THE ITALIAN CONNECTION

I stopped Alessio on the busiest part of the show floor—the central Italian pavilion and the Extraordinary Italian Style lounge where exhibitors and attendees gather daily for coffee, cocktails, and delicious bites. The trademark hospitality of the Italians is matched only by their fabulous men’s fashion!

MR: So what is the mood on the show floor from your 62 Italian brands sponsored by the Italian Trade Agency?
Alessio: The mood is upbeat! We’ve been very busy providing our brands with content that they can use both here at the show and for their own marketing purposes. We photographed product for all 62 brands ahead of the show and we’re now taking additional model shots here at the show that we post and give to the brands for their future use.

MR: Your party on the rooftop of the London Hotel here in Chicago was truly fabulous: the breathtaking views and wonderful food and drinks. What kind of event are you planning for the next go-round? How do you always manage to top your previous spectacular events?
Alessio: We’re working on ideas that will connect fashion and art. We’re also considering using influencers and opinion leaders. It’s a little difficult to stray too far from the recognizable images of Italy that Americans readily associate with Italian fashion. We want to be innovative and modern, but it’s a balancing act since we can’t ignore the tradition and artisanship that still distinguishes Italian product.

MR: To what extent are Italians following the election here in the U.S.?
Alessio: Very much so. The world is in a moment of major change. Everyone everywhere is feeling it and worrying. We need to have a global view: the world is still in recovery after the pandemic; consumers travel; big changes lie ahead. I believe that global brands should have a contingency plan.

MR: How are you finding life in New York City, your new home?
Alessio: I love it! It is the most beautiful city in the world to me. The energy of New York is uplifting; you can meet so many interesting people from all over the world. And with an endless array of great restaurants, I’m not even missing Italian food!

Learn more about Extraordinary Italian Style here, as well as the many luxurious Italian brands that participated in the Italian Pavilion at the Chicago Collective here.