ITA Showcases ‘Made in Italy’ at Chicago Collective 2024

Immerse yourself in the world of Italian fashion and craftsmanship with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) at the semi-annual Chicago Collective trade show, to be held Feb. 3-6 at The Merchandise Mart. Come witness the showcase of more than 62 premium “Made in Italy” menswear and accessories brands, selected and sponsored by the ITA.

The Chicago Collective, an industry-leading event, has been a cornerstone of ITA’s strategy to promote Italian menswear in the American market.

A testament to this success is the ITA’s continued presence at the heart of the action, made possible by a strong collaboration with the show organizer.

At the Italian Pavilion, attendees can visit the ITA signature lounge featuring a complimentary espresso bar in the morning and Italian-curated cocktails and bites in the afternoon. There’s also a post-show networking event, which gives sponsored brands and their American retail partners a chance to connect and build relationships.

The event also marks a new chapter for ITA, as the organization welcomes Alessio Nanni as the new head of Fashion & Beauty. Nanni, a Rome native, brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for Italy’s sartorial tradition.

When asked how Italian brands differentiate themselves in the market, Nanni said there are several aspects that set them apart. “We are incredibly proud that the phrase ‘Made in Italy’ is recognized by Americans so widely, not only as a declaration for where a product is made, but for how it is made: with inarguable, unparalleled quality,” Nanni said. “Italian brands take great honor in their craft. While other consumer brands around the world perpetually focus on making goods faster and cheaper, Italian brands respect their heritage and artisans and devote their entire focus to quality, design, and innovation. It’s 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. “It’s a perfectly concise phrase that represents hundreds of years of artisanal expertise and evokes a deep trust within the consumer,” Nanni said. “Just those three words evoke all the romance and history of Italy — they allow design lovers around the world to live like an Italian, no matter where they are.”

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

In 2023, the ITA sponsored numerous Italian fashion and beauty brands at industry-leading events. The organization is showcasing more than 70 womenswear brands at the upcoming Coterie show in New York City. The ITA is also unveiling a site refresh for ExtraITAStyle, ITA’s exclusive digital platform with wholesale tools designed to make it easier for American retailers to discover another more than 70 Italian brands online.

The ITA noted that the U.S. market plays a crucial role for Italian fashion manufacturers across various sectors. And despite a slight contraction in Italian imports due to challenging economic conditions, Italy remains a top U.S. supplier in leather, furs, eyewear, and footwear.

Regarding menswear at the Chicago Collective, Nanni said the 62 brands showing this year “are impressively diverse covering a wide assortment of categories from casualwear to formal wear, tailored suiting to covetable accessories. There really is something for every taste — the 62 designers are exceptionally curated. And we’re excited to welcome 10-plus brands who are making their debut with ITA this season in Chicago.”