Dolce Vita Returns to the Big Apple!

Stroll the Avenue and celebrate Made in Italy with fashion, food and design

New York, NY – The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) announces the return of Italy on Madison, a campaign that brings la Dolce Vita to the Big Apple for all to enjoy. From May 22nd to 27th, a series of special events and cultural happenings will highlight outstanding Italian Brands and restaurants that make New York City a slice of Italy.  Promotional and experiential activities will highlight authentic Made in Italy fashion, culinary culture, and design along one of the world’s most iconic streets:  Madison Avenue.

“Italy on Madison is a springboard to announce upcoming campaigns and opportunities to support the never-ending romance between Italy and the U.S.,” states Antonino Laspina, Trade Commissioner and Executive Director for the USA and promoter of the initiative.

“Grazie mille to Director Laspina and his team at the Italian Trade Commission,” said Matthew Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue B.I.D.  “For decades, the ITC has supported the over fifty Italian shops and restaurants on Madison Avenue here on the Upper East Side.  They stood by our businesses after the tragedy of 9/11, and brought the spirit of La Dolce Vita to Madison Avenue to keep us strong as we recovered from the global pandemic.  Thanks to these efforts, in the last few months, Achille Salvagni Atelier, Stefano Ricci and Versace opened new stores on Madison, and Frette, Giorgio Armani and Panerai are currently building new stores.  Director Laspina and his team’s stewardship of our Italian Mile have been unrelenting and deeply appreciated by all of us who shop, work or live in this community.”

The festivities begin on May 22nd in front of the Italian Trade Commission building with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The high point of the week is a very special dinner in the Central Park Zoo benefiting the Wildlife Conservation Society. It will be a night of food, wine and fashion, beginning with apertivo served among the Sea Lions and followed by a multi-course gastronomical tasting and wine pairing. A fashion show with the finest Italian labels styled by the legendary Freddie Leiba will entertain guests. Some of the featured labels include: Brioni, Bruno Magli, Gran Sasso, Ippolita, and Kiton. This all to mark the culmination of Mr. Laspina’s four decade career of supporting and promoting the business development of Italian Brands throughout the world.

All participating Italian brands include:  

Arcadia, Bessi, Bresciani 1970, Brioni, Bruno Magli, Claudia Fasciana, Cuoieria Fiorentina, Di Chio, Elisa Cavalet, F65, Feleppa, Ferdinando Patermo, Giovanna Nicolai, Gran Sasso, Homie, Ippolita, Kiton, L’ Impermeabile, Maison dressage, Maliparmi, MARGON METAMORFOSI, Nicola Santarelli, OBLIQUE, Opificio Modenese, Queen Moda Positano, Salvatore Martorana, Stefano Cau, Vuedu Solaria

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