For the past week, Drexel University’s Main Building served as a showroom for Italian designers. For its second annual showcase, Italia È Moda chose Philadelphia.
With the mission to give Italian designers across the country exposure, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation showcases the grandeur and excellence of local Italian designers. Italy is home to one of the world’s largest fashion capitals: Milan. Even with some of the most prominent brands, such as Gucci, Prada and Armani, coming from the country, many of the traditional styles and emerging artists find themselves lost on the worldwide stage. Italia È Moda challenges this disparity and aims to close the gap.
For many years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wanted to create this exhibit to draw visitors from across the world. However, its own government has consistently blocked it. Some of the ministry’s main fears were limited exposure for young designers and the threat of counterfeits. With the emergence of fast fashion and brands such as Shein, the government wanted to protect its citizens. Without approval for this traveling showcase, designers faced increasing risk of having their designs stolen. Last year was a landmark year for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as it signed the Memorandum of Understanding in Rome. This allowed a significant increase in foreign events that the Italian diplomatic network could sponsor, specifically to benefit Italian fashion.
This event had one simple goal: to show how the traditional style of Italian design reflects the country’s deep-seated values. The generational methods of Italian craftsmanship seem to be disappearing. The Italian government wants to remind the world of the importance of craftsmanship by showcasing tailoring, lacework, draping, moulage and leather footwear. The country specifically chose to display works by 12 designers, 51 products and 28 companies, many of which are designer-label-specific. Ranging from artisan jewelry, dressmakers and tailors to nose perfumers, the exhibit encompassed all aspects of the emerging Italian fashion scene.
One of the exhibit’s main features was Geotano Aloisio. Although not widely known in the United States, Aloisio is one of Italy’s most revered designers. As the president’s tailor, Aloisio is regarded as a master of tailoring, known for his specific tanning method called vegetable tanning. In this process, natural tannins from chestnut and oak bark are used to slowly create an individualized piece, meaning none of his designs can be replicated. Each piece takes an incredibly long time as it utilizes this method, which is only popular in Italy. For his dedication to this process, Aloisio earned himself the title of master tailor, along with the adoration of all designers in Italy and beyond.
However, this showcase wasn’t limited to clothing. The Italian government acknowledges that creating fashion for any event includes many aspects, including makeup. The beauty department’s main feature was KIKO Milano. Today, beauty has become one of the hardest industries to break into. With the rise of numerous celebrity brands and thousands of products claiming to deliver the best results, it is incredibly hard to find a brand that offers strong craftsmanship and real dedication to its customers. KIKO Milano differentiates itself by touting technology-driven products. They constantly communicate with technicians and scientists to create the best products for their customers. With high-end applicators and fast, consistent releases, KIKO Milano has taken over skincare and beauty in Italy. Products range from simple skincare and cleansers to lip stains and glosses, all on display at the exhibit.
Italia È Moda hopes to inspire visitors to explore Italian designers and to explore their own creativity. Fashion inspires and expresses personality. The selected work showcases the magnificence of Italian fashion and encourages viewers to find their own style.