Chicago: The recent Chicago Collective offered an immersive experience into Italian fashion, featuring 62 booths and a theme inspired by classic cinema. Attendees enjoyed luxury garments, highlighted craftsmanship, and an extravagant cabaret event, as brands showcased trends fusing vintage influences with contemporary styles.
The recent Chicago Collective showcased a vibrant celebration of Italian fashion, attracting attendees from diverse backgrounds within the industry. The event took place over four days, featuring 62 booths sponsored by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), and highlighted the rich histories and craftsmanship behind vintage-inspired fashion brands. Hal Lansky, of the storied Lansky’s in Memphis, remarked, “The Made-in-Italy section of the Chicago Collective featured the most beautiful merchandise I’ve ever seen!” This sentiment resonated among many participants, who gathered with excitement and anticipation.
Focused on creating an immersive experience, the ITA adopted the theme “Movies in Motion,” transforming booth spaces into visually captivating scenes from classic cinema. Alessio Nanni, an ITA representative, emphasised the aim to “pamper our guests.” The atmosphere was enhanced by an extravagant after-hours cabaret event that combined food, drinks, live entertainment, and other surprises, showcasing Italian culture and flair.
The Italian brands presented a myriad of luxurious offerings, each with their unique stories and histories, adding depth and authenticity to the garments. Erica Di Giovancarlo, ITA Trade Commissioner, highlighted that “Luxury in 2025 means knowing the story behind the brand,” underscoring an industry shift towards transparency regarding material provenance and craftsmanship.
Among the standout offerings were cashmere outerwear pieces from Manto, which were noted for their comfort and luxury. Visitors were enamoured with the exquisite cashmere sweaters by Emanuele from Pashmere, while Nicola of Salvatore Martorana displayed finely tailored outerwear and sport coats that drew significant attention. Tiki Napoli showcased their appealing sweater knits, with prices ranging from $180 to $280, reinforcing the value of high-quality Italian craftsmanship.
Gala’s presentation of leather and suede gloves caught the eye, with CEO Alessandro Pellone sharing insights on the company’s nearly century-old legacy. Meanwhile, Andrea Faucci, from Gallotti, presented stunning coats that resonated with the chic aesthetic patrons were seeking. Stefano Cau’s collection of fringed silk scarves added an element of sophistication, priced at an attractive $84. A testament to current trends, fashion jeans from MYTHS and beautifully crafted cashmere overshirts from Fly3 drew considerable interest from U.S. retailers, with representatives Sid and Tomaso working tirelessly to accommodate demand.
The presence of Camouflage, a modern denim brand, further illustrated the evolution of retro fashion, fusing high-end materials like cashmere and silk blends into an avant-garde collection that has gained traction in Europe and Japan. The brand is positioned at a wholesale range between $150 and $220, showcasing the intersection of vintage influence and contemporary styling.
Formalwear from Italo Ferretti dazzled attendees, characterised by unique scarves and meticulously detailed ties. Andrea Bossi’s shirts and Alta Moda’s belts added to the allure of this Italian showcase, while the sumptuous sweaters from Guercilena 1944 and soft overshirts from Fray captivated many.
As dominant players in the fast-paced fashion landscape, these timeless brands continue to stay relevant, effortlessly weaving the nostalgia of vintage aesthetics with modern trends. The ITA-sponsored booths at the Chicago Collective emerged as a critical highlight, promising an enticing preview for fashion enthusiasts and retailers alike as they look ahead to the next event scheduled from August 2-5.
Source: Noah Wire Services
