ITA performs “Made in Italy” at Chicago Collective 2024 – WWD

Immerse yourself in the world of Italian fashion and craftsmanship with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) at the biannual Chicago Collective trade show, held from February 3rd to 6th at The Merchandise Mart. Is it? Witness the showcase of over 62 luxury ‘Made in Italy’ men’s clothing and accessories brands selected and sponsored by ITA.

Chicago Collective, an industry-leading event, is the cornerstone of ITA’s strategy to promote Italian men’s wear in the American market.

A testament to this success is that ITA remains the center of activity, made possible by strong collaboration with show organizers.

At the Italy Pavilion, attendees can visit ITA’s signature lounge, which features a complimentary espresso bar in the morning and Italian-curated cocktails and snacks in the afternoon. There will also be a post-show networking event, giving sponsored brands and their American retail partners an opportunity to connect and build relationships.

The event also marks a new chapter for ITA, which welcomes Alessio Nanni as its new head of fashion and beauty. Originally from Rome, Nanni brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation of Italian tailoring traditions.

When asked how Italian brands differentiate themselves in the market, Nanni said there are several aspects that distinguish Italian brands. “The phrase ‘Made in Italy’ has become so familiar to Americans that it declares not only where a product is made, but also how it is made – an unparalleled quality that is indisputable. We are very proud to be recognized so widely,” Nanni said. “Italian brands have great respect for their craft. While other consumer brands around the world are always focused on making their products faster and cheaper, Italian brands We respect tradition and craftsmanship and are committed to quality, design and innovation. This is a different type of company culture that we are proud to celebrate.”

Nanni went on to say that “Made in Italy” is the pinnacle of branding. “This is a perfectly succinct phrase that represents hundreds of years of artisanal expertise and inspires deep trust among consumers,” said Nanni. “These three words of his alone evoke all the romance and history of Italy. These words allow design lovers around the world to live like Italians, wherever they are.”

The organization also offers digital solutions designed to facilitate business between Italian brands and American retail buyers. ITA’s work has helped Italian brands make great strides in the American fashion market.

In 2023, ITA sponsored a number of Italian fashion and beauty brands in industry-leading events. The organization will showcase more than 70 of her women’s clothing brands at an upcoming doujin show in New York City. ITA also updated the site of his ExtraITAStyle, his ITA’s proprietary digital platform with wholesale tools designed to help American retailers easily find his 70+ Italian brands online. will also be announced.

ITA pointed out that the US market plays an important role for Italian fashion manufacturers in various sectors. And even though imports from Italy have declined slightly due to tough economic conditions, Italy remains the top supplier of leather, fur, eyewear, and footwear to the United States.

Regarding Chicago Collective menswear, Nanni said the 62 brands exhibiting this year are “incredibly diverse, covering a wide range of categories, from casual wear to formal wear, from tailored suits to coveted accessories.” There’s definitely something to suit every taste. 62 designers have been carefully selected. And we look forward to welcoming the more than 10 brands to Chicago that will debut at ITA this season. ”