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

by John Russel Jones Jul 11, 2024


The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) will again sponsor a curated selection of some of Italy’s best menswear and men’s accessories designers at the Chicago Collective trade show, August 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 are happy to share a selection of these exhibitors on MR-mag.com beginning today and then every Wednesday for the next few weeks leading up to the show. Below, see what makes each of these brands exceptional. (Click here to view the complete list of Italian brands presenting at the Chicago Collective.)

The Italian Pavilion

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

Summer (and Fall) Blockbusters

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is hosting more trade shows, networking events, and consumer-facing events to support Italian brands, including digital solutions that enable them to do business more efficiently and effectively with American wholesale and retail partners. Beyond the Chicago Collective, ITA will showcase womenswear brands at Coterie in NYC and will continue to refresh the EXTRAITASTYLE digital platform with wholesale tools designed to make it easier for American retailers to discover Italian brands online.

BARMAS Booth 2118

The artisanal Venetian tradition, combined with the latest technologies and exclusive luxury fabrics, is the essential ingredient in creating unique pieces that are indispensable in a modern man’s wardrobe.

CASTORI Booth 3101

This deluxe brand of footwear and exclusive accessories for men is based on the principles of Neapolitan tailoring: impeccably stylish and classic with a twist of eclectic and contemporary details.

BELVEST Booth 2122

This unlined and deconstructed garment, made with high-quality fabrics, is ultra-light and always flawless, even when folded and placed in a suitcase. The jacket is sold enclosed in an elegant box, which becomes the emblem of Belvest’s unmistakable, elegant, and modern style.

CALÒ Booth 5094

Artisanal footwear with casual-chic style, made with the finest calf leather and suede, calf leather lining, and removable insoles, including refined handcrafted details. Utmost care for detail and precision represents the main strength of the brand.

CAMICERIA SANNINO Booth 6105

Antonio Sannino founded his company 33 years ago in a cozy tailoring workshop in Sarno, a village in the hills southwest of Napoli, where he devoted all of his efforts to crafting one item: the shirt. This one-product philosophy follows his goal of creating flawless garments that combine modern aesthetics with the handiwork of expert tailors adhering to Neapolitan tailoring traditions.

ATHISON Booth 5103

Athison’s belt and bag collections result from technology, traditions, and refined raw materials. More than 110 years of expertise, using the ancient art of braiding and handcrafting traditions, are combined with the latest technologies to celebrate color that marries sustainability and attention to the environment.

The brand’s collections represent impeccable, classy, and deconstructed Neapolitan taste. Given ongoing research and enviable hard work, today, the group aims to break the
rules of menswear.

BRETELLE & BRACES Booth 5102

These suspenders, belts, and leather goods are handmade in Italy with fine fabrics, pure yarns, and the best leathers, with hand stitching and maximum attention to detail. Many patterns add a touch of liveliness, and classic colors define a formal and elegant style.

ANGELO ROMA Booth 3123

The brand name Angelo Roma represents Italian sartorial tradition at the highest level. It is based on a mix of products in an assortment of impeccably combined themes.

ALTAMODA BELT Booth 4095

Alta Moda Belt produces different belt models for women and men, with quality accessories and fashion details. Every model can be customized. The brand offers belts for all seasons, following major fashion trends while remaining casual yet elegant. Alta Moda offers both classic and trendy options.

ALESSANDRO GHERARDI Booth 2120

The Alessandro Gherardi collection is for the man who loves fashion and style different from the masses and dares to remain refined and elegant.

ARCURI TIES Booth 3109

Handmade ties and scarves are made with the best fabrics from Como.

ASTORFLEX Booth 4093

Since 1820, Astorflex has made refined and heritage casual shoes with vegetable-tanned leather and natural materials.

CALABRESE 1924 Booth 2116

Color and yarns are the source of daily inspiration for a product philosophy that concerns the entire line of accessories offered under the Calabrese 1924 brand. This sophisticated selection leads to a line of ties and accessories of the highest artisanal quality. This process involves delicate hand-made steps to enhance shades and fabrics and create sartorial masterpieces.

ANDREA BOSSI Booth 5100

Shirts and T-shirts are manufactured with high-quality fabrics and materials, with special emphasis on styling and details that reflect the best of Italian heritage.

Ci vediamo next Wednesday with another group of outstanding Italian brands!