking event for its sponsored brands and their American retail partners.

Benvenuta, Mrs. Erica Di Giovancarlo

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) also celebrates the arrival of Mrs. Erica Di Giovancarlo, its new Italian Trade Commissioner for the United States who will be also attending Chicago Collective.

More, more, more…

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is now hosting more trade shows, networking events, and consumer-facing events than ever before to support Italian brands, including digital solutions to enable Italian brands to do business more easily and effectively with American wholesaler/retailer partners. Beyond the Chicago Collective, ITA will showcase womenswear brands at Coterie in NYC. Later this spring ITA will refresh its EXTRAITASTYLE digital platform with wholesale tools designed to make it easier for American retailers to discover Italian brands online.

Pasotti Booth 5096

Since 1956, Pasotti Ombrelli has produced the finest luxury umbrellas, shoehorns, and walking sticks in Castellucchio (a province of Mantova in northern Italy), exporting them to more than 70 countries worldwide.

Ploumanac’h Booth 2094

Ploumanac’h’s men’s autumn/winter collection blends timeless style with comfort, featuring versatile high-end leisurewear that effortlessly adapts to cooler seasons.

Salvatore Martorana Booth 6095

Salvatore Martorana is a manufacturing company specializing in quality production suits with full-canvas sartorial construction and double-sided cashmere coats.

Salvatore Sorrentino Booth 2126

Salvatore Sorrentino designs and manufactures fashion accessories in leather, using the highest quality materials that are processed without the use of chemical solvents and heavy metals. Each product is unique, the result of the skillful work of master Italian craftsmen, and made to meet specific needs.

Sealup Milano 1935 Booth 3093

Sealup is the combination of two words: “Sea” and “lup” (from the Milanese dialect for “wolf”), chosen to represent the brand’s combined international vision with its strong Milanese tradition. Sealup’s collections often originate from the company’s archives where old patterns are reinvented and updated to meet the newest standards of functionality and sustainability.

Serà Fine Silk Booth 3103

Serà Fine Silk is a female-founded luxury silk brand specializing in men’s accessories. Headquartered in Milano, all products are handmade in the famous Como region with high-quality 100% Italian silk. The business has grown across the globe, shipping worldwide, and selling at the finest international retailers. Serà Fine Silk is committed to embodying the ‘Made in Italy’ lifestyle and standard of quality, bringing a piece of Italy to discerning gentlemen everywhere.

Silvio Fiorello Booth 3123

Silvio Fiorello creates luxurious silk ties, handmade in its atelier in Sicily, using only the finest silks from Como. The brand has specialized in Italian excellence since 1986, making handmade silk accessories of the highest quality.

Sozzi Milano Booth 3105

In 1912, in Milan, the Sozzi brothers began to produce handmade socks for men made of silk, cashmere, and fine cotton. The brand became a popular emblem of refined elegance. Its refined collection of socks and accessories continues to be exclusively produced in Italy with Italian yarns.

Stefano Cau Booth 5095

Stefano Cau launched his brand in the city of Como fifteen years ago. After years of work in the fashion world—and with the support of the family business—Cau now gives life to a line whose central core is silk: neckwear, men’s accessories, and printed shirts. The collection includes formal and classic styles revisited in a modern key, as well as a capsule inspired by different cultures and ethnic traditions of the world. The central element is quality and attention to detail, each piece the result of meticulous work by the company’s production department and local artisans.

Suprema Booth 2096

Suprema is a fine leather shearling and outerwear company with more than 40 years of experience creating the finest Italian products.

Vitaliano Booth 3096

Vitaliano was founded in Bologna by Vitaliano Pancaldi in 1947. Since then, his great love for silk and impeccable taste has inspired the production of original and timeless ties and accessories. Tradition and love for its products still lie behind all these creations, available in the best stores all around the world. The collection includes ties, bowties and cummerbunds, handkerchiefs, as well as scarves and men’s shirts in pure silk, printed with exclusive designs in unique color combinations. All Vitaliano pieces are entirely handmade in Italy.

VOILE BLANCHE Booth 3095

The first Voile Blanche collection of ultralightweight footwear was created in 2004, inspired by the world of sailing: The first model was made from Dacron, a fabric commonly used for sails. Voile Blanche is characterized by a linear, innovative style and its constant attention to detail.