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

by John Russel Jones


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 every Wednesday 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.


PASHMERE Booth 6093

Pashmere develops unique pieces with cashmere and extra-fine yarns (like Sea Island cotton, silk, and Pima cotton) using only the highest-quality yarns from Loro Piana and Cariaggi. It specializes in extra-fine 30 gauge, luxurious jogging suits, and trendy bombers lined with genuine fur.


PAOLO VITALE Booth 3107

Paolo Vitale creates high-quality leather belts for all occasions of a man’s life, from formal to casual, and to wear with everything from suits to jeans. This historic, artisanal company produces belts for many other prestigious brands and under its own label.


MONTECHIARO Booth 5099

Since 1969, Maglificio Liliana /Montechiaro has created, produced, and distributed fine Italian knitwear, outerwear, and accessories. The brand offers a wide variety of basic and fancy items using the finest Italian yarns and fabrics, all designed to appeal to the most stylish worldwide markets.


MANZONI 24 Booth 2112

Manzoni 24 has taken an ecological approach to the industry, creating luxury at the best possible price/quality ratio. All fur within the collection is certified, and every item is traceable to the suppliers who follow the strictest regulations.


MAURO BLASI Booth 2114

Each Mauro Blasi garment takes up to 22 hours of hand work to create. The collection features the classic Neapolitan cut with sartorial style at a great price. Research and attention to detail are the strengths of the brand, and the goal will always be absolute excellence.


MARTIN ZELO Booth 5104

Martin Zelo trousers and jackets refer to the Italian school of tailoring, while being inspired by European trends. The collection alternates between stylish and fashionable details and  liveliness and versatility, while maintaining focus on manufacturing excellence.


PAOLO ALBIZZATI Booth 3123

Paolo Albizzati started his business in 1975, creating ties and accessories for men who dress for success. Solidly rooted in family traditions, the process of tie-making remains the same, also producing pocket squares, scarves, and bandanas. Many of the factory’s artisans have worked there since they were 16 years old, and their skills are the brand’s strength and precious value.

ITALO FERRETTI Booth 3095

One of the most respected neckwear manufacturers of the entire industry, the brand has served the U.S. market with its wonderful silk collection for more than 50 years.


ISABEL BENENATO Booth 5093

Isabel Benenato’s collections are inspired by mystery and the contrast between darkness and purity. Benenato and her close-knit group of artisans live and work in the Tuscan town of Lucca. Knitwear, leathers and wovens rely on Tuscany’s incomparable techniques, which have been passed down in this region from one generation to the next for a lived-in quality. The designer came naturally to design, growing up in the creative atmosphere of Naples, where her childhood memories always come back to provide the background of every new experience.


L’IMPERMEABILE BOOTH 2104 

Since 1948 L’Impermeabile has produced in Tuscany with craftsmanship and competence, distributing its outerwear collection worldwide. The light outerwear collection is made for the cosmopolitan globetrotter who appreciates sustainable fabrications. Many of the brand’s designs feature raincoats from the company archives, updated with the latest sillhouettes, fabrics, and fit.


IRISH CRONE Booth 4094

Irish Crone is a tribute to Ireland, a place where the very culture of knitting, carding, hand spinning, and evolved stitches and weaving have became a passion. The brand’s mission is to wed traditional crafting and expertise with the exquisite taste, spirit and innovation of Italian style.


GUERCILENA 1944 Booth 4099

The Guercilena 1944 knit collection is fully fashioned knitwear that reflects its sophisticated Italian DNA. The high quality of the finishes and accuracy of the workmanship place this collection on par with the best knitwear products in the world.


LO.WHITE Booth 4100

Lo.White is a high-end footwear brand, prioritizing comfort and design, always in the right proportions.


MOMA Booth 4094a

The MOMA footwear collection from Tuscany features high-quality leather, artisanal craftmanship,  and avant garde design.


MYTHS Booth 6101

MYTHS is a collection focused solely on trousers with a unique, timeless style, always in search of  new innovations in fabrics and washes. GDM SRL, its parent company, has thirty-years of experience in the production and sale of both men’s and women’s trousers.


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