Made in Italy events continue to share the essence of Italian creativity and craftsmanship with audiences beyond Italy’s borders. This spring, two unique initiatives demonstrate how Italian fashion, design, and culinary artistry leave a lasting impression abroad. Whether through the elegant silhouette of a stiletto or the subtle nuance of a cocktail, these experiences offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich cultural heritage.
At Live in Italy Magazine, we love spotlighting how Italian brands and artisans inspire the world. This season, the Italian Shoe Design exhibition in China and Altamura Distilleries’ ongoing North American tour exemplify the global reach of Italian innovation.
Italian Shoe Design on Display in Canton
Running through May 20, 2025, the Italian Shoe Design exhibition at Guangzhou K11 Art Mall in Canton, China, celebrates Italian fashion’s enduring legacy. Curated by Elisabetta Pisu, the showcase features 31 pairs of women’s shoes, ranging from historical icons to avant-garde creations. This event follows successful stops in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City, aligning with the Giornata Nazionale del Made in Italy (National Made in Italy Day).
The exhibition offers visitors a journey through time and design. Highlights include the visionary work of Salvatore Ferragamo, the sparkling craftsmanship of René Caovilla, and the bold statements from emerging designers like Francesca Bellavita and Alfredo Piferi. Each shoe tells its own story—some designed to be worn, others crafted as sculptural art pieces.
Two themes guide this exhibition: the stiletto heel and shine. From vertiginous heights to Swarovski-studded surfaces, these shoes illustrate how Italian fashion continues to blend tradition with innovation. Visitors can see both the minimalist elegance of Sergio Rossi and the exuberant forms of Versace side by side, reflecting Italy’s wide design spectrum.
For more, visit EP Studio (Instagram)and the Italian Consulate General in Canton.
Altamura Distilleries: From Florence to North America
Meanwhile, Altamura Distilleries brings Italy’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage into the spotlight through the art of mixology. Recently, during Florence Cocktail Week 2025, they hosted A Symphony of Seasons in partnership with Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Although the Florence event has concluded, its creative spirit continues as Altamura embarks on its North American Tour.
In Florence (Firenze), guests gathered in the historic Conventino Ballroom—a deconsecrated church—where the Interpreti Veneziani ensemble performed Vivaldi’s Le Quattro Stagioni beneath candlelit frescoes. Each orchestral movement was paired with a cocktail crafted by Four Seasons mixologists from across Europe. At the heart of every drink was Altamura Distilleries Vodka, a terroir-driven spirit distilled from rare Altamura wheat grown in Puglia.
The vodka’s creamy texture and earthy complexity served as the foundation for seasonal creations like Primavera, infused with Lucano Anniversario and strawberry bitters, and Autunno, featuring mezcal and a tomato-beer cordial.
North American Tour: Italian Spirit Meets Global Mixology
Building on their Florence success, Altamura Distilleries continues to share Italian creativity abroad with their North American Tour. This series of events brings their award-winning vodka to renowned cocktail bars across New York, Washington DC, and Florida.
While earlier stops in New York and Vancouver have passed, several exciting events remain:
- April 28 – Drink Kong at Laowai (Vancouver)
- May 2 – Paradiso at Nubeluz by José Andrés (New York City)
- May 3 – Bar Margot at Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
- May 4 – Paradiso at Allegory (Washington DC)
- May 5 – The Donovan Bar at Portrait Bar (New York City)
- May 6 – The Donovan Bar at Clemente (New York City)
- May 6 – Paradiso at Champagne Bar, Four Seasons Surfside (Florida)
The tour features collaborations with globally recognized bars such as Drink Kong (Rome), Paradiso (Barcelona), and The Donovan Bar (London). Each venue brings its own unique flair while incorporating Altamura Vodka’s rich Italian heritage.
For instance, at Clemente in New York, guests can enjoy the Clemente Martini—named Esquire’s Best Martini of the Year—which showcases Altamura Vodka’s signature smoothness. Meanwhile, Paradiso, known for its theatrical cocktail presentations, brings a touch of Barcelona’s vibrant mixology scene to each U.S. stop.
For more details, visit altamuradistilleries.com (Instagram).
Celebrating Italian Craftsmanship Abroad
These Made in Italy events remind us that Italian creativity doesn’t stay within borders—it travels, adapts, and continues to inspire new audiences. Whether through the sculptural forms of shoes in Canton or the evolving story of Italian vodka across North America, Italy’s legacy endures.
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